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Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                   Page 1 of 12


                                 Rain Garden

A simple, yet effective method to control stormwater is through the
use of rain gardens. The design of a rain garden involves, among other
things, the hydrologic cycle, nonpoint pollutant treatment, resource
conservation, habitat creation, nutrient cycles, soil chemistry,
horticulture, landscape architecture, and ecology. Beyond its use for
stormwater control, the rain garden provides attractive landscaping
and a natural habitat for birds and butterflies, while encouraging
environmental stewardship and community pride.

To continue choose a step from the list below:
Step 1 - Let's Begin
Step 2 - Goals/Objectives & Budget
Step 3 - Gather Information
Step 4 - Location & Size of Rain Garden
Step 5 - Designing Your Rain Garden
Step 6 - Selecting Plants for Your Rain Garden
Step 7 - Design Review & Obtaining Permission
Step 8 - Construction
Step 9 - Maintenance
Step 10 - Advertise
Step 11 - Develop Timeline
Step 12 - Preliminary Plans for Construction Day
Step 13 - Construction Day
Step 14 - Write Summary Report
Step 15 - Keep it going!



Step 1 - Let's Begin

      ● Identify project participants (students and teachers)
          - Assign group leaders to communicate with maintenance
      staff
      ● Begin securing partnership involvement
      ● Get written agreement from school administration and
      maintenance staff
          - Clarify roles and responsibilities
          - Each school may allow a different amount of landscape
      changes
          - Ensure that there will be open communication throughout
      the project
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                        Page 2 of 12


Step 2 - Goals/Objectives and Budget

       ● Outline project goals and objectives
       ● Estimate amount you intend to spend [Budget]
       ● Establish link between current school curriculum and
       environmental enhancement project.

Cost

       Planning - $25
       Design - $100
       Materials - $varies
       Plants - $varies
       Soil - $varies
       Other - $varies
       Construction - $950
       Labor - $0 (volunteers)
       TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $1,075

       Cost Spreadsheet

       Residential rain gardens average about $3 to $4 per square foot,
       depending on soil conditions and the density and types of plants
       used. Commercial, industrial and institutional site costs can
       range between $10 to $40 per square foot, based on the need
       for control structures, curbing, storm drains and underdrains.
       In any bioretention cell design, the cost of plants varies
       substantially and can account for a significant portion of the
       facility's expenditures. While these cost estimates are slightly
       greater than those of typical landscaping treatment (due to the
       increased number of plantings, additional soil excavation, backfill
       material, use of underdrains etc.), those landscaping expenses
       that would be required regardless of the bioretention installation
       should be subtracted when determining the net cost.


Step 3 - Gather Information

       ● Obtain a schematic of the school including wetlands, power
       lines, fire lanes, future building plans, etc.
       ● Walk around and survey the school grounds to identify
       potential areas for project implementation
       (i.e. areas where water ponds during/after storms, areas where
       there is a lot of erosion, landscaping doesn’t get enough water)
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                                 Page 3 of 12


      ● Identify gutters/downspouts
      ● Request assistance from landscape architect, ecologist, and
      maintenance staff
      ● Investigate permit requirements
      ● Make list of problem areas
      ● Take pictures of problem areas
      ● Conduct informal survey of school community (including
      students, staff, parents, and maintenance staff) to determine
      their satisfaction with the current state of the school
      environment.


Step 4 - Location and Size of Rain Garden

      Now that you have walked the campus, gathered all of the maps
      and materials you need, talked to the facilities manager,
      surveyed your fellow students and teachers, and listed the
      problem areas or potential areas for your rain garden, here are
      things to consider when locating and sizing your rain garden.

      Make sure you do not plan your rain garden in a riparian buffer,
      too close to the foundation, and other factors listed below in the
      “Location” section. Also, be sure to design a manageable rain
      garden – make sure it is a size that can be maintained well by
      your class. Check out the maintenance requirements in Step 9.

      ● Two primary factors to consider when designing a rain garden
      are:

          ● Planning the location of your rain garden
          ● How to determine the size of your rain garden

      **NOTE: Now is an excellent time to call your local Cooperative Extension
      Office to have them test the soil. They will do this free of charge. A good soil
      mix for a rain garden is 50% sand, 20% topsoil, and 30% compost. If the soil
      onsite contains less than 10% clay, then it can be used in place of imported
      topsoil in the mix. It is possible you may be able to use the existing soil, but
      if it is not in good condition, you may have to spend some money on new soil
      and/or amendments such as lime, gypsum and specific nutrients.
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                      Page 4 of 12


How to find an appropriate location for a rain garden

      Take a walk around the school grounds during the next
      rainstorm. Make a note of where puddles are forming, which
      areas are not draining well, and where runoff is flowing.

