Rain gardens, or more formally, bioretention areas, are low or depressed areas in the landscape where rainwater is directed so that it can sit and be infiltrated into the ground after storm events. These gardens have well-drained, sandy soils, and are planted with a suite of native flowers, shrubs, and trees, to absorb nutrients and pollutants from the runoff and provide important habitat for insects and birds.

Past Projects:

• Maryland Department of Bioretention Areas
• Anne Arundel County Department of Health Rain Garden
• Riva Trace Baptist Church Bioretention and Rain Gardens
• Community rain gardens on Beard’s Creek

South River Federation Community Rain Garden Grants:

If you live in the Beard’s Creek watershed and would like to have a rain garden designed and installed in your yard, you are eligible to apply for a grant of up to 50% of the cost from the South River Federation. The Federation received funds from the Chesapeake Bay Trust through a Targeted Watershed Initiative for restoration work focused specifically in the Beard’s Creek watershed. If you are interested, please download the form below, fill it out, and send it in to the Federation office.

• Beard’s Creek Rain Garden Grant Application [pdf]