Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and the City of Apple Valley for this free workshop featuring an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Rusty Schmidt of URS Corporation. Mr. Schmidt is co-author of Plants for Stormwater Design and is experienced in the areas of landscape ecology and wildlife biology. He is involved in native landscape design and restoration, design of alternative stormwater management methods using native plants such as rainwater gardens and bio-infiltration swales.

The natural beauty and practical benefit of a rain garden 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 will describe what a rainwater garden is, how to build one, and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands. The workshop will include a “how to” approach, giving participants information about where a rainwater garden should be placed, soil preparation, plant selection and other nuances of rainwater garden construction. Printed materials about rain gardens will also be provided for workshop participants.

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. Rain gardens 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. Rain gardens can also feature hardy native plant species that thrive without fertilizers and pesticides.

Please contact Karen Phillips at FMR for more information at 651-222-2193 x16 our through our contact page. Read more…