Putting Down Roots: Rain Gardens in Residential Settings March 30, 2009

---

Please note: Registration is required as capacity is limited. Details are below, including location and parking information, but please do not show up without registering via the arrow/button above. During registration you will be referred to as a "Ticket Buyer"; rest assured this workshop is free. If you must cancel, please email ksolas[at]fmr.org.
--------------------------
The natural beauty and practical benefit of a raingarden make it an increasingly popular choice for home landscapers who want to do their part to improve water quality, and many residents seek resources on how to add these lovely features to their yards, schools, and businesses.This program features an engaging presentation by landscape ecologist Shawn Tracy from the Ramsey Conservation District. Shawn will describe what a raingarden is, how to build one, and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands.The workshop will take a how-to approach, giving participants information about where a raingarden should be placed, soil preparation, plant selection and other nuances of raingarden construction. Printed materials about raingardens will also be provided for participants.
Many people do not realize that rain carries
pollutants from our yards, streets, sidewalks and parking lots to the
nearest storm drain which leads directly to local lakes, streams and
ultimately the Mississippi River. Raingardens are designed with a
center depression to help rainwater seep into the soil. This
infiltration helps recharge groundwater supply and protects water
quality by reducing polluted runoff in the urban landscape. Raingardens
can also feature hardy native plant species that thrive without
fertilizers and pesticides.
WHERE TO GO, PARK
The Linwood Community Center is located at 860 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul, where Victoria meets St. Clair. Please see the Google map to the right. (Note: The green map "pin" is actually just to the east of the building you'll be in the center is where Victoria meets St. Clair.) Parking is available in the lot in front of the center, with an additional overflow lot located at the north end of the park along Deubener Place. Some on-street parking is also available on St. Clair and surrounding streets, but take care to mind "permit-only" parking signs/zones.
WHO IS ORGANIZING THIS EVENT?
Friends of the Mississippi River is hosting this event with the support of program partners Ramsey Conservation District, Capitol Region Watershed District, and Summit Hill Association's Environment Committee!
Additional information is available at: www.fmr.org www.ramseyconservation.org www.capitolregionwd.org www.summithillassociation.org

If you have questions about the workshop itself, please contact Karen Solas, FMR Stewardship Coordinator, ksolas[at]fmr.org.


Organized by Friends of the Mississippi River
Friends of the Mississippi River is a leading citizen organization working to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities area. Additional information, including an up-to-date event calendar, is available at http://www.fmr.org.

---

Ticket Info:  Raingarden Workshop, Free

Official Website: http://raingardenworkshop-upcoming.eventbrite.com