Green Venture, along with various community partners and neighbours has installed 7 gardens along Barton St in recent years and in Fall 2024, a new rain garden is coming to Westinghouse! This green space will be teeming with colourful flowers, lush greenery and it will play a crucial role in managing stormwater, reducing flooding, and improving water quality.
What is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a thoughtfully designed, shallow depression planted with native vegetation. Its primary purpose is to absorb rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, and streets. Rain gardens help to filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and recharge groundwater supplies, making them an essential component of sustainable urban landscapes.
The Westinghouse Rain Garden Initiative
Green Venture, a non-profit organisation committed to environmental sustainability, is spearheading the installation of a new rain garden at Westinghouse. This project is not just about enhancing the beauty of the area but also about promoting ecological health and resilience.
Before
Before
The rain garden at Westinghouse will serve multiple purposes:
- Stormwater Management: By capturing and filtering runoff, the garden will help mitigate flooding and reduce the burden on local sewer systems.
- Biodiversity: Native plants will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Community Engagement: This project is a hands-on opportunity for residents to get involved in environmental stewardship.
How You Can Get Involved
The success of this rain garden relies heavily on community participation. Here’s how you can join the effort:
- Planning Workshops: Attend our planning workshops where you can learn about the benefits of rain gardens, the types of plants we’ll be using, and the overall design process. Your input is valuable in shaping a garden that reflects the community’s needs and preferences. The first planning workshop will take place on Saturday June 15th, 10am-12pm at Woodlands Park. Learn about the project and let us know your vision for the space. This planning workshop is also a community plant swap so bring indoor plants to trade and meet fellow green thumbs.
- Planting Event: Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by joining us for planting day. Connect with neighbours, learn gardening skills, and contribute to a lasting environmental legacy.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Help us ensure the rain garden thrives by volunteering for maintenance activities such as weeding, mulching, and monitoring plant health.
Planting Day Details:
- Thursday September 5th, 5:30-7:30 pm followed by refreshments at Westinghouse.
- Rain Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Join Us in Making a Difference
The new rain garden at Westinghouse is more than just a green space; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve together. By participating in the planning and planting phases, you are helping to create a sustainable future for our community. Let’s come together to nurture our environment and leave a positive impact for generations to come.
