Rain gardens in parks

Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with loose, deep soil that are planted with native plants. They are designed to temporarily hold, soak away and filter rain water runoff.

Benefits of a rain garden

  • They remove nutrients, chemicals and sediments from rainwater runoff while allowing more of the water to soak into the ground than surrounding lawn.
  • They limit the amount of water entering local storm drains
  • They restore and recharge our groundwater system
  • They attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects
  • They limit the amount of water entering local storm drain

Rain gardens do not attract mosquitoes

Rain gardens are not ponds. They are designed to soak up water within 48 hours. Mosquitoes need more than 48 hours for their eggs to hatch. Therefore, rain gardens are not good breeding areas for mosquitoes.

Help take care of our rain garden

  • Do not dump yard waste
  • Do not mow or cut plants
  • Do not dig or pick wildflowers
  • Keep pets on leash or indoors
  • Take and share pictures

Rain gardens are planted with native species that provide habitat for native wildlife

Have you seen any of these plants or animals? Remember to look with your eyes and not your hands when interacting with wildlife.

  • Twelve-spotted skimmer
  • Ruby-throated humming bird
  • Yellow coneflower
  • Prairie blazing-star
  • Red-osier dogwood