Stormwater Runoff and Rain Gardens

Thank you for visiting my website. Here you will find activity plans for preschool, elementary, and middle school aged youth, resources about rain gardens, and information on other ways to prevent water pollution.

What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff has a very descriptive name. It is water generated from rain and snowmelt that flows over land or impervious surfaces (such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops) and runs off, rather than soaking into the ground. This is a problem because as stormwater runoff is running across the ground it picks up pollutants like oils, chemicals, bacteria, and even garbage, then carries them into lakes, streams, and rivers.

What are Rain Gardens?

Rain gardens are gardens planted in shallow depressions in the landscape for the purpose of capturing and filtering stormwater runoff. Rain gardens reduce water pollution by allowing stormwater to slowly infiltrate back into the soil at which point the roots, mulch, and soil help filter out pollutants. Often planted with native grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens also provide food and shelter for native pollinators and other wildlife.

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