Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a garden located in a low-lying area designed to slow the flow of runoff rainwater and allow filtration into the soil. Redirecting and retaining stormwater with rain gardens reduces the flow of runoff into storm drains and protects streams and rivers from damaging stormflows and pollutants. 

During rain events fertilizers, pesticides, debris and other pollutants wash across lawns and driveways, down streets, and into the nearest storm drain, eventually flowing into a waterbody. In urban environments, most water pollution comes from stormwater runoff. Urban runoff also absorbs heat from sidewalks, roads, and roofs which can elevate stream temperatures. Rain gardens filter this runoff through soil and plants, thereby reducing pollution. 

Click the following links for ideas on how to create your very own attractive and beneficial rain garden, or contact your local water authority to see if a rain garden workshop is offered in your area.