Date:

March 6, 2009

For More Information Contact:

Nancy Furman, Pioneers Park Nature Center, 441-8709

Amanda Meder, Watershed Management, 441-7075

The 25 artists selected to participate in the City's Artistic Rain Barrel program have completed painting their rain barrels that will be displayed at local businesses and libraries beginning today through April 10. The painted rain barrels will then be moved to the Pioneers Park Nature Center, 3201 Coddington, where they will be auctioned off at "Nature's Market" Saturday, April 18.

Photos of the decorated rain barrels can be seen on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: rain barrels).

The Artistic Rain Barrel program is designed to call attention to water quality and water conservation. Proceeds from the Nature's Market auction will provide low-income children with scholarships to Nature Camp and pre-school at the Pioneers Park Nature Center.

Rain barrels are typically a 55-gallon barrel, modified to collect rainwater runoff from rooftop down spouts. The collected water can be used for lawn and gardens.

The Artistic Rain Barrel program is a joint venture of the City of Lincoln Public Works Watershed Management Division and the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center. More information is available at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: rain barrel).