Public Domain Picture: 20120628-OC-LSC-0445

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), People’s Garden Initiative Green Roof Shed features a rain barrel water collection system at the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June 28, 2012. The barrel collects and stores rainwater that would otherwise pour from the roof and rush off to storm drains and streams. Rain barrels make it possible for gardeners to irrigate plants at no cost. By setting up rain barrels, community gardens can save money and water. For example, 660 gallons of water can be collected if it rains one inch on a thousand square foot roof. For more information see blogs.usda.gov/2012/07/05/going-green-green-roofs-and-rai... One of the three themes this year is “Campus and Community.” It celebrates the 150 years of the USDA and the Land-Grant University System. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Land-Grant system extend education across the country, contributing to American agriculture success and rural prosperity. “Campus and Community” has demonstrations, discussions, hands-on activities, and entertainment to that showcase the many ways that this partnership works to improve American agriculture and rural life. USDA photo by Lance Cheung.

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150th, Community, Dc, Departmentofagriculture, Festival, Folklife, Nationalmall, Publicandlandgrant, University, Usda, Washington

May 11, 2014