About Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a depression (minimum of 6 inches deep) that collects stormwater runoff from a roof, driveway or yard and allows it to infiltrate into the ground. Rain gardens are typically planted with long rooted native plants and can be colorful, landscaped areas in your yard that will also provide important environmental benefits.
Importance of a Rain Garden
You can make a difference! Every time it rains, water runs off impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roads and parking lots, collecting pollutants along the way. This runoff has been cited by the EPA as a major source of pollution to our nations waterways. By building a rain garden at your home, you can reduce the amount of pollutants that leave your yard and enter the North Chicago Branch River or Des Plaines River system. Also, a significant benefit of rain gardens is that they could provide extra storage for stormwater to help reduce the amount of stormwater that may sit in your yard during and after a rain storm.
