As we continue following the journey of water, it’s important to consider what happens when rain reaches our homes, yards, and communities. As stormwater travels across rooftops, driveways, and other hard surfaces, it can pick up sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants before eventually reaching our waterways.
Rain gardens with native plants are a residential and low-development Best Management Practice (BMP) highlighted in the Water Quality of Life Manual. These strategically designed landscaped areas capture and temporarily hold stormwater runoff, allowing water to slowly soak into the ground rather than quickly running off-site.
Native plants are an important part of a successful rain garden. Their deep root systems help improve soil structure and infiltration while filtering pollutants from stormwater. They also provide valuable habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife, support soil health, and are well adapted to local growing conditions.
A rain garden with native plants can help manage stormwater right where it falls, giving water a chance to slow down, soak in, and continue its journey naturally. It’s a simple BMP that can make a meaningful difference in protecting the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes—one landscape at a time.
Read more about Rain Gardens and Native Plants on pages 122-126 in our Water Quality of Life Manual.