Rain Gardens

As spring approaches, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office would like residents to consider installing a rain garden. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There are some new faces in office in Washtenaw County government following the November general election, and that includes a new Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. Former Saline Mayor and Democratic State Representative Gretchen Driskell won election to the office after Evan Pratt decided against running for reelection after three terms in the position. WEMU's David Fair talked with Evan about his 12 years in office and the challenges his successor will face in her first term.

Environmental advocates promote establishing public and private rain gardens to improve storm water reabsorption. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

They say, “It takes a village.” Usually, it references the process of raising a child, but it also applies when talking about protecting and stewarding a watershed. Keeping the waters in Washtenaw County clean and safe is quite an undertaking, and it takes a variety of community organizations and volunteers to be effective. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission Evan Pratt to discuss the Michigan Clean Water Corps and others that contribute to improving the health and safety of our local waters.

Residential rain gardens may seem like a small component of environmental sustainability. We’re learning just how big of an impact they make in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. A brand new, interactive mapping tool shows where many of the residential rain gardens are and the amount of stormwater they collectively capture. Learn more in this conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Susan Bryan, the Rain Garden Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office.

Significant investments are being made to enhance the Ypsilanti area's ability to capture stormwater and add acreage to nature areas that house pollinator prairie gardens. There are seven different projects that are funded over the next two years with grant money. Harry Sheehan is the Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner in Washtenaw County and in charge of seeing these projects completed. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the positive impacts these enhancements will make for the environment, and the area’s quality of life.

Ann Arbor City Council will meet in special session Monday night to continue the discussion on what to do with the vacant "Y" lot. A local state…

Rain Gardens are often beautiful. While they may look similar to a typical residential garden, there are important difference. This week, we take a look…

Staff and community leaders will help show off the work and achievements of students at Ypsilanti Community Schools Middle School . An inter-disciplinary…

Rain gardens can help reduce the risk of flooding, in an eco-friendly manner.Spring has arrived; with it come certain challenges. Wet basements are one…