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• We are connected to the largest fresh water system on earth and that water is in trouble. Twenty percent of fresh surface water on earth is in the Great Lakes.

• What threatens our water? We do!

• When rain and snowmelt flow off our yards, roofs, sidewalks, roads and parking lots, the resulting storm water runoff washes pollution into our streams, river, and lakes. Up to seventy percent of the water, pollution in our region is carried there by storm water. In addition, some of this pollution comes from the very things we do in our yards and gardens.

• Nature’s original plan for rain is this: to soak into the soil, replenish groundwater supplies, to be taken up and filtered by plants, and enter our surface waters as clean, cool groundwater, nurturing and nourishing our world. Water was not meant to run off the land and pollute rivers and streams.

What is a rain garden?

• A rain garden is a special kind of storm water garden designed to collect and absorb runoff from a roof or parking lot. By planting a rain garden, you can help solve some of our storm water problems.

• Now is the time to take action. Drive around on a rainy day and look at what is happening to the runoff. Make notes as to where the water is flowing. Follow the water and then take pictures of the problem.

• Next, approach the owner of the building or residence to see how to solve the problem. You might find someone who does not care or someone who is concerned. Be persistent and try to explain that water runoff can be an asset to the property by the construction of a rain garden. Refer the owner to the web site www.raingardens.org to see how this can be a solution to the problem.

• Your garden club can install the rain garden, plant the plants, stand back, and watch what happens to the storm water runoff.

• We can do this! It takes so little time and the effort is so rewarding. Once again, "conserve to preserve’ our water resources. The selection of plants must be native. Native plants can withstand all kinds of conditions. As the roots take hold, they will survive. Native plants are also host to many species of birds and butterflies. Incidentally, our national president Barbara May also has chosen to “plant native plants”, so we can support her project as well.

A contest will be held, via a book of evidence or perhaps a visit to the site, to see how well the rain garden is coping with runoff. A reward for this project will be announced later. Together we can save the Great Lakes, one garden at a time. Dolores Stouwie, MGC President.

We credit the West Michigan Environmental Action Council for the information presented in the above message. For much more information in an enjoyable format please visit - www.raingardens.org  To download a brochure click here