Noticing a bit of hub-bub about rain gardens?  The Venango Conservation District has been working to get the word out about rain gardens with news articles, mailings and educational events.  The district has been awarded funding to build rain gardens for educational showcases and most recently to build rain gardens for property owners in the Lower Two Mile Run Watershed (Cranberry/Seneca area).  Why you may ask?

To reduce nonpoint source pollution.

Nonpoint source water pollution is pollution that comes from many different sources, even your back yard.  Stormwater runs off impervious surfaces of your property (rooftops, paved driveways, sidewalks etc.).  That stormwater run-off causes nonpoint source pollution by adding a large amount of stormwater entering your neighborhood waterway and causing erosion.  That stormwater also picks up contaminates on its way to the stream, and so causes additional pollution problems.

What is a rain garden?

Rather than a traditional raised garden bed, a rain garden is a sunken garden.  A ponding area is created and layers of gravel, sand, and a soil/sand mix are added.  Then native perennials are.  The garden will collect stormwater to allow it to infiltrate rather than run off.  Compared to a patch of lawn, a rain garden allows about 30% more rain water to filter into the ground.

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

Environmental – a rain garden reduces nonpoint source pollution by collecting stormwater, filtering it and allowing it to infiltrate or evaporate.  Rain gardens provide food and cover for wildlife.

Maintenance – rain gardens reduce lawn area that needs to be maintained.  Rain gardens themselves are easy and inexpensive to maintain.  A rain garden reduces flooding and drainage problems.

Lisette Lane, Guest Blogger

Venango Conservation District