6 simple things you can do to save the Mississippi River

With stormwater runoff fees and increased concern about contamination of water supplies and flooding, it makes sense to seek ways to reduce rainfall runoff from residential lots through the use of native plantings and simple retention projects.

This handbook outlines the most common retention projects to retain water on your property, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than flow into storm sewers.

Most of the projects make use of native plantings because of their ability to soak up water and stabilize the soil. Native plantings are adapted well to the local environment, providing color to yards from May through October and refuge for birds, butterflies and other insects. They’re also more tolerant during periods of drought.

This booklet gives you detailed plans and specifications for building the retention projects, along with estimated costs for the improvements. The projects range from simple actions, such as installing a rain barrel to capture water from your roof, to more complex jobs, such as installing a green roof. All have been or are planned for the Quad Cities area.

You’ll also find a Resource List – suppliers, landscapers, contractors and architects, and sources of other products and services you need in order to install the retention projects.

The Shoppers’ Guide provides specific information about the projects featured in the photographs throughout this handbook.

Working together, one home or business at a time, we can help reduce stormwater runoff in our community and improve the water quality of our
streams, lakes and rivers – most notably, the Mississippi River.

CLICK HERE, or on the image above to download the 32-page "Six Simple Things. . ." booklet.