The Massachusetts Workforce Alliance, Groundwork Somerville, the City of Somerville, and Land Escapes Design will install two rain gardens on the campus of Somerville’s Mystic River Housing Development. This project will demonstrate the job, business and industry creation potential in green infrastructure techniques of storm water management. Volunteers will be trained in installation techniques, build the structure and learn about jobs in the industry.

Rain gardens are a sustainable approach to landscaping that is growing in popularity and is especially recommended for city landscapes. The demand for jobs implementing such sustainable practices is on the rise. Rain Gardens catch rainwater and filter it as it soaks into the ground, watering plants and cleaning our local rivers and streams. Rain gardens are just one of the green infrastructure practices used by communities to help reduce flooding and improve resiliency to climate change.

Work will include raking, grading and planting the rain garden. Coffee and light snacks will be provided to people that attend the training. Tools and materials will be provided.
Please wear boots and bring gloves, a hat and sunscreen This project is funded by a Healthy Communities grant from the EPA and is focused on developing job skills and promoting awareness about the work of storm water management within the city of Somerville.

Contact: MWA Executive Director, Deborah Mutschler at 617-780-1770.

To register for the event please visit the Groundwork Somerville website: www.groundworksomerville.org or the Groundwork Somerville Facebook page.

Partners: Massachusetts Workforce Alliance, Groundwork Somerville, Land Escapes Design, Inc., City of Somerville, Somerville Housing Authority, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Somerville Housing Authority, 30 Memorial Road (Temple Street entrance)
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Training: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM,
hands-on installation: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM