News

Rain gardens at UI - Dey and Shambaugh Houses

May 04, 2011

The University of Iowa Engineers for a Sustainable World student organization is helping to design and install rain gardens across the UI campus.  The rapid development of campuses and cities across the country has caused a substantial increase in stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces.  Working with the UI Office of Sustainability, UI Facilities Management, the Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, UIESW members and student volunteers are designing and constructing rain gardens at several locations throughout campus. 

UIESW will continue to work to identify and evaluate potential rain garden sites, design the rain gardens for each site, complete construction of the rain gardens, and develop a maintenance plan to ensure the rain gardens will continue to work properly. Their work supports clean water and the UI 2020 Sustainability Targets by raising awareness of the value of our water resources, especially the Iowa River.

For more information, please contact Jeremy Bril, Graduate Research Assistant, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering, jeremy-bril@uiowa.edu.