The Southeast Arkansas Stormwater Education Program is seeking volunteers to assist with a rain garden maintenance workshop at Liberty Utilities, 1100 State St., from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22.
The workshop will include an overview of what rain gardens are, how they function, and why they are a beneficial component of natural infrastructure in built landscapes, according to a news release.
Natural infrastructure refers to the practice of utilizing nature in infrastructural systems like stormwater, flood, and drinking water management. Natural infrastructure, such as vegetated stream and ditch banks, undeveloped natural areas, and working and urban forests have been demonstrated to provide a suite of benefits across economic, environmental, and social platforms, according to the release.
The rain garden at Liberty Utilities addresses localized flooding by absorbing roof top runoff, helps to recharge the region’s drinking water source, and provides habitat for pollinators. The rain garden maintenance workshop will also offer a hands-on opportunity for participants to conduct seasonal maintenance of Jefferson County’s first rain garden established in 2013.
Participants are asked to register for the event by contacting the Jefferson County Extension Office at 870-534-1033 or John Pennington at jhpennington@uaex.edu.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without discrimination.
— John Pennington is with the U of A System Division of Agriculture.