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 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. We work with all types of people who have the desire and ability to take action.

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

Capabilities

How can we help you find the right solutions?

Live presentations, hands-on training and workshops
Presentations and workshops cover: freshwater and its limited supply, issues with stormwater runoff, “on-site” (around the home) solutions homeowners and gardeners can use to prevent runoff, benefits of rain gardens and installation and maintenance instructions.

Education and outreach to the public
Rain Garden Network can assist you with education and outreach efforts by adding the homeowner’s perspective and likeliness to participate in municipal stormwater improvement programs.

Installation consultation
Rain Garden Network offers personal, on-site consultation regarding rain garden placement, sizing, plant selection and construction resources.

Installation and maintenance services
Rain Garden Network offers installation, partial installation and maintenance services.

Advertise on our site
Advertising through a Sponsor Link on RainGardenNetwork.com is an effective and low cost way to have your company’s name, web address and key phrase available on relevant page(s) on one of the most nationally-known and locally-supported rain garden sites.

Event participation
Rain Garden Network would be proud to participate in your local event as an exhibitor which will give us an opportunity to speak with visitors about their local stormwater issues and their concern for the environment.

On the website
Our web site is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We add new material continuously. Tons of information, rain garden photo gallery, preferred resources page, on-line presentations and more!

Display Rain Garden Network material at your event
We have printed material available for your event table.

2009 schedule of events Other years – 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Workshops with Effect

Demonstration garden installation and rain garden workshop

Village of Park Forest, IL    2006 and 2007

Two-part rain garden workshop and plant sale

City of Chicago, IL    2007

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.

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..

Things You Can Do on Your Property

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.

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Sponsor Links:

CitizenSolution - Building Sustainable Neighborhoods Together

info@citizensolution.info

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