Stormwater Management: Project Profiles

The E.P.A. asked ASLA to collect case studies on projects that successfully and sustainably manage stormwater. More than 300 ASLA members responded with 479 case studies from 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Not only do these projects showcase landscape architecture, but they also demonstrate to policymakers the value of creating green infrastructure policies and investing in these approaches.

This streetscape project will demonstrate a sustainable, ecologically sound approach to reducing polluted stormwater runoff by incorporating low-impact storm water management design elements, such as porous brick pavers, rain gardens with native plantings, and curbside bioretention for capturing and treating runoff, on and adjacent to the historic Virginia State Capitol Square.

A rain garden is a method of storm water management to reduce erosion, flooding, and pollution associated with excessive amounts of runoff. Rain gardens provide an aesthetically pleasing way to reduce impact on the environment. Several rain gardens have been built throughout Delaware and the goal is to inspire more people to install these gardens.

Clean water is important to each of us as individuals, but water quality is also a regional concern. 10,000 Rain Gardens is a regional effort in Kansas City, MO, dedicated to educating citizens about what each of us does to improve water quality and manage stormwater on personal and community property. Educational site, with practical information on creating rain gardens. bioswales and other green infrastructure approaches.

Minneapolis-based Barr Engineering Company began working with the city of Burnsville, Minnesota, in early 2002 to develop a plan for improving the water quality of Crystal Lake by adding rainwater gardens to a 20-year-old neighborhood.

Chicago's Green Alley program is the latest in a long line of environmentally friendly initiatives put forth by Mayor Daley. A "Green Alley" is defined as an alley designed and constructed incorporating best management practices of environmentally sustainable design. Download the award-winning booklet.

Report evaluates the effects of rain gardens on water quality by studying five rain-garden sites in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

In 1996, Maplewood installed its first rain garden to help manage stormwater. Today the city has over 450 home rain gardens and over 30 rain gardens on city land. Includes several designs.

Information on rain gardens, waterways project, studies and reports, and area partners.

Includes practical information on building rain gardens, suitable plants for Ohio, pilot projects and more. Has excellent how-to manuals for homeowners.

Portland is a leader in using strategies that manage stormwater runoff, enhance community and neighborhood livability, and strengthen the local economy. Site includes planting plans and factsheets.

The SW 12th Avenue Green Street project, located adjacent to Portland State University in downtown Portland, is unique to Portland and the United States in the way the pedestrian zone of this street has been transformed to sustainably manage street stormwater runoff. As part of the City of Portland’s commitment to promote a more natural approach to urban stormwater management, this “green street” project converts the previously underutilized landscape area between the sidewalk and street

Education and advocacy group promotes permeable landscape as stormwater management tool, by replacing wide sidewalks with plantings and permeable pavement.

How to be Rain Wise: learn ways to slow it, spread it, filter it, and soak it in by selecting a solution based on runoff from your roof, paved, or yard areas.

SEA Street, a Seattle Public Utilities Natural Drainage Systems (NDS) project located in northwest Seattle. This prototype project, the first NDS project in Seattle, shows a range of unique drainage and street design innovations.

Bluegrass Rain Garden Alliance is a Kentucky-based initiative to support the need for rain gardens as stormwater management tools.