By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
More than 7,000 rain barrels have been assembled and purchased since the rain barrel project started several years ago in Hays.
Stacie Minson, K-State watershed specialist, is project organizer.
"This year is definitely the year for rain barrels, my fear is," she said.
Volunteers from the Fort Hays State University Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity will help construct the rain barrels Thursday, along with Ellis County Master Gardeners, the city of Hays, and K-State Watersheds.
The barrels are built ready-to-go, said Minson.
"All you have to do is put it under your down spout," she said.
The barrel building starts at 3 p.m. and completed rain barrels may be picked up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the K-State Agricultural Center, south of Hays at 1232 240th Ave.
Cost is $40 per barrel. Contact Minson at 785-769-3297 to reserve one.
The plastic 55-gallon barrels that previously held cola syrup are donated by Heartland Coca-Cola of Victoria.
Hays-built rain barrels are located in at least 15 states, including Alaska, according to Minson.
The Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency, which includes Kansas, presented the rain barrel project in Kansas City several years ago.
Then EPA Chicago had Minson ship assembly parts to their region so they could host a similar event.