Stormwater Restoration and Management

In 2004, FMR planted our first rain garden at Tonawanda Elementary School in Elm Grove.  This 2,500 square foot garden is adjacent to Underwood Creek, which is one of the flashiest streams in Wisconsin.  Students were involved in all aspects of the project, including planning, planting, and creation of informational signage.  FMR is also working with the Village of Elm Grove on a demonstration native planting area/rain garden in the Village Park, as well as with the Milwaukee River Basin Partnership on a friendly competition among several local universities to create rain gardens and other storm water solutions on their campuses.

FMR is also working with American Rivers, the WDNR, and the Johnson’s Park Neighborhood Association on a stormwater demonstration block project in Johnson’s Park, which is essentially a neighborhood block “makeover” that includes downspout disconnection, and installation of rain gardens and rain barrels along an entire City street.  The City of Milwaukee will be quantifying the effects of these practices on reducing flows to city sewers during storm events.  Ultimately, we hope to show that average homeowners can help protect water quality and minimize stormwater runoff and sewer overflows by implementing these easy practices. 

Stormwater Links

Tonowanda Rain Garden Project

Milwaukee River Basin Partnership

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Stormwater Advocacy

Education

Going with the Flow

Restoration and Management

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UWM Extension Rain Garden Resources

WDNR Rain Garden Resources