Do you live in the Lynchburg area? If you do, JRA wants to give you a Free Rain Barrel!

Rain barrels waiting for their new homes!

Thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a partnership with Lynchburg Grows, JRA is offering the first 100 certified River Hero Homes in the Lynchburg area one free rain barrel per household! 

Why become a River Hero Home?

Even if you can’t see the James River – or any body of water – from your house, your actions still impact the health of the James River and its tributaries.  Every time it rains, fertilizers and herbicides, bacteria from pet waste, chemicals and sediment flows from your property into local waterways.  This pollution results in everything from cloudy water to algae blooms and can make our waterways unsafe for swimming and fishing.

What do you need to do?

You can become a River Hero Home by completing 3 simple steps, many of which you may be doing already.  These steps, which include installing a river friendly practice such as rain barrels and everyday actions such as picking up after your pet and reducing fertilizer use, may seem trivial, but they can all have significant impacts on water quality. Simply fill out the on-line application and send us a picture of your river friendly practice. 

If you don’t already have a River Friendly Practice installed, you can use your free barrel to qualify!  Simply submit your application now and send us a photo after your barrel is installed. Once we receive your application, we will contact you and send you your certification materials. And if you are one of the first 100 homes in the Lynchburg area to qualify, we will send you a certificate for you to pick up your free rain barrel at Lynchburg Grows!

Regardless of whether you already qualify or if you will be using your free barrel as your river friendly practice, please make sure to enter the word “Lynchburg” in the box on the application that asks if you are attending a rain barrel event.

Rewards

In addition to one free rain barrel for Lynchburg residents, every certified home receives an attractive garden flag and window cling with the River Hero Home logo, access to a dedicated Google group and newsletter, and an invitation to the annual River Hero Home Lawn Party.  Members also receive exclusive discounts at participating local garden shops and nurseries. Finally, depending on where you live, becoming a certified River Hero Home may also help you qualify for stormwater rebates or credits offered by your locality.