Beautify your home and make it stormwater friendly!
Native plants are crucial for stormwater management because their deep root systems help stabilize soil, prevent erosion, filter pollutants, and increase water infiltration, ultimately improving water quality and reducing the risks of flooding. Recommended list of native plants for gardens in Western Oregon linked here.
A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground. Rain gardens reduce polluted stormwater runoff, enhance property aesthetics, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Use free water to keep your garden happy, wash your car or windows, or hydrate your indoor plants—saving water and money! All you need is a barrel, a spigot, and a downspout diverter. Explore the City of Portland's general information on rain barrels and a detailed guide for installation and maintenance to create your own.
Porous or permeable pavements are a stormwater control that allows stormwater to infiltrate through the surface of the pavement. Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, these materials help reduce stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and improve water quality by letting water naturally filter into the ground below and into the soil.