      Finding a good location for a rain garden involves balancing a
      number of different factors:

      The rain garden should be located in a place where it will receive
      runoff. Check to make sure runoff flows to your site, or could
      flow with minor modifications, such as cutting a space out of a
      curb.

      The rain garden must be located far enough from the building to
      avoid damage to the foundation. If your school has a basement,
      the rain garden should be located at least 25’ from the building.
      If there is no basement, the rain garden should be at least 5’
      from the building.

      Find out where underground utilities are buried. Common
      utilities will include: water, sewer, electricity, natural gas,
      telephone, cable, and possibly a separate storm sewer (some
      older areas have combined sewers, where the stormwater drains
      directly into the sanitary sewer system). It is often difficult and
      time consuming to find out exactly where all of the utilities are
      buried on your site, so start early. Write letters to each of the
      utilities, requesting plans showing the locations of underground
      utilities on your property. Have your maintenance staff show you
      where the utilities enter the building, and try to avoid using this
      area for rain gardens. Before construction, you can call Miss
      Utility, who will come to your site and mark the locations of
      utilities with spray paint, so you can be certain of avoiding them.
      Stay at least five feet horizontally and one foot vertically from
      any utilities.

      Check your soil. Since a lot of earth was moved during the
      construction of your school and school grounds, it is likely that
      your soils will be highly compacted, and will not drain well. In
      order to compensate for this, you should use a special soil mix
      within the rain garden. You should also install an underdrain at
      the bottom of the rain garden.
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                      Page 5 of 12


      The underdrain should be a perforated PVC pipe that runs from
      the bottom of the rain garden out to some discharge point. This
      could be a grassy area, a wooded area, a stream, or even a
      parking lot.

      Also consider what will happen to runoff during very large
      storms. The rain garden is designed for small storms. When
      there is a great deal of rain, the rain garden will fill and
      eventually overflow. Be aware of where water will go when it
      overflows the rain garden. Minimize the impact that this overflow
      will have by directing it toward grassy areas, wooded areas, or
      existing storm drains.

      Avoid trees. Soils near trees tend to have the best drainage, and
      should not be disturbed.

      Avoid areas where there will be heavy foot traffic. Heavy foot
      traffic will pack down the soil in the rain garden, which will
      degrade its ability to infiltrate runoff. Place the rain garden
      somewhere out of the way, where the soil will not be compacted,
      and the vegetation will not be trampled.

      Be sensitive to how other people use of the site. For example,
      avoid building your rain garden on a favorite picnic spot.


How to determine the size of a rain garden

      When full, the ponded area should have a maximum depth of six
      inches. The planting soil usually has a minimum depth of 2.5
      feet, but this depth may be constrained by the maximum depth
      of the underdrain at your site. The underdrain must discharge
      down gradient from the rain garden. Depending on your site
      topography, the bottom of the rain garden may need to be
      shallower than three feet below the ground surface.

      When rain gardens are designed for new sites, their sizes are
      matched to their drainage areas. When a site is being retrofit,
      the size of the rain garden is often limited by the availability of
      suitable space. Even in this case, it is important to estimate how
      effectively your proposed rain garden will capture, treat and
      infiltrate runoff from your site. This can be accomplished using
      the sizing tool.
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                       Page 6 of 12


Step 5 - Designing Your Rain Garden

      Now that you have determined the location and size of your rain
      garden you can begin to design it:

      ● Copy and increase the size of the school plan so that every
      inch equal 10 feet (1” = 10’)
      ● Draw a schematic drawing of the rain garden on a copy of the
      school plan
      ● Show where the water source comes into the rain garden
      (bioswale, rain barrel hose, or where water sheets off of
      sidewalk or parking lot)
      ● Determine the size of the rain garden (in square feet)


Step 6 - Selecting Plants for Your Rain Garden

      Now that you have selected the location and determined the size
      of your rain garden take a few days to analyze the site you have
      selected. The success of your rain garden depends on this
      important information. Take notes and track what is happening
      at the site in the rain and on sunny days. Write down how much
      sun it gets – how many hours of afternoon sun? morning sun? Is
      there a reflection off of an adjacent building that provides more
      light or seems to make the heat more severe? Figure out if there
      are any unusual ‘microclimates’ at the site and then begin
      researching the plants that like these conditions.

