April 2015

Welcome to the first public newsletter of the 12,000 Rain Gardens campaign! 

Through this newsletter we will keep you updated on the progress of rain gardens and green infrastructure in Puget Sound. It is through community effort and strong partnerships that we can tackle polluted runoff, Puget Sound’s single greatest source of pollution.

So far in 2015, the 12,000 Rain Gardens program has hit the ground running to stop pollution in its tracks!

Our WSU Extension Partners are hard at work in all 12 Puget Sound counties. From offering rain garden clinics and workshops, to providing site visits, and answering rain garden questions by phone, if you are looking for local, knowledgable experts anywhere in the region, give us a call.

We are thrilled to have 1,967 rain gardens registered in Puget Sound to date! We are in the process of developing and working hard to launch two new financial tools to help landowners, especially in underserved communities, gain access to incentive programs.

We have also strategically launched a pilot Depave Puget Sound initiative in King and Pierce County that has taken root and is beginning to grow.

We plan to accomplish even more in 2015! We aim to have 5,000 rain gardens registered by year’s end.

Also be on the look out for a new website and community organizing platform to help rain gardeners team up and get projects moving in their communities.

Upcoming Trainings and Events

There are a host of trainings available this Spring!

We love to hear from our fellow rain garden enthusiasts! Stay in touch with the 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign!

We are constantly updating the Resource Library and Incentive page on our website, so be sure to check it often!

Come to a rain garden event to learn more and be active in your community. We are continuing to add new events to our calendar.

Follow the 12,000 Rain Gardens campaign on social media! In addition to Facebook and Instagram, visit our Flickr, Pinterest and Houzz pages where you can find and share lots of cool ideas. We compile pictures of rain gardens, water conveyences, permeable paving options and rain garden alternatives like green roofs and green walls.