History of the Artistic Rain Barrel Program
Each year, the Artistic Rain Barrel Program presents a fun and educational platform that selects 25 local artists to paint a rain barrel. All artists are invited to tap into their creative side to transform a dull 55-gallon food grade barrel into an actively engaging work of art that promotes the use and benefits of rain barrels to help reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 70 percent of the pollutants in our lakes, rivers and creeks is a result of stormwater runoff. A rain barrel is one of many pollution solutions in managing rainwater runoff, including properly disposing of waste and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
The Artistic Rain Barrel Program is a collaborative effort hosted by the Lincoln Children's Zoo and the City of Lincoln's Watershed Management Division. The program is a unique and exciting way to educate the Lincoln community about water quality, while simultaneously raising funds. Previous successful program years (2009 and 2010) were able to raise over $12,450 for The Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center for their preschool and camp scholarships that benefit low income families. The 2011 and 2012 proceeds benefited the Lincoln Children's Zoo to support summer classes, educational information for exhibits and other environmental education programs at the Zoo.