Cherry Hill Department of Public Works Demonstration Rain Garden

Overview

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History:

The Cherry Hill Department of Public Works rain garden was installed to beautify the site and to intercept, treat, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from a portion of the public works building's roof. This rain garden is part of the Cooper River Watershed. The Cooper River watershed is characterized by extensive residential and commercial development and as a result its streams are severely impacted by increased stormwater runoff. To address the water quality issues associated with increased stormwater runoff, demonstration projects like this rain garden are essential. This rain garden manages stormwater runoff from a portion of the public works building's roof via redirected downspouts.

Type of Runoff Managed:

This rain garden manages stormwater runoff from a portion of the public works building's roof via redirected downspouts.

Installation:

The rain garden was installed in May 2010 by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program staff, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County, Camden County Soil Conservation District, and the attendees of the Rain Garden Certification Program workshop. Staff from the Cherry Hill Department of Public Works assisted with the labor of the rain garden by excavating and hauling away a portion of the native soil. Next, coarse sand was added and mixed in with the remaining native soil to help promote infiltration. Flexible corrugated PVC pipe was attached to the two downspouts located in the front of the public works building and redirceted into the rain garden to serve as the inlets. A catch basin kit was then connected to the PVC pipe that extends to a curb outlet; this serves as the overflow during rain events greater than 1.25 inches. The native plants that were installed in this rain garden were purchased from Pinelands Nursery & Supply. After planting was completed, a three inch layer of triple shredded hardwood mulch was spread throughout the rain garden. Approval to install the rain garden was granted by the Cherry Hill Township Engineer, and the Cherry Hill Department of Public Works. This rain garden was funded by a 319(h) grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Plant List:

Arrowwood Viburnum
Bee Balm
Black-eyed Susan
Lilyturf
New England Aster
Purple Coneflower
Redtwig Dogwood
River Birch
Royal Fern
Swamp Milkweed

Maintenance:

This rain garden is maintained by the Cherry Hill Department of Public Works.

Watershed-Based Economy Mapping
updated 03/2012 by rutgers.water.resources.program