“Save the Rain” Educational Workshop Highlights How Rain Barrels Help Reduce Pollution

Warren, PA - Today, members of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Northwest Regional Office attended a workshop on nonpoint source pollution at Ekey's Florist & Greenhouse in Warren County. The "Save the Rain" workshop, conducted by the Warren County Conservation District, highlighted the benefits of using rain barrels to decrease nonpoint source pollution.

In preparation for the event, the Warren County Conservation District sent five rain barrels to Warren County Christian School, Eisenhower High School, Sheffield High School, Youngsville High School, and Tidioute Community Charter School to be painted by the students. During the workshop, members of the public voted for their favorite barrels, learned about nonpoint source pollution, their roles in producing nonpoint source pollution, and strategies to reduce this type of pollution. The rain barrels were raffled off to community members who voted during the event.

"This is exactly the type of project the DEP is looking for when awarding Environmental Education Grants," said DEP Northwest Regional Director Erin Wells. "The Warren County Conservation District should be commended for its continued work educating the community on important environmental issues."

The workshop was partially funded through the DEP's 2021 Environmental Education Grants Program. The DEP Environmental Education Grants program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5% of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the DEP will be set aside for environmental education. Since its inception, the DEP has awarded $12.3 million in environmental education grant funding to support 2,134 projects.

MEDIA CONTACT: Thomas Decker, [email protected], 814-332-6615

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