Planting for the Future
This story was featured in the Faribault Daily News and Owatonna People’s Press.
In the face of ongoing climate change, there's no better time to take action and make a positive impact. One way we can do this is by planting a rain garden in our yards. Not only are these gardens aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer a multitude of practical benefits for both the environment and our well-being.
Firstly, rain gardens can help reduce water pollution. When it rains, the water runs off our roofs, driveways, and lawns, picking up pollutants and carrying them into our waterways. Rain gardens act as natural filters, filtering out pollutants before the water reaches streams and rivers. This means cleaner water to drink and swim in and a healthier ecosystem for fish and other aquatic life.
In addition to improving water quality, rain gardens also help conserve water by absorbing rainwater. Because rain gardens are often planted with long-rooted native plants, they infiltrate more water into the soil and reduce the amount of runoff that flows into storm drains. This means less water is wasted and more water is being recharged from our groundwater aquifers.
Another benefit of rain gardens is that they provide habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. These creatures are important in pollinating plants and controlling pests, making our gardens healthier and more productive.
Rain gardens are not only functional but also pleasing to the eye. Selecting the right plants can add color and texture to our yards, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment for us to enjoy. Choosing native, perennial plants may require some effort initially, but they are low maintenance in the long run as they return yearly and often require less watering.
So, how can you get started? Luckily, matching grants and rebate programs can help fund your yard makeover.
The City of Northfield offers an excellent rebate program. It supports property owners in Northfield city limits with a Northfield utility account who construct a rain garden, purchase native plants, and install rain barrels. Learn more by visiting https://www.northfieldmn.gov/338/Rebates.
The City of Faribault has proclaimed May as Pollinator Month. A pollinator Display is located in the corridor between the Community Center and Buckham West. The city's website offers many resources; check it out here https://ci.faribault.mn.us/712/Pollinators.
Minnesota residents can apply for Lawns to Legumes cost-share funding, which offers up to $400 to create pollinator habitat in their own yards. Lawns to Legumes provides workshops, coaching, planting guides, and cost-share funding to help install pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential yards. Learn more by visiting https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/.
Planting a rain garden is a simple yet effective way to positively impact our environment while enhancing the beauty and functionality of our yards. By reducing water pollution, conserving water, providing habitat for wildlife, and adding charm to our surroundings, rain gardens are a win-win for everyone.
