The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking volunteers to help plant and maintain the Town of Oyster Bay’s Rain Gardens, which are a critical element of the Town’s pollution prevention strategy. During the Rain Garden Work Party scheduled for Saturday, October 11, volunteers are needed to assist with weeding, raking, pruning, mulching, and transplanting existing rain gardens, while learning about the environmental benefits these structures offer. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.
“A rain garden is a collection of native plants placed in a small depression to temporarily hold rain water runoff from roofs, driveways, patios, or lawns. They have numerous environmental benefits, such as filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, and providing food and habitats to wildlife,” Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh said. “However, they must be maintained regularly to ensure healthy soil, healthy plants, and a healthy community, which is why we’re seeking volunteers to assist with our existing rain gardens at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.”
Volunteers are invited to the Rain Garden Work Party on Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Western Waterfront, located at 1 West End Ave, Oyster Bay (Larrabee entrance of TR Park, to the left). This event will be held in partnership with Friends of the Bay and The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. All volunteers should bring gloves, and community service hours will be offered to participants. As an added bonus, participants can learn how to apply for the new Long Island Garden Rewards program, which offers up to a $500 reimbursement for installing rain gardens and incorporating native plants on your property.
“From helping to capture runoff so it does not pollute our waterways to preventing the breeding of mosquitoes, rain gardens have a tremendously positive impact on our environment and water quality. We hope to see you on October 11th at the Western Waterfront to help maintain these gardens,” added Town Clerk Rich LaMarca.
For more information on the Rain Garden Pollution Prevention Initiative or Rain Garden Work Party, please call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5730 or email environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov
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