Rain barrels divert rainwater from downspouts, capturing it for use in the garden. The Natural Step Monona takes orders for Sustain Dane rain barrel kits on Sundays, August 17, 24, and 31 at the Monona Farmers’ Market at Ahuska Park, on Broadway between Monona Drive and Stoughton Road. There will also be a few barrels on hand for purchase each of those days. Ordered barrels will be distributed at the Monona Farmers’ Market on September 7.

Why install a rain barrel? One, they reduce the amount of stormwater. Stormwater takes soil, fertilizers, salt, other pollutants, and debris rushing into our lakes and pollutes them. Two, rain barrels help recharge our hydrologic system, helping lessen the drawdown of our aquifers. And three, they treat our plants to highly-oxygenated, fluoride- and chlorine-free water, making for much happier plants.

Sustain Dane rain barrels are made of thick, rugged, 100% recycled, food-grade plastic; are constructed locally; and use as many recycled parts as possible.

The non-profit environmental group, Sustain Dane, runs the fast-growing RainReserveTM  rain barrel program. Proceeds from rain barrel purchases are reinvested in Sustain Dane’s ongoing sustainability education and outreach in southern Wisconsin, making a purchase a win-win.

• Rain Barrel Sales and Orders: Sundays, August 17, 24, and 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Rain Barrel Distribution: Sunday, September 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information, please call 663-2459.

For more information about the Sustain Dane rain barrels, please visit www.rainfordane.com.