In 2023 the Wild and Scenic Council embarked on a project to help towns in the watershed install rain gardens on town landscapes to demonstrate how catching runoff from developed areas, streets, lawns and parking lots can lead to many environmental benefits. Capturing the runoff and filtering it through a rain garden flooding reduces drainage problems, and stops water that carries fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, oils and other harmful substances from reaching streams and ponds. In addition, rain gardens also provide a habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
A rain garden is a depression in the earth about 6 to 8 inches that collects the runoff letting it soak into the ground over a few hours. The depression is then covered with native plants that provide shelter and food for pollinating insects and birds. The roots of the plants prevent the soil from becoming compacted and also aid in filtration. In the Council’s first project at the Exeter Town Hall, runoff from the roof was captured with two downspouts and directed to an area located to one side of the front lawn facing Rte 102.
A sign describing the project was created to provide information on how residents can create a rain garden at home. The garden is in a high traffic area where residents enter the town hall frequently.
Looking Ahead
Stewardship Council members work with town Council representatives to provide expertise and resources to design and install the rain gardens. The town representative brings together town officials and departments of public works to select a site. Parks and recreation leaders, town organizations, and residents help to design and install the garden. Towns planning to install a demonstration rain garden include new Senior Centers, town halls and Community Centers.
Not only are rain gardens beneficial to our environment, they serve as an important educational tool for town residents and enhance the beauty of an area.
For more information to create rain gardens see the information:
- RI Department of Environmental Management – Rain Garden Page
- Save the Bay – Bay-Friendly Living Tip: Plant a Rain Garden
- UConn NEMO Rain Garden Site
- State of Rhode Island Stormwater Management Guidance for Individual Single-Family and Residential Lot Development
- URI Healthy Landscapes Rain Garden Brochure