      Plant your rain garden with plants that thrive in that
      environment. Whether in the sun or shade, rain gardens can be
      planted with shrubs and flowers that are beautiful and low
      maintenance – as long as you select the plants that love those
      conditions. Native plants – or plants that grow naturally in this
      climate or region -- can thrive without a lot of care, extra water,
      or extra fertilizer.

      This is an opportunity to learn more about the types of plants
      that love the sun, love the shade, love to have their ‘feet wet’ for
      a day or two, or don’t mind being dry for days on end. It is like a
      puzzle. See if you can pick out plants that are different heights,
      have different leaf color, and bloom different colors throughout
      the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Remember that even in
      the winter, plants without leaves can provide berries for birds
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                      Page 7 of 12


      and have an unusual structure that can be accentuated in the
      snow.

      Designing with Plants:
      ● Use a circle template (or ruler) to place plants in your rain
      garden
      ● Select several 4-6’ shrubs, a lot of perennials (flowers that
      come back every year), and depending on the size of the rain
      garden a medium-sized tree or two [15-20’ at full growth])
      Refer to the sample drawing to help you.

      Consider these things when selecting plants:
      ● Choose native plants when possible
      ● Avoid planting non-native invasive plants
      ● Choose fragrant or edible plants when possible
      ● Avoid toxic/poisonous plants
      ● Avoid plants that produce excessive pollen

      Sample plant list to use as a guide:
      Prince George's County, MD Plant List

      Additional plant information:
      Useful Links


Step 7 - Design Review and Obtaining Permission

      Once you have a schematic design of your rain garden, schedule
      a meeting with your principal and facilities/maintenance
      manager. This is an information gathering meeting and be
      prepared to make revisions based on the discussion at the
      meeting.

      Be prepared to discuss the construction and maintenance issues
      with the principal and maintenance staff.
      [Read the following steps (Step 8 – Construction and Step 9 –
      Maintenance) to understand the materials, material delivery, and
      site and soil preparation procedures.]

      During the meeting:
      ● Review the draft design
      ● Discuss the construction of the rain garden
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                      Page 8 of 12


      ● Find out about school regulations about delivery and storage of
      materials and equipment that will be used for construction of the
      rain garden.
      ● Discuss the maintenance issues (roles and responsibilities)


Step 8 - Construction

      Construction techniques are extremely critical in ensuring the
      success of a rain garden. Various construction guidelines and
      inspection points are given below, as well as a general
      construction schedule adapted from the Prince George's County
      Bioretention Manual. Local or regional rain garden/bioretention
      cell guides may also have useful information.

Sequence of Construction

      1/2 day - Install sediment control devices. (These are for larger
      projects. Check with your local building permit office. It’s a good
      idea to surround the down gradient part of the site with straw
      bales or silt fence. It’s readily available and inexpensive.)

      1 day - Grade site to elevations shown on plan. If applicable,
      construct curb openings and/or remove and replace existing
      concrete. Curb openings should be blocked or other measures
      taken to prohibit drainage from entering construction area.
      (Equipment such as a backhoe may be rented for this. Make sure
      any Miss Utility is notified before any digging. Safety fence
      should be used around any construction area or excavation.)

      1/2 day - Stabilize grading within Limit of Disturbance except for
      the bioretention area, which will be planted. (Surrounding the
      cell with a biolog, straw bales, or compost berm to keep
      sediment out of the bioretention cell.)

      1/2 day - Excavate bioretention area to proposed invert depth
      and scarify the existing soil surfaces, taking care not to compact
      the in-situ materials. (A contractor may be hired to dig the hole.
      Make sure that there are no open areas or pits open at the end
      of the day and no excavation over local jurisdiction or OSHA
      limits. Generally bioretention cells are less than 3 feet deep.)
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                        Page 9 of 12


      1/2 day - Install underdrain system and observation wells, if
      specified. (Use perforated 4” HDPE pipe and surround the pipe
      with about 2” of gravel)

      1/4 day - Backfill bioretention area with planting soil. (Fill the
      cell with 8” lifts of soil. Saturate each lift and let it drain and
      then place the next lift. Be careful not to compact the soil with
      equipment and saturate it.)

