Or is there that one spot that is just always squishy? It doesn't have to be that way! In fact, rain water should naturally soak into the ground relatively quickly. Re-imagining your yard to fit seamlessly into the eco-management of stormwater will help clean our aquifers (where our drinking water comes from), slow the rate of runoff (which drags soil and nutrients with it) into rivers and lakes and reduce the amount of water that storm sewers must carry (thereby mitigating flooding). Here are some ways to shift the tide!
Plants are NOT just Pretty Decoration
Native plants actually have super powers! Their roots reach deep into the ground, performing all kinds of ecosystem services every day. They need water themselves and so they will drink up rainfall. Since the roots drive so deep into the ground, they break up the soil, making it more porous and capable of absorbing water like a sponge.
These roots also help keep that soil in place rather than washing away in the runoff. The graphic below shows the dramatic difference between turf grass roots (on the far left) and a selection of our native plants. Some native plant roots can reach an amazing 15 FEET deep! Talk about sequestering carbon!
Steering the Flow
Storm water runoff can be intentionally directed to where these native plant superheros are ready to get to work. Grading the soil and impermeable surfaces like driveways or sidewalks, even downspouts off the roof, towards a bed of such plants will direct the flow right to them - that's how you create a rain garden!
All the pollutants collecting in that water will be "processed" by the roots and soil on its way down to refilling the aquifers that then supply our drinking water wells. Sewers can't do that!
The Basics
What should you plant in a rain garden? As with any garden, this will depend on the location - sun or shade, soil type and your own preferences on tall or short, what color, and growing style. The common trait of all of them - choose native plants! They are best at utilizing the water and nutrients available in their native ecosystems, plus they provide exactly the right food and shelter for native species of pollinators. HERE are some great options!
When choosing a location, be sure to stay at least 10 feet from a house foundation. A good rule of thumb for size is an area about 20% of the size of the area draining into it.
Creating a longer than wide shape positioned perpendicular to the slope draining into it will maximize the rainfall catch.
The Illinois Landscape Contractor's Association (ILCA) has created a small-scale rain garden guide that can help you navigate some installation decision making.
What about where you CAN'T put a rain garden?
Some areas just aren't right for a rain garden. But you can still help keep the storm water out of the sewer system. Collect it in a rain barrel! Then you have free water with which to hydrate plants all over your garden when it's not raining! One 65 gallon rain barrel can save around 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. You can link multiple barrels together for even greater capacity.
REBATES are available on Rain Barrel purchases
for the Village of Barrington and the Village of Barrington Hills!
Click on your village below for more details
Earth Day Plant Nursery
@ BHS Greenhouse
BACT joined Barrington High School's Enviro Science classes in the newly remodeled greenhouse to start 1,000 native prairie plants in preparation for the Earth Day 2023 Celebration at Pederson Preserve!
Cardinal flower, pale purple coneflower and butterfly weed plugs were nestled into growing pots were they will develop into sturdy seedlings that will add dynamic splashes of color to the Pederson prairie.
BACT Trustees Dick Lamkey and Charlie Keppel working quality control!
The new greenhouse amenities, including climate control, grow lights and irrigation systems will set these seedlings on the road to success!
Thank you to Barrington High School, Barrington Community Unit 220 School District and the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation, along with the Barrington community for making this greenhouse renovation a realty and partnering with BACT on this project!
In The News
Barrington Area Conservation Trust’s partnership leads to success
Horizon Farm Preserve officially opens to the Public
BARRINGTON, IL
February 28, 2023
Barrington Area Conservation Trust (BACT), a charitable organization that preserves Barrington Area’s rare and exceptional open spaces for current and future generations, has been working with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC), The Conservation Foundation (TCF) and other stakeholders to negotiate a Conservation Easement Agreement for the Horizon Farm preserve.
“BACT has demonstrated its ability to professionally administer Conservation Easement agreements, as it has been involved with Horizon Farms since 2002. These agreements, known as "Conservation Easements," run with the land, and remain in force regardless of who owns the property, including municipal entities,” said BACT Board Vice President Matthew Wilkens.
This agreement expands the natural areas and preserves the open space and equestrian character of the preserve. BACT, FPDCC and TCF have had a productive working relationship throughout this process. The Horizon Farm preserve is now open to the public, as announced by FPDCC.
Illinois Landscape Contractors Association Award Winner!
BACT Trustee Charlie Keppel was awarded Person of the Year at the 2023 iLandscape - the Illinois + Wisconsin Landscape Show!
Charlie joined the BACT Board of Trustees in December of 2022, but he has been an active supporter of the BACT mission in the Barrington Area since 2007.
We agree - Charlie is a superstar!
Congratulations!
Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act
Bipartisan legislation to promote the use of native plants was signed into law as part of the fiscal 2023 government funding package. “Native plants play a vital role in protecting our shared public lands. Bringing more native plants back will help us combat invasive species, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and adapt to the looming threat of climate change,” said Senator Maria Cantwell (WA).
Per Congress.gov, "This bill establishes a pilot program for native plant species and a study on the cost-effectiveness of using native plant materials to carry out land management activities on federal lands.
The National Park Service (NPS) shall establish a pilot program in at least two NPS regions to promote the use of native plant materials.
The NPS shall conduct a study to determine the cost-effectiveness of using native plant materials in land management activities on federal lands under the jurisdiction of the NPS or other federal land management agencies."
What's next in our Podcast series?
Visit our website Library!
Our most recent episode: “Surprise - That's an Invader!”. Invasive plants species - some you know and some you may not! What's the big deal anyway? Joining us is Lydia Scott, Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) at the Morton Arboretum, to tell us about what plants they have evicted from their grounds.
Check out our YouTube channel for companion videos to our podcast series.
These podcasts and videos are made possible through funding by the Barrington Area Community Foundation. Thank you, BACF!
Get Involved!
Established in 1999 to highlight the responsible development, management and use of groundwater. Check out Barrington Area Council of Governments' (BACOG) groundwater resources. The Barrington area is almost entirely reliant on the shallow aquifer system for all its water needs!
