How to Use Your Backyard to Protect Your Local Waterways
By Gina Errico, Communications Intern, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Photo by: The Watershed Institute
Stormwater runoff is water from rainfall or snow melt that flows over roads, driveways and other paved surfaces that don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from the ground and nutrients from the soil that flow into nearby creeks, streams, and rivers. This runoff is a major contributor to water pollution, especially in urban area.
Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and other elements to restore natural water management processes and mitigate pollution from stormwater runoff, creating healthier environments for humans and wildlife. During all of the pandemic panic, people have been turning to D.I.Y. and home-based activities to keep themselves busy and give back to the environment! If you want to pitch in and help protect your local waterways, there are a few things you can do today to mitigate stormwater runoff on your property.
Photo by: DIY Network
Rain Barrels: Rain barrels are a great way for you to save money and water, and they can be made at home using a short list of items, or they can be purchased at hardware stores. Rain barrels can help reduce the amount of stormwater that runs off and collects pollutants, while providing a natural water source. They can collect more than a thousand gallons of water each year that you can use to water your houseplants, gardens or lawns. Plus, rainwater is nutrient dense, and clean from chemicals used in tap water disinfection, which helps improve soil health. Collecting rainwater helps save money and reduce water usage, especially during times of drought.
Home Depot has an informative DIY Rain Barrel video that shows you step-by-step how to make a rain barrel by using a simple trash can and a few other items, click here to view it.
Photo by: The Family Handyman
Rain Gardens: Rain gardens are depressed areas in landscapes that collect rain water from roofs, driveways, or the street and allow it to properly soak into the ground. They are an effective way to prevent stormwater runoff by allowing for over 30 percent more water to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can also improve drainage on your property and reduce the risk of flooding. Their quick draining ability will also prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes from occurring.
By planting native, perennial plants in these sloped areas, you can create an inexpensive, and eco-friendly landscaping. Native perennials are well acclimated the growing conditions of the Delaware River Watershed, which means they require very little care, little synthetic fertilizers, and they come back every spring, which can save you money. By reducing fertilizer usage, you can spend less on maintenance and limit excess nutrients from contaminating waterways. Native plants also provide food and shelter to beneficial bees, birds, and other wildlife. It’s a perfect way to support native pollinators!
Here’s a list of native flowering plants that are both sustainable and beautiful for each state within the watershed, to help inspire your gardening:
For more information on how you can build your own rain garden, check out this link!
Other ways to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect waterways, that are a good to keep in mind include:
Photo By: Community Greening Project
Planter Boxes: Don’t have a yard to build an entire rain garden? Try a planter box instead. Planter boxes are the urban rain gardens! They collect and absorb runoff from sidewalks, parking lots, and are an ideal way to absorb runoff while adding an attractive streetscaping element in spaced-limited areas. For more information on planter boxes, click here.
Green Roofs: Green roofs are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation, and involve extra draining systems. The plants and substrate on these roofs help absorb rainwater and return it back to the atmosphere, reducing stormwater runoff. They can also decrease the temperature of cities in the hotter months and improve air quality. For more information on green roofs, click here.
Inspired by this article to start your own sustainable landscape? Let us know how you’re helping prevent stormwater runoff by posting it on social media and tagging us, and we’ll share it! (Twitter @DelRivCoalition Instagram @delrivcoalition)