Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with wetland and prairie plants. They are located in lawn areas and designed to capture stormwater from rooftops and parking lots. They can be used to capture rain water from down spouts and prevent it from discharging to area creeks and lakes. They also support beautiful native plant life, providing habitat for birds and butterflies. Rain gardens provide a way for property owners to act as good stewards to their watersheds.

Learn more about rain gardens at these websites:

• Wildflower Association of Michigan
• WildOnes Native Landscapers
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program