Alderman Terry Witkowski is proud to announce that the recent reconstruction efforts at Holler Park have not only involved much of the community and recreated the space, but they have also made possible an environmental education epicenter. The new rain garden at Holler Park will be the site of a number of rain garden training workshops so that the public may become more aware of how to use this tool in their own landscaping efforts.

“The rain garden at Holler Park is beautiful, but it’s purposeful, too,” Ald. Witkowski said. “The garden filters rainwater and helps to keep the water of the lake drainage basin clean. These training sessions are the next phase in the park’s makeover; now the public can follow the example in place at Holler Park.”

The sessions are co-sponsored by the Garden District Neighborhood Association, the Holler Park Neighborhood Association and the City of Milwaukee. The environmental coordinator for the grant that allowed for the Holler Park renovation, David Ciepluch, will lead the courses.

“Part of our goal in creating the rain garden at the park was to set an example that people could follow,” Ald. Witkowski said.

The next workshop is Rain Gardens in Depth, and Holler Park Neighborhood Association leader Chris Kuester will take reservations at 414-769-1815.

Rain Gardens in Depth is offered Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Residents at the workshops will also learn the importance of rain barrels and how to use them.

“I encourage residents to take advantage of the beautiful September weather to head to the park and participate in the workshops so that they may implement similar strategies on their own property,” Ald. Witkowski said.