On February 20, 2016, the NCRC&DC constructed a "Rain Catchers" system at the R. L. Stevens elementary school in the Wright District of Santa Rosa. This project was funded in large part by the Exchange Bank Foundation and the Strong Foundation for Environmental Values. In addition some funds raised by the NCRC&DC during the 2015 Human Race were spent on this project!
Students, parents, teachers, and other community members participated in the "build it" day, learning about the water cycle, the ease in collecting rooftop rainwater, and how to re-direct the water for summer use to the school garden.
The NCRC&DC staff Water Conservationists worked with the school to design the system, size the conveyance piping and other plumbing needs, and determine the best tank size for the area. The NCRC&DC purchased all of the parts, delivered them to the site, and worked with the community on a selecetd day to build the entire system! The "build it" day was also an opportunity for conducting educational outreach--from edible aquifers to a model of a hydrology basin, the students learned how water moves through our environment, and the ease with which it can be collected and saved for dry season use.
Interested in having YOUR school install a "Rain Catcher"? If your school is within Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino or Lake Counties, please contact the NCRC&DC for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The NCRC&DC Walks in the Human Race each year to raise funds for projects like these!!
