MARSHALL COUNTY
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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CLEAN WATER INDIANA (CWI) RAIN GARDENS
What Are Rain Gardens?
Rain gardens are depressional areas landscaped with perennial flowers and native vegetation that soak up rainwater. They are strategically located to capture runoff from impervious surfaces, such as roofs and streets. Rain gardens fill with a few inches of water after a storm and then water filters into the ground, rather than running off to a storm drain.
Storm water from adjacent roads diverted from storm drain into rain garden
Native plants provide best results
Parking lot drain was closed and storm water diverted to rain garden
Storm water from adjacent roads diverted from storm drain into rain garden
Why Are Rain Gardens Important?
As cities and suburbs grow, increased storm water runoff from impervious surfaces becomes a problem. As more impervious surfaces are added to our communities, it is more important that ever to help rainwater infiltrate. This protects water quality and reduces storm water runoff.
Storm water runoff from developed areas increases flooding potential and carries pollutants from street, parking lots and lawns into local streams and lakes.
How Do I Get My Own Rain Garden?
If you are interested in installing a rain garden to solve water issues on your property, please contact the SWCD office for a consultation.
"The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens - Design and Installation for Homeowners in the Upper Midwest" is available as a reference.
POLLUTANTS
Gas/Oil from Cars
Soil/Sediment from Erosion
Trash
Detergents/Soaps
Fertilizer
Animal Waste
Clean Water Indiana Funds for Rain Gardens
The Marshall County SWCD was able to leverage Clean Water Indiana funding to install rain gardens throughout Marshall County! To see where these rain gardens were installed, click the "Rain Garden Map" button.
Culver Military Academy
Rain Garden Project
With Clean Water Indiana funds, Culver Military Academy was able to install their first rain garden. We are proud to be a partner for this project.