Rain Garden Planting
Rain Gardens Planted in Eastport Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
Why: We installed several rain gardens at the Horn Point Marina in Eastport to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants that enter Back Creek.
When: Saturday, November 13th from 9 a.m. until noon
Where: Horn Point Marina, 105 Eastern Avenue
Background:
Horn Point Marina Stormwater Management Project
The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) is an initiative of the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works and Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center to train community leaders on reducing the negative impacts of stormwater runoff in Anne Arundel County. Graduates of WSA must complete a ‘capstone’ project that applies the knowledge and skills they gained from the Academy to address stormwater in their communities.
The ‘Back Creek Believers’ are five WSA graduates whose capstone project involves addressing stormwater runoff at the Horn Point Marina (105 Eastern Avenue) in Eastport, Md. The parcel for the marina is a little over 49,000 sq. feet, with about 240 feet bordering Back Creek. The main building was constructed in 1990 and about 75% of the parcel is impervious surface (areas where water cannot soak into the ground). Water flows off the roof of the building, into approximately 24,000 sq. ft. of parking lot that surrounds the building, most of which flows to a storm drain at the western edge of the property. The surrounding area is mostly residential with small lots, with the soils in the area categorized as ‘low infiltration.’
The Back Creek Believers installed four rain gardens to capture stormwater runoff from the Horn Point Harbor Marina. Given the amount of impervious surface on this site and constraints, it is not possible to capture all the stormwater. Nevertheless, four rain gardens will capture a good portion of the first flush before it discharges directly into Back Creek. Benefits of pursuing a stormwater management project at the Horn Point Marina include:
- Property owner is interested, willing to work with us, and has proposed to provide some funding towards addressing stormwater runoff from the site.
- Project provides good educational opportunities for engaging and energizing the broader Eastport community.
- City of Annapolis has not made working in this part of the Back Creek watershed a priority for stormwater retrofits, so the only solution is working at the parcel scale.
- Demonstrating good environmental practices at this site could be a model for other marinas and commercial establishments on Back Creek.
A typical rain garden consists of a shallow depression that contains loose soil, mulch and sometimes stone, and is planted with native plants. Well designed rain gardens collect and soak up rainwater that flows off of impervious surfaces. As the stormwater passes through the soil mixture, physical and biological processes remove pollutants and nutrients. The rain gardens that will be installed at the Horn Point Marina will help reduce the pollutants flowing into Back Creek, enhance the beauty of the property, and provide wildlife habitat. Planting these gardens with native species will minimize the amount of maintenance required, as well as the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
More specific information about the four rain gardens:
- Rain Gardens 1 and 2 involve removing some trees and minor excavation. Garden 1 is approximately 90 square feet and Garden 2 is about 120 square feet. The gardens will intercept stormwater from ≈21,800 square feet of the north side of the property. A mix of native plants and shrubs were planted in this garden. A cobble filled trench connects the two gardens.
- Rain Garden 3 is approximately 75 square feet, located along the western edge of the property and immediately adjacent to a stormwater riser. The project involves removing some small trees, minor excavation, and elevating a storm riser. The garden will intercept stormwater from ≈10,600 sq. feet of the western portion of the property.
- Rain Garden 4 involves minor excavation next to the waterfront walkway. A rain garden of approx. 12 x 20 feet will intercept stormwater from 3,600 sq. feet of the property. Native plants in this garden will beare short enough that they don’t block the views of the water from the building.
To round out the Horn Point Marine Stormwater Management Project, the Back Creek Believers will undertake three other activities:
- Install a dog waste collection station near the main pier, to reduce this source of potential pollution to Back Creek.
- Install a mural, painted by the students at Georgetown Elementary school, on the side of a building in the parking lot.
- Post educational signs near the entrance to the Horn Point Marina so Eastport residents can learn more about reducing stormwater impacts in their community.
For more information, contact:
Darlene Finch 410-280-2391 (h), 202-558-8501 (w)