      1/4 day - Plant vegetation.

      1/4 day - Mulch and install erosion protection at entrance points.
      Remove sediment control practices or entrance blocks with
      inspector authorization if this project requires a permit. (It is
      recommended to leave perimeter biodegradable controls to
      reduce sediment loads to cell)

      Total Estimated Construction Time: 5.5 Days


Step 9 - Maintenance

      A routine maintenance schedule can be followed. An example is
      presented here, as adapted from the Prince George's County
      Bioretention Manual. Experience has shown that the economic
      incentive of maintaining property values ensures that most
      homeowners will maintain their LID landscape.


Maintenance Schedule

      Soil
      ● Visually inspect and repair erosion monthly. Use small stones
      to stabilize erosion along drainage paths.
      ● Check the pH once or twice a year. Apply an alkaline product,
      such as limestone, if needed.

      Mulch
      ● Re-mulch any void areas by hand as needed.
      ● Every 6 months, in the spring and fall, add a fresh mulch layer.
      ● Once every 2 to 3 years, in the spring, remove old mulch layer
      before applying new one.

      Plants
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                             Page 10 of 12


      ● Immediately after the completion of cell construction, water
      plant material for 14 consecutive days unless there is sufficient
      natural rainfall.
      ● When trees have taken root, or at least by 6 months, remove
      stakes and wires.
      ● Once a month (more frequently in the summer), visually
      inspect vegetation for disease or pest problems.
      ● If treatment is warranted, use the least toxic approach.
      ● Twice a year, from March 15th to April 30th and October 1st to
      November 30th, remove and replace all dead and diseased
      vegetation considered beyond treatment.
      ● During times of extended drought, look for physical features of
      stress (unrevived wilting, yellow, spotted or brown leaves, loss
      of leaves, etc.). Water in the early morning as needed.
      ● Weed regularly, if needed.
      ● Prune excess growth annually or more often, if desired.
      Trimmed materials may be recycled back in with replenished
      mulch or land filled if there is a concern of heavy metals
      accumulation.

      General
      ● After rainstorms, inspect the cell and make sure that drainage
      paths are clear and that ponding water dissipates over 4-6
      hours. (Water may pond for longer times during the winter and
      early spring.)

      **NOTE: Keep in mind, the rain garden is not a pond. It should not provide a
      breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of standing
      water to develop as larva.



Step 10 - Advertise

      ●   Spread the word!!!
      ●   Develop a website
      ●   Provide an outline of goals and objectives
      ●   Post pictures
      ●   Advertise URL through school newspaper, public television
      ●   Update often

Step 11 - Create Timeline

      ● Order supplies
      ● Arrange for material delivery
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                   Page 11 of 12


      ● Advertise work days on web and in school newspaper
      - Ask for volunteers
      ● Create timeline for project completion


Step 12 - Preliminary Plans for Construction Day

      Some final preparations need to be made to make your
      construction day a success.

      Be sure to:

      1. Notify your school administrators and maintenance staff that
      the construction will begin
      2. Call key volunteers (Ask them to arrive early and be Team
      Leaders)
      3. Ask volunteers to bring gloves, shovels, and water bottles
      (make sure their tools are labeled with their names)
      4. Create a Task List
      5. Delegate responsibility so that you can be free to coordinate
      on construction day
      6. Print out and copy the Construction Sequence page
      7. Get an Emergency Kit and set up an Emergency Plan
      8. Make sure building door(s) are open so that volunteers can
      use bathroom facilities
      9. Make sure you have access to water hose
      10. Provide refreshments and snacks (if possible) – at least
      provide water
      11. Contact local newspaper, or designate a student volunteer or
      parent to take photos and write about the event
      12. Bring camera

Step 13 - Construction Day

      Now that all of your materials have been ordered and volunteers
      have been scheduled it is time to construct your rain garden.

