You might say that Lane Weiss lives on the conservative side of life––at least when it comes to water. As the program coordinator in charge of water conservation education for the Town of Boone (Public Utilities & Engineering Dept.), Lane knows that every drop counts.

Currently focusing on a water conservation program by the same name (Every Drop Counts), Lane is involved in a variety of community events that provides valuable educational tools to help the community understand the importance of water.

“In the spring we have our annual Rain Barrel Sale, through which residents can order a rain barrel at a discounted price,” Lane explains. “We also have a poster contest for the second-grade classes at Hardin Park and Two Rivers Community Schools. We make available an endless supply of educational material including traveling libraries, workbooks, paint sheets, and water conservation tips and facts sheets.”

One of the program’s most popular resources is a presentation tailored to elementary classes that takes Lane into the schools to explains the water cycle and the importance of conservation and how it can be done.

Lane describes related events such as guided field trips to the town’s reservoir and water treatment plant and the annual “Fun in the Park,” in conjunction with the recycling and adopt-a-street coordinators. Fun in the Park, Lane describes, is an educational outreach opportunity for families to teach their children how to become good stewards of our community. It features two bounce houses, an air slide, hourly door prizes, goodie bags and plenty of educational material.

For Boone residents, her office also offers a do-it-yourself water audit that comes with a complimentary conservation kit.

With the arrival of spring, Lane is all about the third annual Watauga County Rain Barrel Sale, currently in progress and sponsored by the Town of Boone, the NC Cooperative Extension and Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District.

“This year we will feature a Moby 65-gallon rain barrel for $100 (original cost $149). These barrels surpass other barrels for several reasons: they are made in North Carolina and Ohio, made of 100 percent recycled materials, are childproof with a bug proof lid, gravity-fed with no pumps required, Best-In-Class overflow setup and all parts are included and ready to set up.”

Furthermore, Lane adds, “Two rain barrels can easily fit in the backseat of most four-door sedans.

“By purchasing a rain barrel, you are helping to conserve our most vital resource. These barrels can be used for a variety of household tasks including watering lawns and/or gardens, bathing pets, washing cars or even rinsing walkways. Rain barrels also help protect our rivers and streams from run-off pollution while controlling the moisture levels around the foundation of your home. Using rainwater is also an excellent way to keep your water bill down.”

Lane is convinced that the programs she helps coordinate are a great way for women to teach their children and/or themselves how to be environmentally responsible. “It is wonderful being able to offer our community a variety of tools so that residents can make the most of their environment and the environment of future generations.”

Lane came to Boone in 2000 to attend ASU, graduating in 2005 with a degree in business administration with majors in management and marketing. “I have always loved Boone and the thought of leaving never crossed my mind,” she states. “After graduating, I worked as a teller at BB&T until I landed the position of program coordinator with the Town of Boone in September of 2009.”

Lane was recently married and lives in Watauga County with her husband, Pete Weiss, and their three labs. “I don’t think I could have dreamed up a better job,” she concludes. “I work with an amazing group of people at the Town and get to promote something that I sincerely believe in, water conservation.”

Rain barrels may be purchased now through June 1 through the Web site www.rainbarrel program.org/watauga-county. The pickup day for all barrels will be Friday, June 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center located at 252 Poplar Grove Road, Boone N.C. 28607.

For more information, please visit www.rainbarrelprogram.org/watauga-county
or contact Lane Weiss at (828) 268-6250.