Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable Infrastructure. Parking Lot 32. , What is a rain garden? , A rain garden is a shallow basin planted with deep-rooted native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs that filter and absorb stormwater runoff and the pollutants it carries. Their extensive root systems filter stormwater runoff by removing nutrients, sediments and pollutants before it enters our groundwater and waterways. , , Why plant natives? , Native plants are those that were here prior to European settlement. They are well adapted to local conditions and require very little care once established. In addition to helping prevent erosion and improve water quality, native plants provide essential food and habitat for local wildlife. Their seeds and nectar provide a valuable food source for birds, butterflies, and other insects. , , Why permeable pavements? , Permeable pavements provide a solid surface similar to conventional pavements while allowing stormwater to infiltrate through the surface to reach the underlying soil. The benefits of permeable pavements include a significant reduction in stormwater runoff to the sewer system, thereby reducing the amount of water sent to the local wastewater treatment plant. Permeable pavements provide additional environmental benefits by cleaning stormwater runoff through natural biological processes while promoting groundwater recharge.