      Prior to construction:

      1. Arrive early
      2. Take “Before” photo
      3. Organize the construction site:
         ● Position plants and materials
         ● Label tools
Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden                   Page 12 of 12


         ● Place tools that are not being used in a central location
         ● Put Emergency Kit on hand in the central location
      4. Greet and organize volunteers
         ● Have volunteers sign in
         ● Delegate responsibilities
         ● Announce the schedule and breaks
         ● Provide info on emergency plan, bathroom locations, and
      refreshments
         ● Distribute the Construction Sequence information
         ● Take photo of all volunteers

      During Construction:
      1. Take photos of all the construction phases, emphasizing the
      volunteers
      2. Interview the volunteers

      Post-Construction:
      1. Water the rain garden
      2. Take “After” photo
      3. Step back and appreciate

      Remember to:
      ● Continuously monitor safety
      ● Have fun!


Step 14 - Write Summary Report

      ● Write final report
        - Use input from all students involved
      ● Post names of volunteers on web and in school newspaper
      ● Take follow-up survey of school community
      ● Review budget
      ● Plan long-term maintenance
      ● Determine future learning outcomes


Step 15 - Keep It Going

      ● Where do we go from here?!!!

      The End!!

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Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden

  • 1. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 1 of 12 Rain Garden A simple, yet effective method to control stormwater is through the use of rain gardens. The design of a rain garden involves, among other things, the hydrologic cycle, nonpoint pollutant treatment, resource conservation, habitat creation, nutrient cycles, soil chemistry, horticulture, landscape architecture, and ecology. Beyond its use for stormwater control, the rain garden provides attractive landscaping and a natural habitat for birds and butterflies, while encouraging environmental stewardship and community pride. To continue choose a step from the list below: Step 1 - Let's Begin Step 2 - Goals/Objectives & Budget Step 3 - Gather Information Step 4 - Location & Size of Rain Garden Step 5 - Designing Your Rain Garden Step 6 - Selecting Plants for Your Rain Garden Step 7 - Design Review & Obtaining Permission Step 8 - Construction Step 9 - Maintenance Step 10 - Advertise Step 11 - Develop Timeline Step 12 - Preliminary Plans for Construction Day Step 13 - Construction Day Step 14 - Write Summary Report Step 15 - Keep it going! Step 1 - Let's Begin ● Identify project participants (students and teachers) - Assign group leaders to communicate with maintenance staff ● Begin securing partnership involvement ● Get written agreement from school administration and maintenance staff - Clarify roles and responsibilities - Each school may allow a different amount of landscape changes - Ensure that there will be open communication throughout the project
  • 2. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 2 of 12 Step 2 - Goals/Objectives and Budget ● Outline project goals and objectives ● Estimate amount you intend to spend [Budget] ● Establish link between current school curriculum and environmental enhancement project. Cost Planning - $25 Design - $100 Materials - $varies Plants - $varies Soil - $varies Other - $varies Construction - $950 Labor - $0 (volunteers) TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $1,075 Cost Spreadsheet Residential rain gardens average about $3 to $4 per square foot, depending on soil conditions and the density and types of plants used. Commercial, industrial and institutional site costs can range between $10 to $40 per square foot, based on the need for control structures, curbing, storm drains and underdrains. In any bioretention cell design, the cost of plants varies substantially and can account for a significant portion of the facility's expenditures. While these cost estimates are slightly greater than those of typical landscaping treatment (due to the increased number of plantings, additional soil excavation, backfill material, use of underdrains etc.), those landscaping expenses that would be required regardless of the bioretention installation should be subtracted when determining the net cost. Step 3 - Gather Information ● Obtain a schematic of the school including wetlands, power lines, fire lanes, future building plans, etc. ● Walk around and survey the school grounds to identify potential areas for project implementation (i.e. areas where water ponds during/after storms, areas where there is a lot of erosion, landscaping doesn’t get enough water)
