Rain Gardens are the easiest and most practical do-it-yourself conservation project any homeowner can do. One garden can promote wildlife diversity, increase your property value, mitigate watershed issues and promote native plants in our landscapes.
Whether you like a dramatic impact garden, like the Prairie Cord Grass, Spartina pectinata stands pictured in a swale (above) or a floral garden to attract butterflies, there is a rain garden design perfect for your needs. Rain gardens can filter both nonpoint source chemicals and fertilizers that have contributed to the decline in numbers and health of fish, frogs, and salamanders.
In The Creation, E.O. Wilson cites "the highest rate of species endangerment per unit area occurs in freshwater ecosystems." He goes on to warn "Many river systems approach the fate of those in China, where chiefly because of pollution 80 percent of the 50,000 kilometers of major channels can no longer support fish of any kind."
High gasoline prices and stock market volatility seem like big problems, until you consider our need for potable water. We can live without cars and coin, but see how long we can get by without water; it tends to put all your problems in perspective.
To learn more about Rain Gardens and Watersheds, join us at Kingwood Center Saturday Nov 1st, 2008. Its a real bargain at $12. for 3 programs, lunch and tour of the grounds. For more info- click here - and call 419-522-0211 right away to reserve a seat- or you'll miss out on the lunch!