Rain to Roots

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

In the Clinton River, managing stormwater runoff is the biggest challenge facing the health of the river and Lake St. Clair. More than 55% of our watershed is covered in impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, roofs, driveways, and other developments. As rain events become more frequent and intense, stormwater runs off of these impervious surfaces directly into the storm drain and eventually into the Clinton River, bringing with it pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticides, heavy metals, salt, and more. Much of the watershed’s land is privately owned, meaning our freshwater relies on individual stewardship now more than ever.  

RAIN TO ROOTS

The Rain to Roots program is a suite of services available to watershed residents including at-home consultations, rain garden design services, and rain barrel installation. It also aims to educate residents about stormwater runoff impacts and individual solutions they can implement on their own property. 

RAIN TO ROOTS SERVICES

Staff from CRWC will visit your property and provide consultation about stormwater issues as well as how to capture stormwater for the health of our waterways.

Potential topics include:

• How a rain garden could effectively fit in your space and which plants may be the best fit.

• Which native plants we recommend if a rain garden is not suitable or advisable for the location.

• How to install rain barrels, the materials you will need, and the maintenance requirements for successful water capture.

• Suggestions for types of native trees, recommended placement in your yard, and best planting practices.

• Our team will provide you with notes after our consultation as well as resources for project installation, including recommended contractors.