City of Rochester Announces Upcoming Raingarden Classes

Has this past week of snow, sleet, and all around winter weather have you dreaming of spring? Join us to learn all about raingardens and why you might consider adding one on your landscape. Not only will a raingarden provide habitat for wildlife, it will help treat storm water and be less maintenance than regular turf grass.  The Raingardens 101: Why Retain the Rain programs will serve as an introduction to raingardens. Individuals interested in applying for the Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost-Share Grant are encouraged to attend the  Cost-Share Grant Writing Workshop happening in March.
Is minimizing pollution of local waterways important to you? Are you looking for a way to draw more birds and
butterflies to your yard? Do you want to spend less time mowing your lawn? Join us to learn how retaining the rain can
make all the difference! This class will cover the basics of raingarden functions, the benefits of long rooted and native
plants, and the importance of managing storm water on site. A photo tour will highlight raingardens throughout the city,
including those installed as part of the Realize Raingarden Rochester cost-share grant program.
In order to learn more about these beneficial gardens, consider attending:
• Introduction to Raingardens:
Monday, February 25, 2013 from 7-8:30pm
Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center (www.cascademeadow.org)
2900 19
th
Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Please RSVP to info@cascademeadow.org or 507-252-8133
• Introduction to Raingardens:
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 7-8:30pm
Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center (www.cascademeadow.org)
2900 19
th
Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Please RSVP to info@cascademeadow.org or 507-252-8133
Did you know the City of Rochester has a cost-share grant program to assist in the creation of residential raingardens?
The 2013 Cost-Share Program will award 7 grants for 50% of verifiable costs, up to a maximum of $750 per project!
Eligible expenditures for reimbursement through the Cost-Share Grant include the cost of raingarden design, plants,
mulch soil amendment, related materials and labor. To be considered for a 2013 Cost-Share Grant, raingardens must be
installed in 2013 on residential parcels within Rochester’s city limits and outside of utility and drainage easements or road
rights-of-way. More information and Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost-Share Grant Applications can be found at
www.rochesterstormwater.com.
This workshop is designed to help grant applicants understand and complete the Cost-Share Grant Application.
• Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost Share Grant Writing Workshop
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 from 7-9:00pm
City Hall Conference Room 104
201 4
th
Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Please RSVP to mmoeller@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2440

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