North Hempstead, NY – What kind of garden can meld beauty with environmental stewardship? A rain garden! Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are announcing a new class offering this June and September at Clark Botanic Garden: How to Plant a Rain Garden.

Rain gardens are specialty gardens that are positioned near a water run-off source, like a downspout, driveway or sump pump to capture rainwater, keeping the fresh rainwater out of the sewer system and in the ground. By re-routing run-off, the rain garden helps to reduce pollution by filtering out contaminants as the water slowly seeps into the ground.

The Rain Garden Class is the latest addition to the Town's environmental education classes for residents that offer the opportunity to purchase equipment at a reduced cost, along with instruction. Classes are offered on Thurs. June, 11 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. and on Sat. September 26, at 10-11 a.m. Residents must register in advance.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to learn how to make their own rain garden, while creating a beautiful habitat for birds and beneficial insects,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “It’s also a great tool for teaching kids about the importance of water conservation and the need to reduce the pollutants that flow into our storm water system.”

Students who enroll in the class will also receive several plants that will flourish in a rain garden. The cost of the class is $25. Other offerings at Clark Botanic Garden include Composting Cooperative and Rain Barrel classes. Residents can purchase reduced-cost rain barrels or composters for a discounted cost of $50, after taking 30 minute the rain barrel or composter class.

The 12 acre living educational museum, Clark Botanic Garden, frequently plays host to numerous events and activities hosted by the Town of North Hempstead including summer concerts, film screenings, activities for school children, and much more. It is open to the public year round.

Anyone with questions about the rain garden classes, or about Clark Botanic Garden, can call 311 or (516) 869-6311 for more information. For a full list of gardening class times, see below:

Composting and Rain Barrel
Sat. May 9, 2015 – 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Thurs. May 14, 2015 -7:30-8:30 p.m.

Composting and Rain Barrel
Wed. June, 10 2015 – 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Thurs. June, 11 2015 – Rain Gardens: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Composting and Rain Barrels 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Composting and Rain Barrel
Wed. July 8, 2015 – 10-11 a.m.
Sat. July 18, 2015 – 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Composting and Rain Barrel
Wed. August 19, 2015 – 10-11 a.m.
Thurs. August 20, 2015 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Composting and Rain Barrel
Wed. September 16, 2015 – 10-11 a.m.
Thurs. September 17, 2015 – 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Sat. September 26, 2015 – Rain Gardens: 10-11 a.m.
Composting and Rain Barrels, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Supervisor Bosworth with a Town rain barrel and composter, also part of the Town’s water conservation program.