A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped depression that captures and treats stormwater runoff at the source, mainly from rooftops, but also from driveways, lawns, roads, and parking lots. A rain garden can be installed just about anywhere and can be incorporated into the existing landscape.

They are usually planted with native plants and often provide habitat for pollinators and food for birds while managing stormwater.  By capturing stormwater, rain gardens help to reduce nonpoint source pollution (i.e., road sediment/salt, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria from pet waste, eroded soil, grass clippings, litter, etc.) and help to protect local waterways.

In this program, you will take a basic dive into rain gardens, as spring is a perfect time to get them in the ground.

Dr Amy Rowe of Rutgers Cooperative Extension  will run through how to plan, design, install, and maintain this feature into your landscape,  that is not only good for the environment but also adds beauty to neighborhoods and provides wildlife habitat.

Dr. Rowe who is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Agent for Essex and Passaic Counties and has worked in the environmental field for more than 14 years. Her outreach programming has focused on green infrastructure in urban environments, green jobs training programs, and food waste reduction. 

The program is open to all and no registration is required.