Serving the Vermont Champlain Valley Area for 45 Years
Tuesday June 25, 2013 Edition
Main Sections
Front Page SportsValley VitalsIt's in the StarsStarwiseArchivesLinksAbout The VoiceContact Us







Rain Garden Is More Than a Labor of Love

New Rain Garden shows low tech way of addressing storm water while beautifying the riverfront.
photo provided
New Rain Garden shows low tech way of addressing storm water while beautifying the riverfront.

photo provided

photo provided

Tuesday June 25, 2013

What was once a barren wash on the grounds of the Marble Works Complex was transformed by caring volunteers and members of the River Front Committee into a Rain Garden in one day. Amidst the sunshine, planting and camaraderie of those assembled; there was a distinct purpose and plan. While adding Butterfly Weed, Fox Sedge, Dogwod, Irises, Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Coneflower, Cardinal Flower, Switch Grass, Little Bluestem and even some Red Twig Dogwood, the Rain garden is actually more than just a compilation of water loving plants. Volunteer Ethan Swift from the Agency of Natural Resources explained, “ this is a low tech way of addressing storm water run off,” and is part of the River Front Development plan.

A project several years in the making, the idea was born in 2007 when the town identified fixing up the riverfront as a high priority. Coming into fruition in the coming months, the project represents the efforts of not only the town, but many other organizations and individuals. While the story on that will be forthcoming, this sunny Vermont day was dedicated to a corner of the property bordering the river and a project embraced by those there and those that will benefit from its beauty and functionality. Funded in part by generous grants from the Otter Creek Natural Resources Conservation district and the Let it Rain Storm water Program, the garden is in and soon to be growing and blooming, just like the planning, caring and commitment of those there to plant it.


 Printer Friendly  Top
Advertisements


Search our Archives


· More Options



   

Agricultural Weather Forecast:

© 2006-18 The Valley Voice • 656 Exchange St., Middlebury, VT 05753 • 802-388-6366 • 802-388-6368 (fax)
Valleywides: [email protected] • Classifieds: [email protected] • Info: [email protected]