In the previous issue of the newsletter, I promised that you would receive more information about rain gardens and how they work to benefit communities. Rain gardens are one of many green solutions that serve to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. They can also help to avoid combined and sanitary sewer overflows by reducing the volume of stormwater entering our sewer system.

What is a rain garden? It’s an attractive, low-lying garden designed to allow rain water and snow melt to seep naturally into the ground. They function to slow and reduce stormwater runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Rain gardens typically include perennial native plants and colorful wildflowers. The plants allow the pollutants collected in stormwater runoff to filter through the roots and the soil. Native plants provide the best results because of their deep roots, their ability to adapt and thrive in local weather conditions and their ability to sustain native fauna.

Rain gardens benefit the community because of their ability to beautify neighborhoods and protect local water quality. They can also be used to alleviate local flooding problems and provide much needed habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. Urban areas are lacking in natural vegetation and tree cover that is needed to balance the effects of buildings and pavement on the environment.

Rain gardens benefit central Ohio by:

• Protecting local rivers and streams from stormwater pollution.

• Providing an affordable, attractive, and natural solution to water pollution and flooding.

• Preventing stormwater from entering and overloading the local sewer system, reducing the likelihood of sewer overflows into local waterways.

• Recharging the groundwater supply.

• Providing habitat for wildlife.

• Reducing lawn area and carbon dioxide emissions. Besides reducing carbon dioxide emissions from lawn mowers, larger plants remove more carbon dioxide from the air. Native plants provide the additional benefits mentioned above.

When stormwater moves across streets, sidewalks, yards and driveways, it picks up all sorts of pollutants. Those pollutants include lawn fertilizers and chemicals, bacteria from pet waste, oil and other toxic chemicals from motor vehicles, trash, sediment from soil erosion, and heavy metals from roof shingles and motor vehicles. Polluted stormwater flows to nearby rivers or enters local sewer systems. During wet weather, combined sewers may release untreated sewage diluted with stormwater directly into rivers. If you live in the older parts of Columbus such as downtown, German Village, Olde Towne East, Victorian Village, or the OSU area, you have this older system of combined sewers. In these areas, rain gardens are particularly valuable! Central Ohio residents can do their part for cleaner water and healthier communities by starting in their own backyards.

If you want to plant a rain garden, please consider the following:

• Call the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District at 614-486-9613 for a soils and site assessment, planting lists and design ideas. They have loads of good ideas and information and are eager to help.

• Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) before you dig at 1-800-362-2764.

• Dig an 8x8x8-inch test hole, fill it with water and check infiltration after 24 hours. Rain gardens should not have standing water after 48 hours.

• Consider using native plants.

• Consider having volunteers help with excavation and/or planting to keep costs down.

The Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative (CORGI) is a collaborative effort to promote the benefits of rain gardens for community beautification and clean water. The initiative started in October 2007 and includes more than 20 community partners like the Sierra Club Ohio Chapter. The initiative provides public education and technical assistance to help communities with rain garden design, installation and maintenance. For more information or to schedule a group presentation, please contact .

COMMUNITY EVENT: Thursday, March 27—Rain Gardens: Putting Landscape to Work Learn all you need to know to install a rain garden on your property and make it work for you. An 18-page color ‘Rain Garden Manual’ provided includes all the details to help you. From 7:30-8:30 pm at the Worthington Community Center, 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Cost is $11/$8.50 Worthington residents. Registration is required (program #7324) from Worthington Parks & Rec. 614-786-7367