A fun reason to go out into the rain!

April showers bring May flowers—and a sprinkling of magically appearing outdoor messages, thanks to the region-wide “Write as Rain” sidewalk campaign from askHRgreen.org.

Launched this week on sidewalks, streetscapes and thoroughfares throughout Hampton Roads, the motivational campaign will reveal a bevy of good-to-know “green” messages that become visible when wet.

With the approval of local municipalities, askHRgreen.org committee members blanketed the region earlier this month, using custom-made stencils and an eco-friendly rain-resistant spray to adhere their missives to sidewalks in locations where residents gather. When it becomes wet, the surface around the messages darkens while the stenciled area stays dry and light. The messages carry such sayings as: Only Rain Down the Storm Drain; No Wipes in Our Pipes; Your Morning Coffee Starts with Tap Water; and No Such Thing as a Little Litter. A variety of messages will be installed throughout Newport News at sites that include City Hall, City Center, Christopher Newport University and the Denbigh Community Center. A map of participating locations is available at www.askhrgreen.org/rainyday/. Check back often as new locations are added. The messages should appear on any rainy day for at least two or three months.