Sustainability > Create Habitats
As natural landscapes disappear, stormwater is increasingly unable to penetrate into the soil. Landscapes that were once able to absorb and clean stormwater are now covered with impervious surfaces: roads, rooftops, parking lots and driveways. Studies have shown that up to 70% of the pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes is due to this runoff that enters through our storm sewers.
Building a rain garden, even a small one, can capture stormwater on your property and help:
• filter, absorb and naturally breakdown sediment and pollutants within stormwater runoff before it enters rivers and streams,
• reduce potential home flooding,
• recharge ground water and improve water quality
• provide habitat and food for wildlife (without having to water the rain garden),
• and create beauty in your yard and the community.
The best types of plants to use in a rain garden are Missouri natives.
Native plants have adapted to our soils and weather conditions. They require little if any fertilizer and once established, very little additional water. Native plants have deep roots systems that channel water deep into the soil and provide soil stability preventing erosion. And many of them attract pollinators.
For more information on rain gardens and how/where to build one, go to
MARC Rain Gardens
How to Build a Rain Garden from This Old House
12 Benefits of a Rain Garden
More Information Coming Soon.
Bees and Wasps
Moths and Butterflies
Song Birds and Raptors
Bats