  • 3. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 3 of 12 ● Identify gutters/downspouts ● Request assistance from landscape architect, ecologist, and maintenance staff ● Investigate permit requirements ● Make list of problem areas ● Take pictures of problem areas ● Conduct informal survey of school community (including students, staff, parents, and maintenance staff) to determine their satisfaction with the current state of the school environment. Step 4 - Location and Size of Rain Garden Now that you have walked the campus, gathered all of the maps and materials you need, talked to the facilities manager, surveyed your fellow students and teachers, and listed the problem areas or potential areas for your rain garden, here are things to consider when locating and sizing your rain garden. Make sure you do not plan your rain garden in a riparian buffer, too close to the foundation, and other factors listed below in the “Location” section. Also, be sure to design a manageable rain garden – make sure it is a size that can be maintained well by your class. Check out the maintenance requirements in Step 9. ● Two primary factors to consider when designing a rain garden are: ● Planning the location of your rain garden ● How to determine the size of your rain garden **NOTE: Now is an excellent time to call your local Cooperative Extension Office to have them test the soil. They will do this free of charge. A good soil mix for a rain garden is 50% sand, 20% topsoil, and 30% compost. If the soil onsite contains less than 10% clay, then it can be used in place of imported topsoil in the mix. It is possible you may be able to use the existing soil, but if it is not in good condition, you may have to spend some money on new soil and/or amendments such as lime, gypsum and specific nutrients.
  • 4. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 4 of 12 How to find an appropriate location for a rain garden Take a walk around the school grounds during the next rainstorm. Make a note of where puddles are forming, which areas are not draining well, and where runoff is flowing. Finding a good location for a rain garden involves balancing a number of different factors: The rain garden should be located in a place where it will receive runoff. Check to make sure runoff flows to your site, or could flow with minor modifications, such as cutting a space out of a curb. The rain garden must be located far enough from the building to avoid damage to the foundation. If your school has a basement, the rain garden should be located at least 25’ from the building. If there is no basement, the rain garden should be at least 5’ from the building. Find out where underground utilities are buried. Common utilities will include: water, sewer, electricity, natural gas, telephone, cable, and possibly a separate storm sewer (some older areas have combined sewers, where the stormwater drains directly into the sanitary sewer system). It is often difficult and time consuming to find out exactly where all of the utilities are buried on your site, so start early. Write letters to each of the utilities, requesting plans showing the locations of underground utilities on your property. Have your maintenance staff show you where the utilities enter the building, and try to avoid using this area for rain gardens. Before construction, you can call Miss Utility, who will come to your site and mark the locations of utilities with spray paint, so you can be certain of avoiding them. Stay at least five feet horizontally and one foot vertically from any utilities. Check your soil. Since a lot of earth was moved during the construction of your school and school grounds, it is likely that your soils will be highly compacted, and will not drain well. In order to compensate for this, you should use a special soil mix within the rain garden. You should also install an underdrain at the bottom of the rain garden.
  • 5. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 5 of 12 The underdrain should be a perforated PVC pipe that runs from the bottom of the rain garden out to some discharge point. This could be a grassy area, a wooded area, a stream, or even a parking lot. Also consider what will happen to runoff during very large storms. The rain garden is designed for small storms. When there is a great deal of rain, the rain garden will fill and eventually overflow. Be aware of where water will go when it overflows the rain garden. Minimize the impact that this overflow will have by directing it toward grassy areas, wooded areas, or existing storm drains. Avoid trees. Soils near trees tend to have the best drainage, and should not be disturbed. Avoid areas where there will be heavy foot traffic. Heavy foot traffic will pack down the soil in the rain garden, which will degrade its ability to infiltrate runoff. Place the rain garden somewhere out of the way, where the soil will not be compacted, and the vegetation will not be trampled. Be sensitive to how other people use of the site. For example, avoid building your rain garden on a favorite picnic spot. How to determine the size of a rain garden When full, the ponded area should have a maximum depth of six inches. The planting soil usually has a minimum depth of 2.5 feet, but this depth may be constrained by the maximum depth of the underdrain at your site. The underdrain must discharge down gradient from the rain garden. Depending on your site topography, the bottom of the rain garden may need to be shallower than three feet below the ground surface. When rain gardens are designed for new sites, their sizes are matched to their drainage areas. When a site is being retrofit, the size of the rain garden is often limited by the availability of suitable space. Even in this case, it is important to estimate how effectively your proposed rain garden will capture, treat and infiltrate runoff from your site. This can be accomplished using the sizing tool.
