How you can help

A illustration of a rain garden and how water is filtered by the plants, and returned to the lake in a cleaner state. Green infrastructure practices are site-specific stormwater management techniques that mimic natural hydrologic processes to slow down, store, and filter rainfall or snowmelt, allowing it to evaporate where it falls. Alternatively, gray infrastructure – gutters, storm drains, pipes – is designed to move stormwater away from property during a stormwater outfall. The resulting precipitation is not slowed down or absorbed, but washes over the landscape, including pavement and other impermeable surfaces, often collecting pollution on the way.

Resources for homeowners and small businesses interested in implementing green infrastructure and helping to improve water quality can be found below.

Guides for Homeowners

Many guides are available to homeowners who are interested in protecting their properties and local ecosystems from increased rain and flooding by using natural approaches that work with nature to grow a healthy landscape and protect water resources.