City of Stillwater NEWS | For Immediate Release

Stillwater Public Library at 1107 S. Duck Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma (405) 372-3633 askalibrarian@stillwater.org library.stillwater.org Library programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library and KOSU 91.7 fm.

Help build a rain garden and how rain gardens help the environment

Rain Garden Workshop scheduled at Stillwater Public Library June 11

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / May 25, 2011) – The City of Stillwater Stormwater Management Department will present a hands-on Rain Garden Workshop at the Stillwater Public Library Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Cody Whittenburg, Stormwater Program manger, will explain the positive environmental impact of these special gardens and give detailed instructions on how participants can build their own rain gardens.

“Rain picks up an unbelievable amount of pollutants when it runs off roofs, driveways and lawns,” said Whittenburg.  “That rain then flows directly into the street, down the storm drains into our rivers and lakes.  A rain garden is a simple, environmentally-sound solution for capturing that run-off and breaking down the pollutants.”

Following the morning instruction, Whittenburg will lead participants in building a rain garden in the library’s courtyard.

“Unfortunately, our library courtyard retains a significant amount of water after a rainfall,” said Library Director Lynda Reynolds.  “This keeps the area soggy and makes it hard to hold activities like the summertime Community Band concerts.”

Reynolds approached Whittenburg earlier this year to devise a plan for the problem. His solution was a rain garden that would not only hold the rain, but it would also filter the rain of the pollutants picked up when running off the parking lot and lawn.

“It’s a great solution for us, and it'll provide a rich, educational opportunity for the community,” said Reynolds.

The program is free and open to the public.  To register, call (405) 372-3633, etx. 124 or email sdelano@stillwater.org.  Participants should dress appropriately for gardening and should bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided.

For more information, visit the Stillwater Public Library website at library.stillwater.org. The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St.

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Contact: Sherry Fletcher, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 405.742.8362
E-mail: sfletcher@stillwater.org
Web: stillwater.org