Four Lakeland, Fla., schools are putting a little art in local yards. Students at Lincoln Avenue Academy Magnet, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, Lakeland Christian School and Rochelle School of the Arts are painting colorful rain barrels that will be sold at the city's Spring Obsession, according to a report issued by U.S. Water News Online (www.uswaternews.com).
Anne Yasalonis, coordinator for the county's Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, brought the rain barrel idea to the schools. A grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District is paying for the project, she says. “I hope they're learning a little about water conservation and what they're painting and what they're used for,” she stresses.