Capturing our raindrops where they fall helps reduce stormwater runoff and recharges our groundwater supply. You can do this by creating a green infrastructure or installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater to be used at a later time.
Green infrastructure techniques utilize natural systems that mimic natural landscapes, to capture, cleanse and reduce stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure is an adaptable term used to describe an array of practices such as rain gardens or bioswales. Green Infrastructure techniques use soils and vegetation to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and/or recycle stormwater runoff. These natural systems enhance overall environmental quality, saves money, support sustainability, and more efficiently use natural resources.
In 2022 we planted native plants in our stormwater ditch. It is doing a great job slowing the flow of stormwater, allowing the rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, and the wildlife thrives with the native vegetation.
Here are photos of the first year, each year will bring more native vegetation.
What can you do to capture your raindrops where they fall?
Resources – search the net, look for #bioswale, #raingardens, #stormwatermanagement, #rainbarrels
- Homeowner Best Practices
- Healthy Home & Yard Practices
- Residential Bioswale
- Rainwater Diversion
- Rain Barrels
Aull Nature Preserve 