Highlights from 2007
2007 was a great year for Rain Garden Network! Highlights include:
- Installation of a 2400 sq. ft. demonstration garden in Park Forest, IL
- City of Chicago Rain Garden Assistance Workshop and plant assistance
- Chance to meet and talk to thousands of people at the Taste of Chicago Going Green Exhibit
Visit Our New, Expanded Website
As we begin to really see the increased interest in environmental issues, generally, and rain gardens, specifically, Rain Garden Network has begun to expand our scope of coverage on this subject.
We have added a number of new areas that will help you install your own rain garden, keep it well maintained and understand the issues of the everyday pollution that has negative effects on our waterways. We will help you learn how to create great looking gardens but also learn to talk to your friends, family, neighbors and municipality about the things they can do to reduce the problem.
We have added a new membership area (Join the Network) that will offer in-depth information, helpful applications and original interviews & articles. We have also added an online presentation area, bookstore, online products store, a page for rain garden studies, a media page and coming very soon, a resource finder.
The site will continue to grow so check in often.
Advocacy for Green, "On-Site" Solutions and Green Infrastructure Advocacy – Acting on behalf of an issue and/or to protect and advance an idea.
Rain Garden Network is working hard to advocate for the use of all types of green, “on-site” solutions to reduce or eliminate polluted stormwater runoff. On-site solutions are actions that can be taken by homeowners to capture rainwater after it has hit the ground but before it flows to the street and sewer and becomes contaminated stormwater.
The first on-site solution is to reduce the amount of pollutants.
- Refrain from using herbicides and pesticides
- If you must use them, read the directions carefully and apply correctly but never apply them before it rains
- Reduce areas of bare soil so sediment doesn’t flow to the sewer
- Pick-up and throw away garbage found on the ground
- Check your car frequently for automotive leaks and material corrosion, such as oil and anti-freeze leaks, tires wear, excessive brake dust, rust, etc.
The second on-site solution is to look at your property and identify where the water goes.
- Reduce the horizontal movement of water on hard surfaces
- Direct rainwater to the grass or planted areas
- Try to keep the rainwater that falls on your property on your property so it doesn’t flow to the street and sewer
The third thing you can do is to install a rain garden to capture and hold rainwater so it can be used later or soaked into the ground slowly.
Here are More Stormwater Alternatives.
Building the Network
The changes to the new site are designed to help you create as many rain gardens as possible. If you have suggestions or comments please feel free to email us.
Help us build the Resource Finder. If you have used a qualified source and would recommend that person or company for installing a rain garden please contact us with their name and contact information.
Photo of the Month
Rain garden in Plymouth, MN
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