Rain Gardens, huh?

Will rain gardens solve all our freshwater issues?

No. But installing rain gardens on your property will go a long way toward protecting biodiversity, including insects, birds, soil, and water.

Rain gardens are an inexpensive, simple to implement, and environmentally sound solution to urban stormwater runoff.

Priority #1- Protect Water

Some of the greatest threats to freshwater are caused by actions that you & I do every day
It’s no longer just industry that causes water pollution
This type of pollution is called Non-Point Source Pollution, Polluted Urban Runoff, Stormwater Pollution, and Wet Weather Pollution
The EPA considers Non-Point Source Pollution to be the “nation’s largest water quality problem”

Priority #2 - Combat Non-Source Point Pollution

The collective efforts of individuals to mitigate nonpoint source pollution across water bodies, including lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, have been documented. It is imperative to recognize that all individuals can make meaningful contributions in this regard regardless of their residential location. Adopting simple but effective actions on your property or community can facilitate the prevention of nonpoint source pollution.

Rain Barrels
Disconnect your downspouts and
add a rain barrel.

Chemical Use
If you use herbicides & pesticides use them correctly & never before it rains.

Green Roofs
If you have a flat roof you can create a green roof or use rooftop planters.

Porous Pavement
Replace hard surfaces or add porous pavement.

Car Maintenance
Check for automotive leaks & material corrosion.

Native Plants
Plant native plants and trees
that need less water.

Priority #3 - Provide Habitat for Birds & Insects

Rain gardens should always be planted with “deep-rooted native plants”. Native plants will support a variety of birds (local and migrating), butterflies (during the egg-laying and migration seasons), beneficial insects, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources.

About Rain Garden Network

Rain Garden Network was established in 2003 as one of the pioneers in the world of rain gardens!

How amazing is that? This website has been dedicated to promoting the importance of rain gardens since its inception, and that is truly commendable. It’s fascinating to know that there are people out there who are passionate about green infrastructure and protecting our freshwater resources.

Building a rain garden (or a couple of rain gardens) in your own yard is probably the easiest and most cost-efficient thing you can do to reduce your contribution to stormwater pollution.

1.) By capturing clean rainwater from your roof, driveway and sidewalks and diverting it into a great looking rain garden where it can slowly soak into the ground, filter contaminants and keep quantities of clean water from going down the sewer system you’ll have a great looking garden that puts water in its place.

2.) A rain garden can mimic the natural absorption and pollutant removal activities of a forest, or a meadow or a prairie and can absorb runoff more efficiently, sometimes as much as 30% – 40% more than a standard lawn.

“Capturing rainwater in a rain garden, holding the water for a short time and then slowly releasing it into the soil can reduce the rush of a large storm – quickly, neatly, and naturally.”
~ Rain Garden Network

3.) Because rain gardens are dug 4″ to 8″ deep, and in some cases 1′ to 2′ deep, they hold large quantities of rainwater, making their overall construction more cost-efficient than other green alternatives. Rain gardens also need less technical experience to install and can be installed without permits or heavy equipment.

4.) Rain gardens are one very good option that helps to lower the impact of impervious surfaces and polluted runoff because they are low-tech, inexpensive, sustainable and aesthetically beautiful.

The Rain Garden Network was started in 2003 to bring simple, proven, and inexpensive solutions for local stormwater issues to individuals, homeowners, groups, organizations, and municipalities.

Rain Gardens, huh?

Will rain gardens solve all our freshwater issues?

Priority #1- Protect Water

Priority #2 - Combat Non-Source Point Pollution

Priority #3 - Provide Habitat for Birds & Insects

About Rain Garden Network

Building a rain garden (or a couple of rain gardens) in your own yard is probably the easiest and most cost-efficient thing you can do to reduce your contribution to stormwater pollution.

“Capturing rainwater in a rain garden, holding the water for a short time and then slowly releasing it into the soil can reduce the rush of a large storm – quickly, neatly, and naturally.”
~ Rain Garden Network

New Online Courses for Building Rain Gardens!

Go to Rain Garden Courses Now!

Contact Information

Rain Gardens, huh?

Will rain gardens solve all our freshwater issues?

Priority #1- Protect Water

Priority #2 - Combat Non-Source Point Pollution

Priority #3 - Provide Habitat for Birds & Insects

About Rain Garden Network

Building a rain garden (or a couple of rain gardens) in your own yard is probably the easiest and most cost-efficient thing you can do to reduce your contribution to stormwater pollution.

“Capturing rainwater in a rain garden, holding the water for a short time and then slowly releasing it into the soil can reduce the rush of a large storm – quickly, neatly, and naturally.”~ Rain Garden Network

New Online Courses for Building Rain Gardens!

Go to Rain Garden Courses Now!

Contact Information

“Capturing rainwater in a rain garden, holding the water for a short time and then slowly releasing it into the soil can reduce the rush of a large storm – quickly, neatly, and naturally.”
~ Rain Garden Network