THE IMPACT OF RAIN BARREL CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOPS ON LANDSCAPE AND HOME WATER CONSERVATION
Mohr, * R.A.1; Muscio, C.21Agriculture and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, Toms River, NJ, 08755
2Marine Extension Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, Toms River, NJ, 08755
Abstract:
Home landscaping has proven to be a significant use of residential water. As a part of the Sustainable Landscapes Education Program, Rutgers Cooperative Extension is providing education about landscape water conservation for the benefit of water supplies, homeowner economics, and also as a method of stormwater reduction. Interest in rain barrels in Ocean County is high. Mohr and Muscio follow up rain barrel construction workshops with surveys to collect information on the use of rain barrels made at the workshop, the construction of additional rain barrels for the participant’s own use, and the involvement of participants in educational activities in their work or neighborhood environments. Initial results with pilot workshops indicate a high percentage of adoption of various water conservation practices by participants following the workshops. Key design elements of the workshops include 1) a reduced cost when compared to commercial, ready-made rain barrels, 2) provision of tools, materials and in-person instruction, and 3) family-friendly nature of cooperative construction methods. Residents not only learn how to make their own barrels, install and maintain their own barrels, they are connected to a network of volunteer data collectors and community educators who promote water conservation and offer continuing support.