Events

Discover how native plants and thoughtful landscape design can work together to manage stormwater, support wildlife, and create a beautiful, functional home garden. This guided tour showcases a residential rain garden designed specifically to capture and filter runoff using hardy, regionally appropriate native species.

Participants will learn how the rain garden was planned, constructed, and maintained, with an emphasis on soil preparation, grading, plant selection, and seasonal care. The tour highlights key native plants that not only thrive in wet–dry cycles but also provide valuable habitat for pollinators and birds.

Attendees will see firsthand how the garden slows and filters stormwater, reduces erosion, and enhances overall watershed health. The program also covers practical tips for homeowners interested in installing their own rain garden, including sizing, placement, and simple techniques to improve water infiltration.

Whether you’re a gardener, homeowner, educator, or conservation enthusiast, this tour offers an engaging look at how small-scale, nature‑based solutions can make a meaningful impact right in your own backyard.

Meeting Location: Intersection of Apple Butter St. and Granny Smith Ave. in Springdale, AR 72764

Limited parking is available along the road in the residential neighborhood. Carpooling in encouraged. Please be considerate and DO NOT block any driveways, fire hydrants, or mailboxes.

During this tour, participants will explore how the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) and the City of Springdale transformed a conventional dry detention basin into a thriving ecological feature. This innovative retrofit demonstrates how stormwater infrastructure can be reimagined to support both environmental and community goals.

The site showcases the strategic use of native wetland vegetation and hydrologic modifications that extend water retention time, allowing for greater sediment and nutrient uptake. These changes not only improve water quality but also create habitat for a variety of wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in an urban setting.

Participants will learn about the design process, implementation challenges, and long-term benefits of converting traditional stormwater systems into multifunctional green spaces. The project serves as a model for integrating ecological restoration with urban planning, balancing aesthetics, habitat value, and water quality improvements in a community-friendly environment.

We may also visit other nearby locations if time allows.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!