Advocacy for "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 “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

Our advocacy efforts also include group presentations and public events. Here is our schedule of events. Other years – 2007, 2006, 2005

Let Rain Garden Network be your Advocate!

Put our experience, energy, and enthusiasm to work for you!

We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your next project. On-site or off we can help you through your project. You don’t have to know all there is to rain garden installation and chances are your contractor doesn’t know any more than you do. We can help you plan, install and then tell the world about your accomplishment.

Rain Garden Network advocates for “on-site” solutions

Another way we are advocates is by giving presentations. Rain Garden Network gives live presentations, hands-on training and workshops.  We would like to attend your events or neighborhood meetings.

• Homeowners
• Community and municipal leaders
• Watershed groups
• Schools
• Community gardeners
• Church groups
• Neighborhood associations and block clubs

Municipal Rain Garden Program Development

We can develop or help you develop a comprehensive Rain Garden Program for your community. These programs can be expanded to be Residential On-site Stormwater Management Plans, involving downspout disconnection, rain barrel installation, rain garden installation and education involving a number of other green stormwater alternatives..