Lawrence County Conservation District Installs Dry Creek and Rain Garden
The Lawrence County Conservation District installed a dry creek and rain garden at the South Side Community Garden. The community garden is situated on the site of a demolished elementary school. There are remains of asphalt and concrete just below the grass on a significant portion of the site perimeter. Rain sheet flows much faster than on a typical grassed site and flows over spots that had creosote-soaked railroad tie beds recently removed. The dry creek and rain garden capture that flow and allow it to infiltrate rather than runoff.
The district adapted to COVID-19 restrictions and educated the volunteers and neighbors who help build the dry creek and rain garden with a nonpoint source presentation. The district also created a booklet for homeowners on stormwater management, and an informational sign will be installed at the site.
Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.