A rain garden is a garden planted in a depression in the ground, typically on a natural slope. A rain garden contains native plant species and serves the purposes of water filtration and storage, flood and erosion control, and habitat for wildlife. Compared to a wetland that is wet all times or seasonally wet, a rain garden is dry most of the time and only holds water after rainfall. The garden absorbs and soaks up stormwater runoff that flows from buildings, rooftops, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and lawns.

Rainwater from water-resistant surfaces collects pollutants like dirt, fertilizer, chemicals, oil, garbage, and bacteria as it flows. Rain gardens can absorb the pollutants and water from these sources of runoff. If the flow of the polluted runoff is not stopped by a rain garden, it will go directly into nearby streams and ponds, causing them to become polluted. The increased flow can also cause them to become flooded which can lead to damaged homes, injuries, and potential deaths.

Rain gardens can remove upwards of 90% of nutrients and chemicals from runoff and absorb 30% more water than a normal lawn. The water is slowly absorbed into the soil of the rain garden, eventually reaching and refilling groundwater aquifers. As the water is absorbed, it is filtered by the plants in the garden.

• wooded, dominated by shrubs and trees

• dominated by grasses

• soft, spongy grounds made of decayed plant matter (peat)

During periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, wetlands absorb and slow waters. This limits the effects of flooding, preventing the waterlogging of crops and potentially saving lives. Slowing and storing water also reduces erosion and the damage it causes.

Plants, fungi, and algae in wetlands filter and absorb extra nutrients (fertilizers, etc.), sediments, and other pollutants. This protects rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.

Wetlands are popular places for hunting, hiking, canoeing, bird-watching, and other outdoor recreational activities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that Americans spend more than 100 billion dollars on wetland-related activities every year. Over 75% of the fish and shellfish (like crabs) that are commercially harvested are connected to wetlands.

Wetlands are one of the most important habitat types on earth. They provide food, water, and shelter for adult and baby animals of all kinds.

Birds use wetlands for feeding, breeding, and as a place to rest and refuel during migrations.

Dead plant material breaks down in the water and forms detritus, or very tiny pieces of organic material. The detritus feeds small aquatic insects and fish that are food for larger fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

Wetlands serve as nurseries for amphibians and dragonflies as well as fish and crabs. These animals spend the beginning of their lives in the shallow waters of wetlands before venturing out onto land or deeper waters. To read more about the life cycle of frogs and the importance of water to it, CLICK HERE.