Pinney Branch Library to Celebrate Micro Rain Gardens with Program and Tour

The Pinney Branch Library invites the public to a program and an outdoor christening of the Grace Schmid Rain Gardens on Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at 204 Cottage Grove Rd. Named in memory of a long-time patron and supporter of Pinney and other local libraries, these demonstration gardens were funded by the Friends of the Pinney Branch Library and were also made possible with support from Madison's City Engineering department. Design and installation work was done by Earth & Water Works, LLC. Ellen Rulseh, President of Earth & Water Works, said "I've often though that those big downspouts coming off that big roof onto the grassy lawn beside Pinney would make a great educational demonstration rain garden for library patrons. These 'micro rain gardens' are a ground-breaking beginning." Rulseh's presentation will enumerate and illustrate the benefits of rain gardens: reducing polluted stormwater from going into our urban lakes (Monona and Mendota) and streams; recharging groundwater; promoting biodiversity by attracting native birds, butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects; and adding interest and value to home, business and municipal property. The "Rain Gardens and Their Rewards" presentation is part of Pinney's Sustainable Living program series. Thanks to a generous grant from the Madison Community Foundation, Pinney is expanding its collection of materials on sustainable living and providing programming and events emphasizing ways in which everyone can contribute to sustainable living for our future. The Madison Community Foundation has supported Dane County's public library system with over $5 million in donations for collections, programs and capital campaigns since 2000, including a total of 27 collection grants awarded to Madison and Dane County Libraries. Madison Community Foundation encourages, facilitates and manages long-term philanthropy. Since 1942, the foundation staff has helped people realize their philanthropic goals, allowing them to support charitable interests anywhere in the world. The community foundation also awards grants throughout Dane County to build communities. More information is available online at www.madisoncommunityfoundation.org

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