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Putting Down Roots: Raingardens in Residential Settings

Display Date: 
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 — 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Location: 
Como High School, St. Paul
Raingarden photo courtesy of Capitol Region Watershed District

Many people don’t realize that some standard lawncare practices can cause serious damage to nearby lakes, streams and rivers. However, homeowners interested in preserving local water quality can start right in their own backyards.

The natural beauty and practical benefit of a raingarden make it an increasingly popular choice for home landscapers who want to do their part to improve water quality, and many residents seek resources on how to add these lovely features to their yards, schools, and businesses.

This program features an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Shawn Tracy from Metro Conservation Districts. Shawn will describe what a raingarden is, how to build one, and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands.

The workshop will take a how-to approach, giving participants information about:
• where a raingarden should be placed,
• soil preparation,
• plant selection, and
• other nuances of raingarden construction.
Printed materials about raingardens will be provided for participants.

To register
This presentation is being given by Friends of the Mississippi River through St. Paul Public Schools Community Education.
-- There is a $10 registration fee and pre-registration (and pre-payment) is required, and early registration is highly encouraged as capacity is limited.
-- Online registration and payment is easy and begins Dec. 31, 2009 through the community education class listing.
-- Phone registration is also available at 651-293-8874, weekdays 9 am-3 pm. You will need your credit card and the course number: 6901-S10HB.

Please note that registration is not being taken by FMR, and Community Ed does NOT send confirmation or reminder materials.

Questions?
If you have questions about registration, Community Education can be reached after January 9, 9 am-3pm at 651-293-8874.
If you have questions about the workshop itself, contact FMR River Stewardship Coordinator Karen Solas at ksolas[at]fmr.org.

More events
If you are unable to attend this workshop, an identical one is being offered Tuesday, May 4, 6:30-8:30 pm.
We also recommend enrolling in the "Native Plants, Raingardens and Lawn Care for Water Quality" workshop.
You can also receive email updates by signing up for Mississippi Messages, FMR's e-newsletter. It comes twice a month, the one at the beginning of the month lists upcoming event offerings while the mid-month edition includes river- and FMR-related news as well as event notices and resources.

More on how raingardens relate to the river:

Many people do not realize that rain carries pollutants from our yards, streets, sidewalks and parking lots to the nearest storm drain which leads directly to local lakes, streams and ultimately the Mississippi River. Raingardens are designed with a center depression to help rainwater seep into the soil. This infiltration helps recharge groundwater supply and protects water quality by reducing polluted runoff in the urban landscape. Raingardens can also feature hardy native plant species that thrive without fertilizers and pesticides.

While it is best to attend a workshop to put these materials into context, if you are unable to attend and are interested in creating a raingarden, we recommend:
Partners: 
Thank you program funders and partners City of Saint Paul Public Works, Capitol Region Watershed District and Ramsey Conservation District!
Notice: 
As this class is limited capacity, pre-registration through St. Paul Community Education is required and early registration is highly encouraged. See above.
Directions: 
Como Park Senior High is located at 740 W. Rose Ave., St. Paul, roughly two blocks east of the southeast "corner" of Lake Como. The class will be in room 1405.
If you are not familiar with this area, please use this interactive Google map.
If you are familliar with this area, you likely know the five-point intersection where Como, Victoria, Wheelock and Maryland meet. Rose meets Como a block south of this intersection. Rose is also accessible from Maryland by taking a left/south turn on Grotto as you approach the lake. Rose dead-ends at the school.