Rain Gardens in Washtenaw

Get help designing a rain garden for your property with the Washtenaw County Rain Garden Assistance Program. Or, train to teach others about the benefits of rain gardens by becoming a Master Rain Gardener.

What are Rain Gardens?

Rain gardens capture stormwater runoff before it pollutes our local rivers - while providing beautiful gardenscapes throughout the growing season.

When it rains, a rain garden captures the runoff from a roof or driveway. One inch of rainfall means 600 gallons of water will be captured by a typical rain garden. This is water that won't go to municipal pipes, won't add pollution to the river, and won't contribute to flooding. This water will recharge the groundwater. But before it does, it keeps the garden looking green and lush.

Rain Garden Design Assistance Program

harry and francine The Office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner and staff work with several homeowners each year to design and install rain gardens on their property. The result is residents all over the county are happy with their new gardens, while the Huron River receives less fertilizers, chemicals and other harmful runoff. The rain gardens planted through this program are capable of capturing 25,000 gallons of water - an inch of rainfall.

Master Rain Gardener Program

Master Rain Gardeners are volunteers who have earned their Master Rain Gardener certificate. They help out friends and neighbors to learn about, design and install rain gardens. Recognize them by the raindrops hanging from their Master Rain Gardener nametags!

How Can I Participate?

"The Washtenaw County Water Resources people were great ... For me, it was an easy choice ... an opportunity to experiment with a new way of gardening and help the environment." - Fran Alexander, Avid Gardener & Allen Creekshed resident
Install a rain garden in your yard, with our help. A stormwater rate credit is available for gardens constructed within the City of Ann Arbor.
Train as a Master Rain Gardener, and become a volunteer resource for your neighborhood.
If you’re interested in getting help with the design and implementation of a rain garden, or would like to learn more about this effort and how you can become involved, contact our Rain Gardens Coordinator, Susan Bryan at bryans@ewashtenaw.org or 734-730-9025.

Resources

See where rain gardens installed through the WCWRC office are located: Map of rain garden locations throughout Washtenaw County
Our Sample rain garden design page has examples of gardens in varying soil and light conditions.
See the Master Gardener Hall of Fame.

Program History

Washtenaw County’s Rain Garden Program began in 2005 with grant funding. Environmental Manager Harry Sheehan has worked with homeowners to plan, design, and install over 70 rain gardens. Today, the program continues to assist homeowners in creating and installing rain gardens on their property.