Create a Rain Garden
Installing rain gardens can help prevent local flooding and water pollution while creating valuable plant and wildlife habitat in the process! A rain garden works by collecting stormwater runoff from a roof, driveway, or parking lot that would otherwise flow to the street or storm drain. The water temporarily ponds on the surface of the garden and then slowly filters through the soil. The garden is planted with a mix of hearty native plants that can withstand brief periods of standing water yet be able to tolerate extended periods of dryness. These plants filter out pollutants and support wildlife. Often spots that may work for a rain garden are also good locations for a rain barrel project!

Before You Start
- Overview: Project Planning Basics
- Overview: School Grounds Site Assessment
- Test Your Soil to See if a Rain Garden Will Work
Design and Preparation
- Overview: Project Design Basics
- Estimate Roof Top Area & Surface Area
- Mark the Area & Check Utilities
- Calculate Excess Fill, Sand, Mulch, Stone
- Gather Needed Tools
- Watch Rain Garden “How-To” Videos!
Implementation
- Overview: Project Implementation Basics
- 12 Steps of Rain Garden Construction
- Planting Your Rain Garden:
- Watch Rain Garden “How-To” Videos!
- Download a Free Rain Garden “How To” App!
Maintenance
Using Your Project
- Overview: Using Your Project
- Water Quality: Lessons & Activities
- Water Quality Monitoring: Lessons & Opportunities
- Eco School Sustainability Pathways Lessons & Resources
- Eco School National Standards & Curriculum Alignment
- Project Learning Tree Curriculum Offerings
- Eco Schools Green STEM Initiative