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The Rain Catchers program emphasizes clean water and lake/stream-friendly neighborhoods through the establishment of rain gardens and use of rain barrels.

When water flows over the land during a rainstorm or snowmelt, it can pick up eroded soil, bacteria, chemicals, and even trash. When these materials are washed downhill or into ditches and stormdrains, they can end up in nearby streams and lakes. Heavy rains can also cause other problems, such as property erosion, flash flooding, and overwhelmed drainage systems.

Rain gardens are gaining national attention for their ability to capture and absorb rainwater that could otherwise become problematic “runoff.” Rain gardens look similar to regular gardens, but they are actually designed to soak up rainwater from rooftops, driveways, and patios. Rain barrels are another way to capture rainwater and prevent it from washing pollutants into local waterways.

How many rain gardens are there locally? How much rain is captured?

Total Number of Rain Gardens: 1

Total Number of Rain Barrels: 0

If you have planted a rain garden or installed a rain barrel, we would like to hear from you! Click on the map above to see pictures of rain gardens and rain barrels in our area! To include your garden or barrel in our Rain Catchers tally, please send us the information below:

• Your name and contact information
• Whether or not you would like your name to appear on the Rain Catchers Map
• The location and size of your rain garden or rain barrel
• The number of gallons your rain garden or rain barrel is designed to capture
• A picture of your rain garden or barrel (optional)

Links

CCE Onondaga: Rain Gardens

CCE Rain Garden Brochure

CCE Rain Garden Plant List (for Central New York)

CCE Onondaga: Stormwater

The Rain Garden Network

How to Build Your Own Rainbarrel