Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Polk County is partnering with the Rain Campaign and the City of Ankeny to host a rain barrel workshop! The workshop will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:00pm at Ankeny's Outdoor Education Center (610 NE 36th St., Ankeny, IA 50021) Registration is $75 and covers the cost of the rain barrel that participants will make and take home at the end of the workshop.
Rain barrels are a form of rainwater harvesting: a practice where you collect rainfall from a rooftop or other structure to be stored and used later. Most rain barrels can hold 55 gallons of water that can be used for irrigation, gardening, cleaning, and other outdoor uses.
The Rain Campaign will present the proper installation, maintenance, and benefits of having a rain barrel. To learn more about the rebate programs available in Des Moines and metro areas, visit the Rain Campaign website (
https://raincampaign.org/) Staff from the City of Ankeny will be there to discuss Ankeny's rebate program for residents.
5:30pm: Check-in
5:45: Program Starts
7:00pm: Program Ends
This workshop does require the use of power tools. One barrel per household is recommended. If you want to participate in a Des Moines or metro area rebate program, keep your registration receipt for when you apply for a rebate. Please make sure to have a vehicle to take your rain barrel home at the end of the workshop. We will not be able to store any rain barrels once the workshop is over. Polk County Extension would like to thank Polk County Public Works and the City of Ankeny for partnering on this event!
Registration Link:
https://go.iastate.edu/5SCLX6
Also check out other Workshops in Ankeny.
