Greenway Conservancy Builds Rain Garden in Boston

EPA Region I in New England worked alongside Youth Build Boston and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy on the installation of a rain garden in downtown Boston on April 20. Youth Build Boston and the Conservancy both train urban youth for green jobs in landscaping and gardening. Rain gardens are one of the many practices used to reduce the flow of stormwater runoff when it rains. Stormwater is one of the leading causes of water pollution in New England, carrying oil, pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants to our streams, lakes, river and coastlines. EPA New England has recently launched Soak up the Rain, a campaign to raise awareness about the issue of stormwater pollution and encourage citizens to take actions to reduce runoff and help prevent pollution of local waters, reduce flooding, protect water resources, and beautify neighborhoods. The new rain garden is part of the Dewey Demonstration Gardens where citizens can also learn about raised beds and composting, right in downtown Boston.