RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOPS AT
OLD WOMAN CREEK NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
Participants gain hands-on garden design and construction experience

Huron, OH –Two free workshops for those interested in learning more about rain gardens will be offered at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve on May 20 and June 3.

Breann Hohman, Firelands Coastal Tributary Watershed Coordinator will describe rain gardens and discuss their benefits for water quality and wildlife 6:00 – 8:00 pm May 20.  Attendees will gain hands-on experience with rain garden design, including identifying locations, determining appropriate size and selecting plants.  All participants will take home free full-color rain garden manuals.  The June 3 workshop begins at 6:00 pm and will be co-led by Ms. Hohman and Alicia Fager of Ohio State University Extension. Attendees will observe a rain garden under construction and assist with initial planting of mostly native perennials, grasses, and shrubs.

Rain gardens provide wildlife habitat and can be beautiful additions to any landscape.  Shallow basins containing deep-rooted plants which don’t mind getting “wet feet”, rain gardens receive rain water from roofs, driveways, and yards and allow it to seep naturally into the ground. By soaking up rain where it falls, rain gardens help slow storm water runoff, alleviate flooding and drainage problems, and remove pollutants to protect streams and Lake Erie. 

Both workshops will be held at the Old Woman Creek Reserve Visitor Center, 2514 Cleveland Road East (US Route 6) in Huron, Ohio 44839.  Registration appreciated, call (419) 433-4601 or e-mail info@oldwomancreek.org.