A Beautiful Way To Reduce Runoff Pollution
Rain gardens, which are small, shallow areas filled with beautiful native plants, reduce polluted runoff from entering Wisconsin’s waters. Creating a rain garden is a great way for homeowners, schools, businesses, churches, and other organizations to help protect our lakes and streams. Rain garden plants capture 30% more water than a regular lawn and filter that water into the ground. This reduces the amount of water containing household fertilizers, pesticides, oils, and other contaminants coming from our roofs, lawns, driveways, or parking lots running into storm sewers. Rain gardens are also a delight to view and are a nice place for birds and butterflies to live. (Wisconsin DNR)
It’s quick and easy to install a rain garden. Follow these 10 steps in the video above from Melinda Myers and build your own today.
| Building a rain garden (Wisconsin DNR).
– A Guide for Homeowners and Landscapers. (Expo handout) |
|
|
How to build a rain garden. Extensive resources from Fresh Coast Guardians. |
|
|
The Village of Rib Mountain and the Village of Kronenwetter installed rain gardens. |
|
|
Visit the UWSP College of Natural Resources Website for more rain garden resources. |
|
|
For local governments: NCWSC provides a sign for each municipality installed rain garden. |
|
| Community Reps | For more information and assistance contact your local contact person. |