The Eight Little-Known Benefits of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a fancy phrase for natural solutions that mimic nature. GSI can resolve flooding and water pollution issues, while improving your property, wellbeing, and the environment. Examples of GSI include rain gardens, native trees, and rain barrels.
Rain gardens, native trees, and rain barrels address pooling on your property by directing large amounts of water away from your home’s foundation and impermeable surfaces (hard surfaces that water cannot penetrate through).
At CRWC, we provide GSI site assessment and installation services through the Rain to Roots and RainSmart Rebates, and here are just a few benefits of GSI that are often overlooked.
Reduce pooling. Use leftover dirt from the installation of your rain garden to regrade low spots in your yard or along your house.
Create a sense of place. Watch your property grow and thrive with curious and hungry native birds, butterflies, and bees! In addition, attract species you might not see on a regular basis, creating an oasis on your property.
Get kids involved. Rain gardens can be used as a play area since many native plants have different smells, textures and specialties that make them suitable for learning (for example, rattlesnake master and beebalm)! They also attract a variety of bugs, connecting younger generations with their five senses (fireflies, worms, smooth black beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, etc.).
Save on bills. If you have a substantial amount of sun hitting your house, native trees are an efficient way to shade your home, reducing energy usage. Rain barrels collect free water during rain eventsthat you can use to maintain your garden, grass, or to wash your car and even wipe down patio sets!
Gain natural privacy. Add to your landscaping and enhance your property’s privacy by planting native trees.
Improve air and water quality. When you plant native trees, you help clean and filter air near you! Rain gardens deep rooted native plants help filter pollutants, improving water quality.
Decrease erosion. Rain barrels capture stormwater from your gutters, eliminating pooling near gutter outlets, which reduces erosion.
Learn about the history of the land and native species. Connect with your property through prior land use practices and know that whether you’re pruning flowers, weeding, collecting rainwater, or trimming trees, you're engaging with the natural world and becoming an environmental steward!
There are many free resources about GSI projects and how to implement them on CRWC’s website. The Master Rain Gardener course hosted by Susan Bryan and Kate Laramie provides free online webinars to teach you everything you need to know about rain gardens!
If you’re in Center Line, Sterling Heights, or Warren, look into our Rain to Roots program, sponsored by DTE Foundation. You’ll receive a FREE site assessment to help you figure out which project may be right for you.
If you’re in Oakland County, look into the RainSmart Rebates program which offers rebates to homeowners for implementing sustainable stormwater practices. Although applications are closed for 2026, check back next year for 2027 applications.
FAQS
What is green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)?
GSI uses natural solutions that mimic nature to resolve flooding and water pollution issues. Examples of GSI include rain gardens, native trees, and rain barrels.
Where can I go to learn more about GSI?
Visit CRWC’s website for free resources about GSI projects and how to implement them.
Can someone help me figure out which GSI projects are best for my property and help me install them?
Center Line, Sterling Heights, or Warren residents are eligible for our Rain to Roots program, sponsored by DTE Foundation, which includes a FREE assessment.
Oakland County residents may be eligible for the RainSmart Rebates program which offers rebates to homeowners for implementing sustainable stormwater practices. Applications are closed for 2026, but check back next year for 2027 applications.