Irwin area residents who want to capture rainwater and use it for their garden, lawn or flowers, can learn how to make and use a rain barrel in a workshop conducted by a Penn State Extension educator from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Irwin Public Works building, 1 First St.

“It’s an all-inclusive program, with educational information on the benefits of a rain barrel, how to winterize it and how to construct it,” said Justin Mansberger, water resource educator at Penn State Extension’s Westmoreland County office.

The class will also provide participants with information on how to prevent a rain barrel from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the summer by adding a tablet to the water to prevent those bugs from breeding, Mansberger said.

The program also will address how to winterize a rain barrel so it does not freeze or crack, Mansberger said.

The cost is $65 per person, which covers the expense of the plastic rain barrel, Mansberger said.

The class sized is limited to 10 people. Irwin residents will be given preference, but it is open also to residents of North Irwin and North Huntingdon.

Registration forms are available on the stormwater management page of the Irwin Borough website at irwinborough.org/community-resources/. The completed form can be turned into the borough office at 424 Main Street, Irwin. Checks should be written to Penn State Extension.

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