The Wilmette Environmental and Energy Commission today announced a comprehensive rain garden initiative to help reduce Village flooding, eliminate sewer discharge, and limit storm water processing. The initiative will kick off Saturday, May 14 with a 2:00 p.m. presentation in the Wilmette Public Library auditorium, entitled “Rain Gardens 101”.
The May 14 event will outline the value residents can expect from rain garden installation on their properties, which will be presented by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), a Chicago-based nonprofit and leader in promoting urban sustainability. In addition, non-profit Rain Down the Harvest founder and environmental scientist Anya Kirykowicz will offer residents practical rain garden planning, planting and installation tips.
A second component of the Commission’s initiative is the installation of a demonstration rain garden to be planted on the Wilmette Village Hall grounds located at 1200 Wilmette Avenue. Kirykowicz, who is co-owner of Falcon Group Sustainable Services, has donated her services to implement this project, which was made possible through grants from the Illinois Conservation Foundation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local environmental organization, Go Green Wilmette. Residents will be able to view the finished garden which will be planted with native wetland and wet prairie plants on May 21.
The local rain garden initiative begins with this event and the rollout of a neighborhood program to encourage rain garden installation on residential properties throughout the Village. Through partnership with CNT, the Commission hopes an initial 50 residents will sign up to install rain gardens on their properties. With these commitments, CNT will seek funding for their ongoing participation.
Chris Dunn, Chairman of the Wilmette Environment and Energy Commission said, ”Our hope is that these initial installations will be noticed and even showcased in neighborhoods, ultimately encouraging others to plant rain gardens.” He explained that individual residents may choose to utilize their own landscape architects to plant a rain garden on their property or utilize lower cost resources made possible by the CNT and other volunteers.
Commission Member Patrick Meara explained that rain gardens are one key component of storm water reduction efforts. In addition, he said the use of rain barrels and properly placed downspouts are also crucial.
Individuals interested in joining this initiative or desiring further information on rain garden resources should contact Rachael Randolph at randolphr@wilmette.com at 847-853-7519.
