Stormwater Partners Network

The Neighbors of the Northwest Branch recently purchased signage for their demonstration rain gardens.  These signs are a valuable tool in reaching out to the community. In order to see significant water quality improvements, we will need to see a significant percentage of homeowners sustainably manage stormwater on their properties.

New Rain Garden Sign Used By Neighbors of the Northwest Branch

New Sign in Rain Garden of NNWB Member Jim Fary

On April 29, 2010, we kicked off the GreenWheaton demonstration conservation landscaping project at Parking Lot 13 in downtown Wheaton.  The intent is to install an environmentally friendly garden that not only looks beautiful, but also provides environmental services.   As a demonstration garden, we hope the business community and homeowners can learn what they can do at their businesses and homes to help the environment and enhance the community.  In this project the demonstration conservation garden is designed to cleanse polluted stormwater runoff and provide habitat for pollinators.  One of the goals of GreenWheaton is to have many sustainable gardens, greenroofs and trees throughout Wheaton.

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Pine Crest Elementary school recently earned the distinction of becoming the first RainScapes School.  This designation was made possible by a partnership with the school’s “green” club, the Woodmoor Green Team, and local Girl Scout Troops.  The process began with a site evaluation/survey of the school grounds.  The implementation team identifies and documents the location of stormdrains on the site and water sources. A rain garden appeared to be feasible in the front of the school where many people will get to see the garden. 

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 This is an example of the type of outreach efforts we are going to need to do if we are going to see wide spread usage of sustainable landscaping practices.  Homeowners with high profile front yard rain gardens can help spread the word about rain gardens and other watershed friendly practices by posting signage and having outreach and rain garden information readily available.  This is simple and effective.