Heavy rainwater runoff from city streets sweeps pollution into sewers, also causing raw sewage to overflow into Lake Erie: The more residents and businesses who catch rainwater in rain barrels or cisterns or in rain gardens to keep this water to slowly use on their properties, the less fossil fuels are needed to clean Lake water for drinking.

A 1/2 inch rainfall on a 1000 sq. foot roof yields 300 gallons of water; One 55 gallon rain barrel will fill quickly: an average homeowner can save 1300 gallons of tap water during peak summer use. 12 newly installed rain barrels will save an average of 15,600 gallons of tap water for one year!

We plan on purchasing and building 6 (six) 55 gallon rain barrels, and will invite 6 more to be brought by their owners to paint, from Cleveland's residents who received free rain barrels from the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. (Sign up at your community development office to get yours!!) 

Normally, Rain barrels are not pleasant to look at, but we help engage families to LOVE theirs, which fosters more regular use with pride in a practical & public work of art!

Kids who participate are more likely to want to use this rainwater, nurture gardens and sample healthy foods. Gardening for beauty and food is easier than we think! More gardens attract pollinators, which benefits all of our crops: More plantings take more carbon OUT of our atmosphere!

City people need access to fresh locally grown foods and learn how to prepare vegetables and herbs in delicious ways to keep our families' attention: All of these activities can be bonding with our families and neighbors.

We’ve had to shift our event to a new location due to electricity, parking and restroom availability, and have more vendors able to participate at Coit Road Farmer’s Market; Thanks for Cavotta’s Garden Center’s support!

Save the Date: Sunday, July 15, 2018, 11am-4pm

We need each other now, more than ever, to be eating and playing healthy and in building community together in a clean safe environment.