Transforming Communities through Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Southeast Michigan’s urbanized landscape features impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt that cover 55% of the Clinton River watershed. Rainwater flows over paved surfaces and collects pollutants such as fertilizers, road salt, and oil, which eventually enter the region’s waterways. This runoff, called stormwater, degrades water quality and overwhelms combined sewer systems.

By intercepting stormwater at its source with green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) tools like native plants, rain barrels and rain gardens, we can prevent runoff from entering storm sewer systems, which improves water quality, reduces flood risks, and supports pollinator habitats with native vegetation.

There are more than 600 Michigan native plants including wildflowers, grasses, ferns, trees, ground covers, shrubs, evergreens, and vines. Some of these species have root systems that extend up to 15 feet or more underground. This allows the plant to be more successful at searching out water and to hold soil particles in place, preventing erosion and stormwater damage.

Rain barrels also help reduce the demand on municipal water supplies, especially during dry seasons, by collecting and storing rainwater for later use. By capturing rainwater that would otherwise run off into storm drains, rain barrels mitigate the risk of flooding and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. 

Working like a natural forest by capturing and filtering runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other hard surfaces, rain gardens are a proven way of using landscaping to reduce flooding, clean waterways and protect natural habitats. Rain gardens also improve air quality and provide habitat for bees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Friends of the Rouge, the Huron River Watershed Council and CRWC are working together as the Rain Catchers Collective to equip residents and municipalities with the tools to implement GSI. Visit our website to learn more about the Rain Catchers Collective and how you can help.