Rain Gardens

A Nature-Based Solution for Cleaner Water and Healthier Communities

Rain gardens are a simple yet powerful tool for protecting our waterways from stormwater pollution. By capturing, absorbing, and filtering rainwater, these gardens allow about 30% more water to soak into the ground compared to a conventional patch of lawn. This process helps to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and provide essential habitat for pollinators. OARS 3 Rivers has partnered with local communities to install two beautiful rain gardens in the SuAsCo watershed, with a third planned for 2025. These gardens enhance the landscape and serve as educational resources, showcasing how nature-based solutions can benefit both people and the environment.

What Is a Rain Garden?

A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped area designed to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, and roads. These gardens use native plants and soils to filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and create a natural habitat for wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

OARS’ Rain Gardens in the SuAsCo Watershed

 

Upcoming Rain Garden: Sudbury Rail Trail

Earmarked for 2025

 

In late April to early May of 2025, OARS will collaborate with the Sudbury Conservation Department, A Yard and a Half, and the Thursday Club, to install a new rain and pollinator garden at the intersection of Morse Road and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Sudbury. This garden will help reduce stormwater runoff, recharge groundwater, and create habitat for native pollinators. It will also demonstrate how homeowners and communities can use nature-based solutions to protect water quality and enhance local ecosystems.

Marlborough Senior Center Rain Garden

Installed 2024

 

In May 2024, as a project through the SuAsCo Climate Resiliency Coalition and funded by a DuPont Clear Into the Future grant, OARS partnered with the City of Marlborough to install a rain garden at the Marlborough Senior Center. This project, completed with the help of the Marlborough Department of Public Works, DuPont, and A Yard & A Half, showcases how rain gardens can help manage stormwater, reduce neighborhood flooding, and recharge groundwater.

 

The rain garden provides a habitat for pollinators like butterflies and bees by using beautiful native plants. These hardy species were selected not only for their ability to thrive in our local environment but also for their role in supporting declining pollinator populations.

Junction Park Rain Garden, West Concord

Installed 2014

 

One of our prominent rain gardens can be found at Junction Park along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in West Concord. Installed in collaboration with the Town of Concord, this garden functions as a bioretention system, capturing stormwater from the nearby trail and surrounding impervious surfaces.

 

Rain gardens like the one at Junction Park help communities sustainably manage stormwater, improving water quality and reducing pollution in our rivers. They are also an attractive alternative to stand-alone grass landscaping and feature a variety of native plants that serve to beautify public spaces

 

 

TOWN OF CONCORD RAIN GARDENS

Why Rain Gardens Matter

Rain gardens offer multiple benefits to our environment and communities

Stormwater Management

 

They capture and filter runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and helping to protect rivers from pollution.

Groundwater Recharge

 

By absorbing rainwater, rain gardens help replenish local groundwater supplies.

Pollinator Support

 

Using native plants provides food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are crucial to our ecosystems.

Aesthetic and Educational Value

 

Rain gardens enhance public spaces with their beauty and serve as educational tools, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices in their own yards and neighborhoods.

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Are you inspired to create your own rain garden or help maintain one of our community installations? OARS welcomes volunteers and partnerships for these projects.

 

 

CONTACT US TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE