Rain Gardens & Buffers
Rain Gardens and Pollinator Gardens featuring Native Plants
FRWA works throughout the Farmington River Watershed to install rain gardens and pollinator gardens to reduce stormwater pollution. Check out our recent garden installations at Keney Park, Windsor; Page Park, Bristol; Rockwell Park, Bristol; Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted; and Winsted.
Environmental Reasons for Rain Gardens and Planting Native Plants
- Reduce the amount of pollutants that wash into lakes, streams, ponds and wetlands.
- Help sustain adequate stream flow during dry spells through infiltration and recharge.
- Enhance the beauty of your yard and the neighborhood.
- Help protect communities from flooding and drainage problems.
- Reduce the need for costly municipal stormwater treatment structures.
- Provide wildlife habitat.
View the Rain Garden Native Plants document for FRWA’s favorite native plants.
Vegetated Streamside Buffers
Maintaining vegetation along streams and rivers provides a buffer which can reduce stormwater pollution by absorbing contaminants before they enter the waterway. Buffers also provide stabilization to banks and help prevent erosion. FRWA has worked to plant buffers throughout the watershed, with the most recent buffer planting done along the Still River at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted.
Other rain capturing activities
- Use a downspout disconnect kit on your gutters to divert water from your roof to a rain garden.
- Install a rain barrel to collect water from your roof.
Visit River Smart for more information on what you can do at home.