  • 6. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 6 of 12 Step 5 - Designing Your Rain Garden Now that you have determined the location and size of your rain garden you can begin to design it: ● Copy and increase the size of the school plan so that every inch equal 10 feet (1” = 10’) ● Draw a schematic drawing of the rain garden on a copy of the school plan ● Show where the water source comes into the rain garden (bioswale, rain barrel hose, or where water sheets off of sidewalk or parking lot) ● Determine the size of the rain garden (in square feet) Step 6 - Selecting Plants for Your Rain Garden Now that you have selected the location and determined the size of your rain garden take a few days to analyze the site you have selected. The success of your rain garden depends on this important information. Take notes and track what is happening at the site in the rain and on sunny days. Write down how much sun it gets – how many hours of afternoon sun? morning sun? Is there a reflection off of an adjacent building that provides more light or seems to make the heat more severe? Figure out if there are any unusual ‘microclimates’ at the site and then begin researching the plants that like these conditions. Plant your rain garden with plants that thrive in that environment. Whether in the sun or shade, rain gardens can be planted with shrubs and flowers that are beautiful and low maintenance – as long as you select the plants that love those conditions. Native plants – or plants that grow naturally in this climate or region -- can thrive without a lot of care, extra water, or extra fertilizer. This is an opportunity to learn more about the types of plants that love the sun, love the shade, love to have their ‘feet wet’ for a day or two, or don’t mind being dry for days on end. It is like a puzzle. See if you can pick out plants that are different heights, have different leaf color, and bloom different colors throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Remember that even in the winter, plants without leaves can provide berries for birds
  • 7. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 7 of 12 and have an unusual structure that can be accentuated in the snow. Designing with Plants: ● Use a circle template (or ruler) to place plants in your rain garden ● Select several 4-6’ shrubs, a lot of perennials (flowers that come back every year), and depending on the size of the rain garden a medium-sized tree or two [15-20’ at full growth]) Refer to the sample drawing to help you. Consider these things when selecting plants: ● Choose native plants when possible ● Avoid planting non-native invasive plants ● Choose fragrant or edible plants when possible ● Avoid toxic/poisonous plants ● Avoid plants that produce excessive pollen Sample plant list to use as a guide: Prince George's County, MD Plant List Additional plant information: Useful Links Step 7 - Design Review and Obtaining Permission Once you have a schematic design of your rain garden, schedule a meeting with your principal and facilities/maintenance manager. This is an information gathering meeting and be prepared to make revisions based on the discussion at the meeting. Be prepared to discuss the construction and maintenance issues with the principal and maintenance staff. [Read the following steps (Step 8 – Construction and Step 9 – Maintenance) to understand the materials, material delivery, and site and soil preparation procedures.] During the meeting: ● Review the draft design ● Discuss the construction of the rain garden
  • 8. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 8 of 12 ● Find out about school regulations about delivery and storage of materials and equipment that will be used for construction of the rain garden. ● Discuss the maintenance issues (roles and responsibilities) Step 8 - Construction Construction techniques are extremely critical in ensuring the success of a rain garden. Various construction guidelines and inspection points are given below, as well as a general construction schedule adapted from the Prince George's County Bioretention Manual. Local or regional rain garden/bioretention cell guides may also have useful information. Sequence of Construction 1/2 day - Install sediment control devices. (These are for larger projects. Check with your local building permit office. It’s a good idea to surround the down gradient part of the site with straw bales or silt fence. It’s readily available and inexpensive.) 1 day - Grade site to elevations shown on plan. If applicable, construct curb openings and/or remove and replace existing concrete. Curb openings should be blocked or other measures taken to prohibit drainage from entering construction area. (Equipment such as a backhoe may be rented for this. Make sure any Miss Utility is notified before any digging. Safety fence should be used around any construction area or excavation.) 1/2 day - Stabilize grading within Limit of Disturbance except for the bioretention area, which will be planted. (Surrounding the cell with a biolog, straw bales, or compost berm to keep sediment out of the bioretention cell.) 1/2 day - Excavate bioretention area to proposed invert depth and scarify the existing soil surfaces, taking care not to compact the in-situ materials. (A contractor may be hired to dig the hole. Make sure that there are no open areas or pits open at the end of the day and no excavation over local jurisdiction or OSHA limits. Generally bioretention cells are less than 3 feet deep.)
