It's not only the building that needs to be "green"...don't forget about the landscaping.

Collecting the rain.....

Kentucky Rain Barrel

Octagon Rain Barrel

One of the many ways CBEC demonstrates how to lessen the impact of land development is through our stormwater management techniques associated with the construction of our Education Center.  Capturing runoff from impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, and diverting it onto landscaped and vegetated areas can dramatically decrease the amount of unfiltered stormwater that runs into the bay.  Runoff is one of the most serious problems facing local waterways and the bay.  Reducing runoff by collecting rainwater from rooftops in rain barrels is one simple strategy every homeowner can participate in.  Rain barrels come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and styles, ranging from simple plastic barrels to elaborate oak-stave barrels.  You can even make your own rain barrel from a food-grade plastic barrel, often for as little as 25 dollars.  CBEC has chosen to showcase three different types of rain barrels for runoff collection.  Below are the resource links of these three rain barrels.

Kentucky Barrels

http://www.kentuckybarrels.com/wholebarrels.html#rain

Aqua Barrels

http://www.aquabarrel.com/

Octagon Barrels

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/rainwater.html

Stay tuned for information and photos about the native landscaping that will be installed in the fall of 2009!