Rain Gardens: A Beautiful Solution for Cleaner Lakes

Rain gardens are one of the easiest and most attractive ways homeowners can help protect the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes. These shallow landscaped areas are designed to capture rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios, and lawns, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of carrying pollutants directly to our lakes.

​As stormwater flows across hard surfaces and lawns, it can pick up fertilizer, pet waste, oil, sediment, and other contaminants. A rain garden acts as a natural filter, helping remove many of these pollutants before they reach nearby waterways. By reducing nutrient runoff, rain gardens can help limit algae growth and support clearer, healthier lakes.

Planted with native flowers, grasses, and shrubs, rain gardens provide additional benefits beyond water quality. Their deep roots help absorb water, reduce erosion, and replenish groundwater. They also create habitat for butterflies, bees, and birds while adding beauty and seasonal color to your landscape.

Rain gardens can be installed on properties of almost any size and are especially effective near downspouts, driveways, or areas where water tends to collect after storms. Once established, they require relatively little maintenance and can become one of the most attractive features in a yard.

Protecting our lakes happens one property at a time. While a single rain garden may seem like a small step, many rain gardens throughout the watershed can make a meaningful difference in reducing runoff and improving water quality.
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Ready to get your hands dirty? Watch the video to get inspired, and let us know if you're planning a garden of your own this season!

​Interested in creating your own rain garden? Download our Rain Garden Handbook to learn more about design ideas, native plants, and installation tips.

Download the Rain Garden Handbook