“Build Your Own Rain Garden” at the Yorkville Public Library

The following release was issued by the Yorkville Public Library:

The Yorkville Public Library will be hosting a program entitled: “Build your own rain garden” presented by John Church and Jim Kleinwachter of the Conservation Foundation on Thursday, June 6 at 7:00 pm.  

Did you know that nearly 60% of the water falling on turf grass washes off your lawn?  Our driveways, streets and parking lots waste 100%.  Rainwater is a precious resource that should be protected and preserved.

Rain gardens are one way to trap rain and allow it to be absorbed by plants and slowly return it to the ground.  Too much of our precious water is currently being swept away in the storm sewer system, and flushed into our rivers, carrying with it dirt and pollutants. 

Rain gardens are simply shallow depressions that are planted with wetland or wet prairie wildflowers and grasses.  The native wet-loving plants utilize the water, filtering it and return much of the water to the aquifers.  Planting rain gardens also help beautify our yards and helps turn low, wet areas into functioning landscapes.  The plantings will create great habitat for birds and butterflies too!

In addition to learning about the advantages of building a rain garden, John and Jim will also be discussing the Conservation@Home program.  This program encourages and recognizes property owners that protect and/or create yards that are environmentally friendly and conserve water. 

Participants will also learn about the many benefits of installing a rain barrel at your home.  For instance, rain barrels collect and hold rainwater from rooftops which can be used for watering lawns and gardens.  Water collected in rain barrels is kept from flowing over paved surfaces, picking up pollutants, entering a storm drain, and eventually discharging into local waterways.

The Conservation Foundation is currently working with local municipalities, community groups, and volunteers on several demonstration rain gardens, including our community, as a part of their Kendall County Rain Garden Initiative.

The Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment in Northeastern Illinois.  Established in 1972, they work closely with citizens, elected officials, developers, land-use planners, park districts and forest preserves.  They have helped protect more than 30,000 acres of open space.  The Conservation Foundation has more than 4,500 donors and members, and 500 volunteers.  For more information about the Conservation Foundation, visit them at www.theconservationfoundation.org . 

For more information about this program or special accommodations, call the library at (630) 553-4354 or visit them at www.yorkville.lib.il.us .