Raingardens of Milwaukee
In cities, blue-green infrastructure ranges in size, from rain gardens up to green corridors. Read how Milwaukee is helping its residents plant rain gardens.
In the urban context, nature-based solutions can be applied as blue-green infrastructure, which is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas that are designed and managed to deliver a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefits. Blue-green infrastructure has been promoted as an approach to respond to major urban environmental and social challenges such as reducing the ecological footprint, improving human health and well-being, adapting to climate change, and promoting social cohesion
Blue-Green infrastructure
Blue-green infrastructure varies in scale and scope and includes the levels of buildings, public spaces, water bodies and drainage systems, and green corridors. For instance, rain gardens are vegetated land depressions designed to detain and treat stormwater runoff from rooftops, sidewalks and streets. Rain gardens have three components: a drainage area that collects rainwater, a distribution system that connects the drainage area to the receiving area, and a receiving area that retains and infiltrates the rainwater. Overall, blue-green infrastructure provides three main opportunities:
- Blue-green infrastructure supports economic development in urban areas, which is dependent on the amount and quality of natural resources available, including water for sanitation and manufacturing
- Urban planning that incorporates blue-green infrastructure has a positive environmental impact, such as mitigating emissions through increased carbon storage and increased resilience to floods, droughts, and heatwaves
- Blue-green infrastructure contributes to the social dimension of urbanisation, such as green space increasing people’s perceived happiness and general health
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Rain Garden Plant Sale
Since 2006, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and Agrecol Native Seed and Plant Nursery have offered a rain garden plant sale to customers within MMSD’s service area. Plants are provided at a reduced price; up to a 50% discount compared to retail prices. In addition, to the plant sale, MMSD offers free rain garden webinars with a gardening expert and a design workshop where residents can learn about rain gardens, plant selection, and plant care. Rain gardens generate multiple benefits for the Milwaukee region, including:
- Helping protect streams and Lake Michigan from pollution by reducing stormwater runoff
- Reducing the risk of flooding and drainage problems
- Beautifying yards and neighbourhood
- Providing habitat for pollinators and birds
The take-out
Blue-green infrastructure of all shapes and sizes manages stormwater, all the while generating multiple co-benefits.
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