AGLL 1006 What is Green Infrastructure?

Rain Gardens

A type of rainwater harvesting. A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rainwater from a roof, driveway, or street and allows it to soak into the ground.

Restoring Wetlands

Wetlands naturally improve water quality by providing flood control, pollutant removal, sediment retention and groundwater recharge. Wetlands also provide excellent wildlife habitat.

Rainwater Barrels

An age-old practice of collecting, diverting, and storing rainwater runoff for later use. There are a variety of systems that can be used depending on the scale of the project. Note: Regulations vary by state.

Bioswale

These landscape features direct surface runoff to rain gardens or other areas of the landscape where the water can be absorbed. Bioswales can be woven into the garden and vegetated with a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants.

Permeable Pavers

Choosing permeable pavers can help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff by allowing water to pass through the pavers and into the soil, while still providing a solid surface. Integrating green infrastructure elements to collect and retain rainwater on-site stands as one of the most effective actions individuals can take to enhance the sustainability of their landscape and preserve water resources.

Planting Trees

Trees can help control stormwater runoff because their leaves, stems, and roots slow rain from reaching the ground and capture and store rainfall to be released later.