RainScaping: Coming September 2022!
New Snohomish County Program featuring Events, Workshops, & Resources for You!
RainScaping is being designed to help residents like you implement RainScaping solutions on your property! This program will provide events, workshops, and other resources to get you the information you need to help resolve drainage and runoff problems, and puts rainwater to good use on your property.
What is RainScaping?
A "RainScape" is a landscape which helps absorb rainwater, rather than allowing the rainwater to runoff into ditches, streets and storm drains where it ultimately flows, untreated, into our local streams, lakes, rivers and the Puget Sound. By using RainScaping, you can harness rainwater that falls on your site, allow it to soak into the ground, improve drainage issues on your property, and reduce the amount of polluted runoff leaving your property.
Runoff is generated by rainfall and snowmelt that does not soak into the ground or that flows off hard surfaces, such as roofs, driveways, walkways, patios and parking areas. The runoff washes pollutants – including fertilizer, garden chemicals, pet waste, oils, dirt and sediments – into our rivers, streams, lakes, and Puget Sound. And excess runoff can cause flooding and erosion.
You can have a healthy landscape and prevent runoff by using RainScaping solutions at your home. To learn more, sign up to receive information on the RainScaping program, events, workshops and resources.
RainScaping Solutions
There are many RainScaping solutions that help rainwater soak into the ground or store it for later use. The RainScaping program is designed to help you determine which are feasible for your site.
RainScaping features encompass many simple techniques that can be installed by a homeowner, some that need special equipment, and a few complex features that require special permits and engineering. Depending on your site, one or more RainScaping solutions may be used on your property.
- Applying Mulch
- Amending Soils with Compost
- Berms & Trench Drains
- Drainage Outlet Protection
- Dripline Protection
- Gutters & Downspouts
- Lawn Alternatives
- Permeable Paving Options
- Planting Native Trees & Shrubs
- Rain Barrels & Cisterns
- Rain Gardens
- Retaining Walls & Terraces
- Swales
- Underground Infiltration
Interested in Learning More?
Sign up to receive information on the RainScaping program, events, workshops and resources. We will be in touch as we approach RainScaping’s Summer 2022 launch and how you can participate!