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Community Corner

Wilmette's Rain Garden Encourages Others to Grow

The village installed the system last week and hopes residents will follow suit.

On Saturday, May 21, a demonstration rain garden was installed on the grounds of Wilmette Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue. I stopped by to observe the installation, as did many Go Green Wilmette members. I was proud to see the community where I live working together in a very positive way. Volunteers of all ages were digging and planting.

You may be wondering why all the fuss and what is a rain garden, anyway. Patrick Meara, a member of the Wilmette Environmental ad Energy Commission, explains 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. This garden is the second component of a comprehensive initiative to help reduce Village flooding, eliminate sewer discharge, and limit storm water processing.

Be sure to look for the demonstration rain garden when you are near Wilmette Village Hall. The Falcon Group Sustainable Services donated their 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 Go Green Wilmette.

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This is the beginning of a neighborhood program to encourage rain garden installation on residential properties throughout the Village. Through partnership with the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the commission is looking for an initial 50 residents who will sign up to install rain gardens on their properties. With these commitments, CNT will look for 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.”

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If you are interested in joining this initiative or would like further information on rain garden resources, contact Rachael Randolph at: randolphr@wilmette.com or at 847.853.7519.

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