On Saturday, March 10, 2018, the Hudson Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC) donated a rain barrel to Case-Barlow Farm. The rain barrel was decorated by students from Hudson Montessori School and given a protected coating by the Hudson Collision Center. EAC members Jeff Wells, Jack Brookhart and Leanne Schumacher presented the rain barrel to Case-Barlow Farm.
The history of rain barrels dates back centuries to the early cave dwellers who saved rainwater in tanks made from animal skins. Rainwater conservation began in earnest following the invention of the barrel. In the early days, every farmhouse had a rain barrel. Rainwater was used for drinking, cooking, and washing clothes. Today, rainwater is saved to help prevent pollution from runoff and is often used on gardens.
Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from a roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff or diverted to a storm drain or onto someone’s property. Storm water runoff is the leading source of water pollution in the United States. The most common pollutants originate in backyards, including pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, and automotive fluids. Rain barrels are a practical way to control excess storm water and reduce the negative effect of pollution to conserve one of the most precious resources – water.
The Hudson Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC) educates and advises residents on environmental issues, such as recycling, storm water, beautification, stream and wetlands clean-up, and water and energy efficiency. The EAC promotes these topics through events such as Green on the Green and as the Hudson affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Educational efforts on storm water include a rain garden at Barlow Community Center, a rain barrel art program, and rain barrel workshops. The EAC partners with many community organizations such as the Taste of Hudson and Hudson Farmer's Market to promote and educate on environmental issues. Seven members serve three, four-year terms. The Green on the Green environmental expo is held every two years.
Pictured in Photo:
Front Row: Case Barlow Farm trustees Charlie Robinson and Diane Herendeen.
Back Row: Hudson Environmental Awareness members: Leanne Schumacher, Jeff Wells, Jack Brookhart (behind Leanne)
