The Mount Clemens Public Library is embracing green stormwater management solutions. Through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, and a diverse palette of native plants, rainwater is filtered, absorbed, and managed naturally on-site. These ecological features help reduce runoff, improve water quality, support pollinators and wildlife, and create a beautiful landscape for the community to enjoy.

Site Prep: The library hired a landscape designer who created 4 rain gardens and 2 bioswales onsite the property.  The purpose was to help with stormwater management and capture rain water from the roof and parking lots.

First Phase:  Master Gardeners have been onsite since the installation process monitoring and maintaining the site.  Each year there is a little more work done to improve the site.

Second Phase:  After assessing the bioswales needed adjusting, more color and weed maintenance, we created a bioswale gardening workshop.  The community came together to assist with creating several check dams to slow the flow of the water and assist with drainage.

The first step was to leave the leaves.  Leaves help to break up the hard compacted clay that the water was previously rushing over.  The other step was to raise the level of the ground in the lowest spot. This is where the water would collect and not drain for days. 

 Much too long for an effective rain garden where the recommended time is 24-48 hours before it drains completely.

Mount Clemens Public Library secured a grant for a pollinator kit from the Xerces Society so we used the 40 plugs to mass the hillside, removing lawn and creating more color while also attracting more life.

The last phase was to focus on how the water was draining from the downspouts, making sure the ground sloped away from the building directing it to the bioswale and rain gardens.  Also, in the bioswale, the intent was to slow the flow of the water down allowing it time to soak in and stay on site.  

The focus in this phase was to create some check dams or a stair step of pools so the plants along the bottom had time to take in this precious resource.

Overall, the team at the library and the volunteers was instrumental in working together to help make this happen.  I am so proud of the team and all that we accomplished in just 5 short sessions.

Other Projects
Warren Micro Forest (Warren, MI) 
Clinton River Riverbank Restoration (Mount Clemens, MI)
Middle Branch Riverbank Restoration (Shelby Township, MI)
Bioswale Improvements (Mount Clemens, MI)