Volunteers sought to help with planting at new Harrison rain garden

Construction of a rain garden is underway on the grounds of Highlands Middle School in Harrison.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy project, at the corner of Broadview Boulevard and California Avenue, is intended to help capture and control stormwater.

The garden is part of a $125,000 project funded by a grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation that also included an inventory and analysis of public trees in the township and tree plantings.

The heavy construction is being done now, said Jeff Bergman, director of community forestry with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. That’s expected to be finished by the middle of next week, if the weather cooperates.

“Hopefully, there’s not too much rain between now and the end of construction,” he said.

Conservancy staff and volunteers plan to take care of the planting Thursday.

“We’re planting all native perennials,” Bergman said.

Work will start early in the morning and be done by noon, rain or shine, Bergman said.

“We would welcome volunteers, for sure,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can register by contacting Alicia Wehrle by email at awehrle@paconserve.org or by calling 412-586-2386.

Food and drinks will be provided at breakfast and lunch, Bergman said.

The conservancy is continuing work on plans for a larger rain garden on Burtner Road at Pleasantville Road that also could serve as a gateway to Harrison.

The conservancy is seeking funding for that project, Bergman said. Design and construction is projected to cost between $650,000 and $800,000.

“I think it’s a doable project,” he said. “We just have to find the funding for that.”