Native LandscapEs
Rain gardens are another method of collecting runoff from properties. However, in this case it allows the water to infiltrate into the ground. This allows for groundwater replenishment and for filtration of the water before it reaches the creek. There are many different methods and techniques to building a rain garden. Rain gardens and bioretention basins can also add significant property value to your home, while providing aesthetic natural beauty.
Check out the plant list below to find which native plants work the best for rain gardens and bioretention areas.
Infiltration trenches & swales
An infiltration trench and swales are areas of catchment used to infiltrate excess stormwater runoff into the soil. This specific best management practice (BMP) is designed to effectively remove polluting agents from stormwater runoff, while recharging ground water aquifers. Because of the karst topography and prevalence of natural springs in the Kiefer Creek Watershed, it’s imperative to maintain a groundwater supply that’s free from pollutants. Infiltration trenches can often be paired with swales for maximum water quality infiltration. When properly planted, native vegetation can thrive in catchment areas. The deep-rooted systems of native plants not only take up nutrients, but they also allow for water to permeate the soil easier than non-native vegetation.
Infiltration trenches and swales are designed to filter and slow stormwater, usually along roadways, sidewalks, or driveways. They require a permeable soil type and, some cases, an underdrain system to carry excess overflow to a designated disposal site. The swale should be designed linear to a road, sidewalk, or parking lot and can be covered by grass, meadow grasses, or native plants with a deep-rooted system.
Infiltration trenches and swales with pipe installation will require a site assessment and prior to and after design and implementation.
Check out the plant list below for ideas on which native plantings would be best to use for infiltration basins and dry swales.
wetlands & wet ponds
Wet ponds and wetlands are ideal retention basins in areas where stormwater runoff can be permanently stored. Stormwater wetlands, or constructed wetlands, and wet ponds are very similar in design that incorporate hydrophilic vegetation that is adapted to water or a waterlogged environment to uptake various polluting agents in stormwater runoff. Wetlands and wet ponds retain stormwater runoff during a heavy precipitation event, and removes pollutants through biological uptake. Not only do wet ponds and wetlands provide a practical way to treat stormwater runoff, but they also provide habitat for native wildlife, while adding property value and aesthetic benefits to your yard.
Listed below are a variety of plants found suitable for constructed wetlands and wet ponds.
Ponds & Wetland Edges, streambanks
This area is characterized by having consistently moist soil, however not being totally submerged or saturated with water. Hydrophylic vegetation with deep rooted system to ensure bank stability would be best suited for pond edges and stream banks. The transition area between open water and streambank or pond edge can be highly erosive, therefore it's important to plant native vegetation in this area to eliminate erosion as much as possible.
Listed below are a variety of plants that are found suitable for pond edges and stream banks.
Sand and Organic filters
Sand and organic filters are used in congruence with a water treatment system to remove sediment, metals, and various pollutants. Sand filters are extremely adaptable and can be designed and installed in almost any environment. Sand and organic filters are extremely effective in reducing excess sediment loads, biochemical organic oxygen load, and fecal coliform bacteria. Sand and organic filtration should be used in areas of high bacteria concentrations and heavy sedimentation.
Listed below are a variety of plants that are found suitable for sand and organic filters.