— (Sullivan County) — All across the United States, painted rain barrel programs have generated a lot of good news.  Now area businesses can join in and help the art students in Liberty and the conservation students at Tri-Valley by sponsoring a rain barrel with a donation of $50 to $75.  The program is being facilitated through Delaware Highlands Conservancy with the help of Sullivan Renaissance and Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management.
 
Planning Commissioner Luiz Aragon said, “Rain barrels are a wonderful tool to help households reduce storm water runoff.

We are delighted to partner with Delaware Highland Conservancy, Sullivan Renaissance, and the students on this important project.” For a donation of $50 to $75, a business will become associated with civic pride, clean water, and generosity.  A beautifully painted rain barrel will be displayed at the business during the month of May in a “barrel parade” much like the cow parades of the 1990’s but with an environmental twist.  The parade will increase foot traffic, while promoting storm water management and student involvement.  For the cost of  the supplies and labor needed to create a unique rain barrel,  sponsoring businesses will be listed in all press releases as well as other media created to promote education about rain barrels.  At the end, the barrels will be auctioned off at a benefit for the Liberty Scholarship Fund.

For more information, or to sponsor a barrel, contact Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Melinda Ketcham by phone at 845-807-0535 or by e-mail at nyland@delawarehighlands.org. All donations payable to Delaware Highlands Conservancy.

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