Chapter Meeting – Wednesday April 2, 2025

Rain Gardens and Bioswales: Nature-based solutions for water quality and flood mitigation

Description:

An unfortunate effect of urbanization is the increase in impervious ground cover, including roads and parking lots which prevent water from soaking into the ground. Instead, water is either whisked away through hard drains or enters streams with high flow rates, causing increased erosion and streambank deterioration. Water quality also deteriorates as most pollutants are carried into surface water bodies. Fortunately, there are better, more effective ways to managing storm water and water quality: nature-based solutions such as rain gardens and bioswales. In this presentation, we will learn about nature-based solutions that can be integrated into urbanized areas to mitigate the impact of increased impervious zones on streams and creeks, including how to design and maintain them, and monitor performance. Understanding these solutions is not just helpful for our Master Naturalist projects, but also important for our work educating the public. Once you learn more about rain gardens and bioswales, you’ll never look at a parking lot or roadside the same way again!

Or join us for a viewing party in south Dallas at Mountain View College, Building W, Room 282. (Mountain View Campus map).

Or join us for a viewing party in east Dallas at Eastfield College,  Building C, Room 324 (Eastfield Campus map)