rain gardens discovery initiative
DESCRIPTION
RAIN GARDENS Discovery Initiative. Bill Sciarappa, Ph.D. Vivian Quinn, Program Assistant. PROBLEMS & POLLUTANTS Flooding Erosion Increased Sediment Beach Closures Non-point Pollution . Stormwater. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
RAIN GARDENSDiscovery Initiative
Bill Sciarappa, Ph.D. Vivian Quinn, Program Assistant
Development & imperviousness reduces the natural capacity of soil & vegetation to infiltrate and take up rainfall
PROBLEMS & POLLUTANTS Flooding Erosion Increased Sediment Beach Closures Non-point Pollution
Gas and oilBacteria-pet wasteEroded soilRoad saltLitterPesticidesFertilizers
Stormwater runs over streets, parking lots & lawns & washes into streams, lakes & rivers
Polluted Stormwater
• Sedimentation Smothers aquatic life• Nitrogen ammonia kills fish• Phosphorus fertilizers Algae blooms• Salt & petrochemical contamination mortality• Bacterial peaks human health hazards
What is a Watershed?The area of land that drains to a water body - We’re all connected through waterflows through our watershed. Restoring the natural buffers along our streams, lakes and ponds provides major environmental benefits to all citizens.
Engineered wetlands Infiltration basinsGrassy swalesBioretention basinsRain Barrels *RAIN GARDENS*
SOLUTION: BIORETENTION minimizes impact of stormwater
Physical water retention & biological &
chemical Interaction between
soil, vegetation & water
* No permits needed
WHAT IS A RAIN GARDEN?
A specially landscaped, shallow depression that captures & filters polluted stormwater runoff
Reduces pollution from non-point sources Conserves water Recharges underground water supply
LOCATION, LOCATION
Residential – typically 100-300 sq. ft. Catch rainwater from roofFrom driveway & sidewalkAnyplace that will allow stormwater to be captured
Stormwater is directed into garden by pipes, swales, or curb openings
Home Gardens
MUNICIPAL RAIN GARDENS
Wall Bike Path
Sea Girt
Asbury Park
Fair Haven
Protecting Raritan Bay - Keyport Rain Garden
SCHOOL RAIN GARDENS
Brookdale
Spring Lake Heights
Keansburg
Biotechnology HS
A SOLUTION TO POLLUTION AT OUR AG BUILDING
Accumulated SedimentAccumulated Sediment
Completed & functioning in every season
Preliminary Observation Site Selection
Where it will receive runoff Area without ponding Select flat part of yard for easier
digging At least 10 ft. from foundation Not directly over septic system Not suitable where the seasonal high
water table level is less than 24" Full or partial sunlight – first choice Check utility markouts
GETTING STARTED
http://www.water.rutgers.edu/ Select rain gardens website
PLANT SELECTIONS Select WET & DRY tolerant plants Suggest native plants
Do not require fertilization Absorb water more efficiently than lawns Easier to maintain Inexpensive
Different heights, shapes & textures Vary blooming times Sun & Shade varieties
Inkberry Holly: Ilex Glabra - midsized evergreen shrub. Prefers moist soil, but can tolerate dry. 6-8'.
SHRUBS
Cranberry Viburnum: Viburnum Trilobum - large shrub, as wide as it is tall. Bright red fruit is attractive and edible. Prefers moist, well drained soil. 6-12'
Soft Rush: Juncus Effusus - clump forming rush which usually raches about 3' . Stems are unbranched and round in cross section. To 3'.
Wild Bergamot: Monarda Fistulosa - perennial found in dry fields, thickets, and woodland borders. 2" clusters of pale pink-lilac flowers in late summer
Blue Flag: Iris versicolor - native iris of northern wetlands with blue flowers and sword shaped leaves.
PERENNIALS
Themed Rain Gardens• Bird & Butterfly • Tree + Shrub• Ornamental bark,
flowers, and berries• Deer Tolerant
Themed Rain Gardens
PLANTINGArrange plants according
to light needs, spacing requirements & heights
Add a layer of mulch
Invite your friends!
MAINTENANCE Watering – until established Weeding - occasional
Remove sediment buildup/trash/leaves at inflow & outflow Re-vegetate & add mulch as necessary Soil Testing – every 3-5 yrs NO Fertilizing – sustains itself
Pruning Deadheading
BEFORE
• Function• Beauty• Value
AFTER
• Rainwater wasted• Pollution created
ESTIMATED COSTS
• Average small sized homeowner rain garden – $3 to $5/sq. ft. – yourself– $10 to $12/sq. ft. - landscaper
• Average medium landscaper built rain garden – Material - $2,000– Labor - $1,500
• Average large sized municipal rain garden demonstration Total unit cost $5,000 Expected buy-in of municipality $1,500 & boro labor, volunteer help, community equipment. Possible rain garden contest for streamside living in the municipality
CONSTRUCTION
Think Globally – Act Locally