Rain Garden at Turner Hall

Designation

Dedicated by Grounds, Illinois State University

Donor

N/A

Identification Plaque

This is a Rain Garden A rain garden is designed to improve storm water runoff quality and also aids in the reduction of runoff volume that can cause erosion. The planted depression assists in the filtration and pollutants that are found in the runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, and walkways, as well as compacted lawn areas. Rain gardens can reduce the amount of pollutants reaching viable water sources up to 30%.

Description

In the fall of 2009, the University installed its first rain garden. Rain gardens are landscape features that are designed with stormwater retention as a primary goal. These gardens use different media such as rocks and mulch to reduce erosion and increase water absorption. Plants are selected that can withstand saturated soils and higher concentrations of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus which are common contaminants of stormwater runoff.

Reference Sources

• Illinois State University, “2010 Founder’s Day Program” (2010). Founding Celebration. 27. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/founding/27