Map of the Rain Garden on display at Jakes Branch County Park
What is a Rain Garden?
Did you know your garden can be attractive, as well as functional? If your yard is surrounded by paved, hard or impervious surfaces, a rain garden can serve to capture stormwater runoff and help to filter water into the soil. For more details on the benefits of a rain garden, visit the Rutgers University Rain Garden Information Center webpage.
The map above shows a selection of native plants that can be used to create your own rain garden. Visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS database to view images and learn more about each plant.
A high level view of the demonstration rain garden at Jakes Branch. From this angle you can see how the garden’s capture of stormwater runoff may be helpful.
Seaside Goldenrod is often mistaken for Ragweed.
Rain Garden in Bloom, October 2014.
Make-and-Take Rain Barrel Workshop in Action!
Rain Barrels
Rain Barrels are another way to prevent rainwater from becoming stormwater runoff. By capturing water and holding it for later irrigation needs, Rainfall collection barrels are a sustainable watering practices that conserves water, protects water quality, and helps to keep soil and landscapes healthy. Rain barrels are an important part of the onsite water management at Jakes Branch.
Rain Barrel Building Resources
Rain Barrels I: How to Build A Rain Barrel
Rain Barrels II: Installation and Use
Rain Barrels III: Building a Barrel From a Plastic Trash Can