  • 9. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 9 of 12 1/2 day - Install underdrain system and observation wells, if specified. (Use perforated 4” HDPE pipe and surround the pipe with about 2” of gravel) 1/4 day - Backfill bioretention area with planting soil. (Fill the cell with 8” lifts of soil. Saturate each lift and let it drain and then place the next lift. Be careful not to compact the soil with equipment and saturate it.) 1/4 day - Plant vegetation. 1/4 day - Mulch and install erosion protection at entrance points. Remove sediment control practices or entrance blocks with inspector authorization if this project requires a permit. (It is recommended to leave perimeter biodegradable controls to reduce sediment loads to cell) Total Estimated Construction Time: 5.5 Days Step 9 - Maintenance A routine maintenance schedule can be followed. An example is presented here, as adapted from the Prince George's County Bioretention Manual. Experience has shown that the economic incentive of maintaining property values ensures that most homeowners will maintain their LID landscape. Maintenance Schedule Soil ● Visually inspect and repair erosion monthly. Use small stones to stabilize erosion along drainage paths. ● Check the pH once or twice a year. Apply an alkaline product, such as limestone, if needed. Mulch ● Re-mulch any void areas by hand as needed. ● Every 6 months, in the spring and fall, add a fresh mulch layer. ● Once every 2 to 3 years, in the spring, remove old mulch layer before applying new one. Plants
  • 10. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 10 of 12 ● Immediately after the completion of cell construction, water plant material for 14 consecutive days unless there is sufficient natural rainfall. ● When trees have taken root, or at least by 6 months, remove stakes and wires. ● Once a month (more frequently in the summer), visually inspect vegetation for disease or pest problems. ● If treatment is warranted, use the least toxic approach. ● Twice a year, from March 15th to April 30th and October 1st to November 30th, remove and replace all dead and diseased vegetation considered beyond treatment. ● During times of extended drought, look for physical features of stress (unrevived wilting, yellow, spotted or brown leaves, loss of leaves, etc.). Water in the early morning as needed. ● Weed regularly, if needed. ● Prune excess growth annually or more often, if desired. Trimmed materials may be recycled back in with replenished mulch or land filled if there is a concern of heavy metals accumulation. General ● After rainstorms, inspect the cell and make sure that drainage paths are clear and that ponding water dissipates over 4-6 hours. (Water may pond for longer times during the winter and early spring.) **NOTE: Keep in mind, the rain garden is not a pond. It should not provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of standing water to develop as larva. Step 10 - Advertise ● Spread the word!!! ● Develop a website ● Provide an outline of goals and objectives ● Post pictures ● Advertise URL through school newspaper, public television ● Update often Step 11 - Create Timeline ● Order supplies ● Arrange for material delivery
  • 11. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 11 of 12 ● Advertise work days on web and in school newspaper - Ask for volunteers ● Create timeline for project completion Step 12 - Preliminary Plans for Construction Day Some final preparations need to be made to make your construction day a success. Be sure to: 1. Notify your school administrators and maintenance staff that the construction will begin 2. Call key volunteers (Ask them to arrive early and be Team Leaders) 3. Ask volunteers to bring gloves, shovels, and water bottles (make sure their tools are labeled with their names) 4. Create a Task List 5. Delegate responsibility so that you can be free to coordinate on construction day 6. Print out and copy the Construction Sequence page 7. Get an Emergency Kit and set up an Emergency Plan 8. Make sure building door(s) are open so that volunteers can use bathroom facilities 9. Make sure you have access to water hose 10. Provide refreshments and snacks (if possible) – at least provide water 11. Contact local newspaper, or designate a student volunteer or parent to take photos and write about the event 12. Bring camera Step 13 - Construction Day Now that all of your materials have been ordered and volunteers have been scheduled it is time to construct your rain garden. Prior to construction: 1. Arrive early 2. Take “Before” photo 3. Organize the construction site: ● Position plants and materials ● Label tools
  • 12. Sustainable School Projects: Rain Garden Page 12 of 12 ● Place tools that are not being used in a central location ● Put Emergency Kit on hand in the central location 4. Greet and organize volunteers ● Have volunteers sign in ● Delegate responsibilities ● Announce the schedule and breaks ● Provide info on emergency plan, bathroom locations, and refreshments ● Distribute the Construction Sequence information ● Take photo of all volunteers During Construction: 1. Take photos of all the construction phases, emphasizing the volunteers 2. Interview the volunteers Post-Construction: 1. Water the rain garden 2. Take “After” photo 3. Step back and appreciate Remember to: ● Continuously monitor safety ● Have fun! Step 14 - Write Summary Report ● Write final report - Use input from all students involved ● Post names of volunteers on web and in school newspaper ● Take follow-up survey of school community ● Review budget ● Plan long-term maintenance ● Determine future learning outcomes Step 15 - Keep It Going ● Where do we go from here?!!! The End!!