Stormwater Management
Heavy rains can wash insecticides or fertilizers used on lawns into nearby waterways where they do severe damage to aquatic wildlife. Even pet waste contains phosphates and nitrates that contribute significantly to harmful algal growth.
Vegetated surfaces help slow down rain water runoff, encouraging water infiltration and the deposition of dirt and debris carried by rain water, keeping pollutants out of the stormwater system or local waterways. Adding more native plants will help to further reduce water runoff from your landscape and improve water quality in your community.
There are a number of rainscaping installations that can help you to control erosion and make better use of rainwater.
Small Grants Program Orientation Videos
Master Raingardener Certification Class Videos
Note: The first three classes in this series include excellent guidance on site selection and preparation. However, we do not recommend many of the plant choices that appear mostly in class 4 and 5 as they include many cultivars and non-native plants, some of which are listed invasive in Missouri.