Sackville Rain Garden Program
About the Project
In recent years, Sackville, NB has experienced numerous rain storms and floods. Homeowners in downtown Sackville can help reduce flooding by planting rain gardens. EOS obtained funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program to plant rain gardens between 2018 and 2021 in downtown Sackville.
We ended up planting 22 rain gardens over two summers! Thank you to all of the homeowners who are now looking after and enjoying rain gardens on their properties! We could not have done it without you. Thank you for helping to reduce flood risk in Sackville!
Below you will final reports for each year of the project and general information about rain gardens. We encourage you to plant a rain garden too!
Program Poster
Facts about Rain Gardens
- Rain gardens collect rain water from roofs, driveways and other hard surface areas and let it absorb naturally into the ground.
- Rain gardens are planted at least 3 m (10ft) from building foundations.
- They are planted with native grasses, plants and flowers that help absorb rain water.
- The plants’ deep roots also help to break up the soil and improve its permeability.
- Rain gardens help to recharge ground water supplies and also filter pollutions and limit runoff and sedimentation.
- They mimic natural environments and attract bees and butterflies.
- They are easy to plant and start working immediately.
- Rain gardens absorb 30-40% more rain water than the average grass-covered lawn.
- They do not breed mosquitoes because they don’t hold water for more than 24-48 hours.
Interested in planting your own garden?
Follow our how-to guide: Rain Gardens – How to Handout for Tantramar
Testimonials
“I want to thank you and EOS for accepting me as a recipient and a big shout out to the crew that dug the garden and planted the beautiful plants. The heavy rain we had helped establish them and they look super.” – Rhianna Edwards, Homeowner
Year End Reports
Rain Gardens Final Report Year 2
Rain Garden Final Report Year 3
Funders and Supporters
Thank you to Eco Action, and TD Friends of the Environment for helping to fund the rain gardens! Thank you to Ducks Unlimited Canada, Town of Sackville, Village of Dorchester, Fort Folly First Nation, Southeast NB Service Commission, and the Co-op Enterprise Council of NB for your in-kind support!