Rain barrel project to help improve Wabash River

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - A local nature improvement group is launching a painted rain barrel program intended to push awareness about urban, green practices.

Called “Paint the Rain,” the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC) and its partners are hoping the community will see the value of the program.

“Rain barrels are a great and easy way to improve water quality in the Wabash River by storing it in your property, rather than letting it run into storm drains,” Lafayette resident Angie Andrews said.

“We hope to increase people’s awareness about their options to address water and water quality on their property through this program,” WREC’s Sara Peel said.

Groups and businesses will be able to purchase and paint a rain barrel or provide event sponsorship. Barrels will be displayed through the summer at the group’s selected location, or community events like Wabash Riverfest, and sold at a live gala and auction on Sept. 20.

Profits raised will be used locally as part of the ongoing water quality improvement projects in this region of the Wabash River.

“Any money we raise will be used to install native plants and rain gardens on public areas like churches, schools or businesses,” Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District spokeswoman Megan Benage said.

“Paint the Rain will provide WREC and our partners with the opportunity to reach residents throughout Tippecanoe County to encourage them to take steps to improve the Wabash River,” Peel said.

You can learn more about Paint the Rain and opportunities for artists, volunteers, groups and businesses to get involved at Paint the Rain’s website.

To buy a barrel, contact Sara Peel at speel@wabashriver.net or 765-337-9100.