Oyster Bay Planting "Rain Gardens"

By Leader Staff

Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca are inviting volunteers to help plant and maintain the Town of Oyster Bay’s "Rain Gardens," to prevent runoff and build healthy soil and native plants in our parks and waterfronts.

“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," explained Vicki Walsh. "  They have numerous environmental benefits, such as filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, and providing food and habitats to wildlife."

During the Rain Garden Work Party scheduled for Saturday, October 11^th, 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 Rain Garden Work Party will be held from 9am to 12pm at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.

"This is a critical element of the Town’s pollution prevention strategy," added Walsh. "And 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.”

The Rain Garden Work Party will be held on Saturday, October 11^th from 9am to 12pm at the Western Waterfront, located at 1 West End Ave, Oyster Bay (Larrabee entrance of TR Park, to the left).

This event is being held in partnership with Friends of the Bay and The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District.

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,' added Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. "We hope to see you on October 11th at the Western Waterfront to help maintain these gardens.”

For more information, please call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5730 or email environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov