Rainscaping involves using landscape design to manage stormwater runoff sustainably. It integrates natural solutions like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rain barrels to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and enhance property aesthetics.
Benefits of Rainscaping
- Building Soil: Making it more beneficial for plant growth and water absorption.
- Reduced Flooding: Manages and reduces localized flooding by capturing and infiltrating rainwater.
- Water Conservation: Promotes natural infiltration and groundwater recharge, conserving water.
- Environmental Impact: Filters pollutants, improves water quality, and creates habitats for local wildlife.
- Cooling: Beneficial to people and aquatic life, providing shade and aiding in transpiration.
Key Techniques
- Rain Gardens: Shallow, planted depressions that capture and infiltrate rainwater using native plants.
- Permeable Pavements: Materials that allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and improving groundwater recharge.
- Bioswales: Vegetated channels designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution.
- Rain Barrels: Containers that collect and store rainwater from roofs for irrigation. See our Rain Barrels page for information on when our next Rain Barrel Workshop will be held!
- Swales and Berms: Vegetated channels and raised barriers that slow down runoff and promote infiltration.