Rain Garden EarthCache
Rose and the thorn: Time to go.
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Rain Garden
A "rain garden" is a man-made depression in the ground that is used as a landscape tool to improve water quality. The rain garden forms a "bioretention area" by collecting water runoff and storing it, permitting it to be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil. The bioretention concept is based on the hydrologic function of forest habitat, in which the forest produces a spongy litter layer that soaks up water and allows it to slowly penetrate the soil layer.
It is estimated that only about 10% of the precipitation that falls on a forest leaves as surface runoff. The rest either evaporates or soaks into the ground where it becomes groundwater. Groundwater slowly discharges to surface waters, providing a certain amount of base flow. This is why large surface water bodies do not go completely dry during periods of little to no rain.
As watersheds become developed, urbanization and an increase in paved surface areas such as parking lots, driveways and rooftops will change the water flow in the environment. More and more precipitation “runs off,” traveling quickly to surface water bodies causing;
• Overall reduction in groundwater recharge.
• Long-term lowering of groundwater tables and loss of stream flow during dry weather.
• Increased erosion.
• Increased water quality impacts caused by pollutants in storm water runoff.
• Flooding – especially more frequent “flash” flooding.
When you make a garden a "rain garden" you can improve local water quality while creating a beautiful natural area that will attract birds and butterflies. Rain gardens allow rain and snowmelt to seep naturally into the ground. This restores balance in the water cycle, replenishes groundwater, reduces flooding, and protects water quality. Rain gardens are an important way to make our cities more attractive places to live while building urban ecological health
Hardy native species that thrive in our ecosystem without chemical fertilizers and pesticides are the best choices. Many rain gardens feature shrubs as well as wild flowers and grasses
When you arrive at this location. Please be aware of the parking situation. You don’t want to be blocking any equipment if they are called into action.
Please Email me with the answer to these questions.
1. Why is it best to use native plants in a rain garden?
2. A 300 ft. rain garden can filter how much water a year?
3. Post a picture of yourself/group holding your gps'r in front of this cache on the cache page.
As always do not post your answers in your log. As this will cause me to delete your log. Thank you for your support.
When your done go on inside and say thanks to the fine folks working there.
I want to thank all these fine individuals for their help, hard work and their kind permission for placing this EarthCache.
Fire Chief Joe Clow
Patty Brandl Director Leadership Fond Du Lac
Leadership Fond Du Lac Project Team Prairie Dog Members
Georgiann Froemke
Lori Garbisch
Dave Thiel
Terri Manthey
Dean Will
Kathy Scharf
I have noticed a disturbing trend. Please do not walk in the rain garden. It is very delicate and we would rather not be asked to discontinue this EarthCache.
So please stay on the grass.
Thank you for your support.
Congratulations to Snoope for getting the FTF on a dark and stormy night.
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