Rain Gardens at Cave of the Mounds
Rain gardens are a landscaping tool where specialized plantings and natural processes increase the infiltration of rainwater into the ground while removing potentially harmful environmental pollutants. Native plants are utilized because they don’t require fertilizer and are more tolerant of the local climate, soil, and water conditions.
The plants — a selection of wetland edge vegetation, such as wildflowers, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and small trees — take up excess water flowing into the rain garden from from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas. Controlling potentially harmful runoff through the establishment of Rain Gardens is an important way we continue our commitment to sustainable “green” practices.
The Importance of Catching Water
There are many great reasons to implement rain gardens on any property. Linking buildings and nature through rain gardens creates a more aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors while creating wildlife habitat and encouraging the ongoing development of local biodiversity.
Most importantly, rain gardens help to filter harmful chemicals that may be present in runoff by reducing environmental impacts to local streams & rivers, improving water quality and providing opportunities for localized flood control.
Be a Backyard Conservationist!
Creating a Rain Garden is a relatively simple way you can reduce non-point source pollution and encourage wildlife biodiversity while reducing environmental impacts right in your own backyard! For more information, follow the link below or contact your local Cooperative Extension office.
Travel Green Wisconsin: Cave of the Mounds is proud to be a charter member of the Travel Green Wisconsin certification program which encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices in order to reduce their environmental footprint.