LID and Rain Gardens
Low impact development
Low impact development (LID) is a stormwater management strategy that emphasizes conservation and use of existing natural site features integrated with distributed, small-scale stormwater controls. These implementations more closely mimic natural hydrologic patterns in residential, commercial and industrial settings. LID practices can be valuable tools to reduce the adverse effects of stormwater runoff on streams, lakes, wetlands, and Puget Sound.
Above is an example of LID: Green roofs are designed to absorb and slow down roof runoff. In parts of Europe, green roofs have been common in residential construction for many decades. Green roofs are now becoming more and more common in the US.
The following link will bring up a pdf of the NPS guidebook to Low-Impact Development.
LID Guidebook
Rainwater Harvesting
See our page on Rainwater Harvesting
Rain gardens
Rain gardens (also known as a bioretention areas) are an integrated stormwater management practice that takes advantage of chemical, biological and physical properties of plants, microbes and soils to remove or retain pollutants from stormwater. Designed to closely mimic natural conditions, the healthy soil structure and vegetation of rain gardens promote the infiltration, storage, and slow release of stormwater flows. Rain gardens are designed as shallow depressions that can be shaped and sized to fit your yard; are made with compost-rich soil that allows water to soak in rapidly and support healthy plant growth; and can be landscaped with a variety of plants to fit the surroundings.
The following link will bring up a pdf of the Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners.
Rain Garden Handbook
Rain Garden Workshops
Join us for a free, hands-on workshop where you’ll get all the details you need to design and install a beautiful rain garden that will manage your home’s drainage while also protecting our local waterways.
Upcoming Rain Garden workshops:
April 21, from 6-8 p.m. at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle
April 28, from 6:30-8:45 p.m. at the Tumwater Fire Hall
May 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the WSU Puyallup Research Center
May 19, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at the LOTT WET center
See pictures of some of our rain garden projects!
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