Note: This post describes the rain garden demonstration project which was installed in Scottsbluff in July 2010 with the help of the UNL Extension Stormwater Team. The garden is located on the corner of 19th Street and Avenue B.
Step 1 Choosing the Site
Rain gardens are designed to catch runoff from roofs, driveways, streets, sidewalks, or other areas of the lawn. This was an excellent site for a rain garden because of the downspout that drains into the area. Minimum work was needed to channel the runoff into the rain garden.
We have made several commercials that have aired on television to promote and educate people about keeping our waters clean. Here are a few of them:
Neighborhood Pollution Commercial
The Stormwater Coroperative has provided industries and the public with material to educate them on water pollution prevention.
- Auto Industry Water Pollution Prevention Brochure
- Food Industry Water Pollution Prevention Brochure
- Rain Barrel Info Brochure
- Why Use a Rain Barrel Brochure
Scottsbluff held a Water Education for Tomorrow (WET) Festival in October 2010. They had 290 Fifth graders over two days. The group showed the Enviroscape presentation, played Stormwater Jeopardy, learned how to clean up oil spills, and built rain barrels. Here are a few photos from the festival.
Kearney and Grand Island has started a new campaign to promote keeping water clean. Grand Island has put together a series of billboards to promote in their town, and Kearney has displayed their image on both billboards and their street sweepers.
By properly disposing of pet waste and household chemicals, we can greatly reduce the amount of harmful substances introduced to our rivers and lakes.
