Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites volunteers to join the upcoming Rain Garden Work Party at Theodore Roosevelt Park, to help maintain the Town’s raingardens which help prevent stormwater pollution. The event will take place at the Western Waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on Saturday, May 4th, and volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves for the occasion.
“We welcome all those interested in native plant gardening to come join our spring Rain Garden Work Party. Participants will learn about rain gardens’ ecological impact while helping to maintain them,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We will work alongside volunteers and our environmental partners to weed, rake, prune, plant and mulch while learning about the environmental benefits these structures provide. This family-friendly program welcomes participants of all ages, particularly those seeking to fulfill community service hours.”
Rain gardens were installed at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay in partnership with Friends of the Bay and the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. These gardens effectively filter stormwater runoff before it reaches local waterways. Rain gardens also help alleviate problems associated with flooding and drainage, recharge the ground water supply, provide habitat and food for wildlife and enhance the beauty of local communities.
“A rain garden is a collection of native plants placed in a small depression designed to slowly absorb rain water runoff. They have numerous environmental benefits, such as filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, and providing food and habitats to wildlife,” added Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “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 gather at the Western Waterfront, 1 West End Avenue in Oyster Bay, on Saturday, May 4th. The Rain Garden Work Party will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants should bring work gloves, and community service hours are offered to participants. For more information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or visit oysterbaytown.com/environmental.