Rain Gardens for Wauwatosa and June 11, 2008 Rain Garden Fair
Click here to be directed to our Projects Page and more information about these programs.
Lake Michigan Rain Garden Initiative Program
Native Wildflowers - $1.80 Each
Groups or individuals who reside in any community served by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) can now apply for reduced-cost plants to help increase the number of rain gardens in the area. Rain gardens help protect the health of our rivers and Lake Michigan by capturing storm water and draining it into the ground instead of allowing it to flow into sewers or become polluted runoff.
Rain gardens are nature’s way of helping to correct man-made problems like sewer overflows and polluted runoff. We’re spending a ton of money to reduce sewer overflows. If we really want to improve our rivers and lakes, we need to do something to reduce the amount of storm water pollution that flows into waterways every time it rains.
Above and beyond the water quality benefits, rain gardens add beauty to neighborhoods and they attract birds, butterflies, and wildlife. More than 50 species of native plants that have deep roots to help the rain garden absorb much more water than your typical lawn are available.
Program Details
Residents, groups and units of government within Milwaukee County and the cities of Brookfield, Mequon, Muskego, and New Berlin and the villages of Butler, Elm Grove, Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Thiensville and Caledonia may apply. Interested parties must submit a short application form by January 14th, 2008. The form can be found on MMSD’s web site at www.mmsd.com/raingardens. Applications will also be mailed upon request. Individuals who need a hard copy may call 414-225-2070. A list of available plants and delivery information can be found on the MMSD web site.
For every 2.5 inch plant purchased at $3.60, eligible applicants will receive a second plant for free, about a 50% discount compared to retail prices.
Help Promote the Initiative
Contact MMSD at 414-225-2070 if you would like handouts to distribute or posters to put on display at your place of work or worship, school, neighborhood coffee shop, etc. Pass this information along to interested friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
Click HERE to learn how you can apply for a grant.
Milwaukee River Basin Partnership
1845 N. Farwell Avenue, Suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)763-6170