We are thrilled to continue with more rain garden installations this year thanks to grant funding and support from the City of Bristol. But we need volunteers to help complete the final step of the rain garden process!
Join us to May 8, 9, 10, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm to volunteer and to learn about rain gardens, native plant species, and more. Bring trowels, shovels, work gloves, sunblock, water, and your spirit of river stewardship!
Location: Page Park (off of King Street, directly across from Bristol Eastern High School) turn at the light into Page Park then park at the Playground on the left.
Register: Please contact us at 860-658-4442 ex 201 or by email to register by Monday, May 6.
Why a Rain Garden?
The Problem: The Pequabuck River in Bristol, a tributary of the Farmington River, provides a habitat for wildlife and many aesthetic and recreational opportunities. However, it faces environmental challenges from polluted stormwater runoff. Polluted runoff is caused by rain and other precipitation that does not directly infiltrate into the soil. With increased artificial impervious surfaces, such as roadways, parking lots, and rooftops, stormwater runoff increases, carrying toxic pollutants with it. These include oil and antifreeze from vehicles, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, trash, bacteria from pet waste, hazardous waste, and more.
The Solution: One of the best ways to help address the problem of non-point source pollution is to use green infrastructure. By encouraging the use of stormwater as a resource to enhance landscape features such as lawns and rain gardens, stormwater can be diverted away from homes and buildings, thus potentially reducing basement flooding and water pooling while improving the water quality in streams and the Pequabuck River. Rain gardens are planted depressions that collect and infiltrate rainwater runoff from impervious areas allowing for the runoff to be absorbed and thus prevent it from being carried into a nearby waterway. The plantings are of native plant species and provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and songbirds.
And there’s more! Right across the road from Page Park we are supporting a rain garden installation at Bristol Eastern High School in partnership with friends at the Pequabuck River Watershed Association! Not only is this an excellent learning opportunity for the high school students, but it augments stormwater pollution reduction in the Pequabuck, and ultimately the Farmington River.
