A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that is planted with native vegetation and designed to capture and filter rainwater runoff from roofs, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces. By adding a rain garden onto a university campus, several environmental health benefits and factors can be achieved, including:
Reducing stormwater runoff: When it rains, water runs off impervious surfaces and can cause erosion, flooding, and pollution of nearby water bodies. Rain gardens capture and filter the runoff, allowing it to infiltrate into the ground and recharge the groundwater supply.
Improving water quality: As rainwater flows over impervious surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, and nutrients, which can harm aquatic life and human health. Rain gardens filter the runoff and remove these pollutants, improving water quality and protecting human and ecosystem health.
Supporting biodiversity: Rain gardens provide habitat for native plants and wildlife, which can help to support biodiversity and enhance the ecological function of the campus ecosystem.
Mitigating the urban heat island effect: Impervious surfaces absorb and radiate heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas. Rain gardens provide shade, cooling, and evapotranspiration, which can help to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve the microclimate of the campus.
Enhancing aesthetics: Rain gardens can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the visual appeal of the campus, providing a natural and attractive landscape feature.
Overall, adding a rain garden onto a university campus can help to promote sustainability, protect natural resources, and create a healthier and more resilient campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.