IN Ross Township Summer 2016 | Page 56

Ross Township Sustainability News and Programs COMMUNITY GARDEN Ross Township’s first Community Garden is well underway! This spring, we have been busy preparing and planting raised beds for the first crops! We are looking for volunteers who would like to take part in this community effort, alongside Michael Miller, our most recent Eagle Scout candidate that will be working with us on this project. Please contact Eloise Peet at 412.931.7055 x 233, or Lana Mazur at 412.400.3444 for more info on how to get involved! If you would like to be informed of the committee’s progress or contribute to the planning process, please contact Commissioner Shaffer at [email protected]. CELEBRATE THE RAIN! WATERSHED AWARENESS RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP SUMMER COOL-DOWN OPTIONS Warmer weather is coming soon! Although Ross does not operate its own pool, we can suggest three options: Bellevue Municipal Pool, North Park Pool, & Valley Brook Swim Club. Ross will again participate with Bellevue Pool to offer resident rates for Ross residents. North Park (Allegheny County funded) Pool remains an excellent family value! R O SS TOWN SH IP NE WS oss Township BIKE//PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE NEWS In celebration of the season the PA Resources Council, in partnership with Ross Township, is offering a Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel Workshop. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, supply non-chlorinated water for gardening, and keep excess water out of the stormwater system, thus alleviating one of the causes of flooding, water pollution, and combined sewer overflow in the region. A rain barrel is a system that connects to your downspout to collect and store rain water from your roof. The water would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains, streams and rivers. One of the objectives of the committee is to identify corridors in Ross that would most benefit from sidewalks and bike-friendly improvements. The committee will also research potential signage, lane marking and lighting improvements that may contribute to increased bike travel safety. Monthly meetings are h