On April 10, 2014 CWRU’s Office for Sustainability hosted a combined rain garden and rain barrel workshop that introduced participants to stormwater mitigation and collection strategies while offering them the opportunity to get some hands on experience. Experts were on hand from the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, Doan Brook Watershed Partnership as well as the CWRU Facilities Services and Grounds staff members. The individuals that participated in the rain barrel portion of the workshop were given the opportunity to purchase the materials and assemble their rain barrel in Adelbert Gym. Those participating in the rain garden helped put in some of the water tolerant plants on Juniper Rd. near the first year residential college buildings. This rain garden will help keep stormwater out of the combined sewer system, keeping pollutants out of the Doan Brook and Lake Erie. The Student Sustainability Council raised funds on the 2013 Giving Tuesday that will pay for an educational sign to be installed Fall 2014.
Story by Morgan Bulger