The first rain garden in the storm water community area of the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District has been completed at a memorial in the Allen Township Cemetery.

Allen Township officials and employees, volunteers, and OSWCD employees put the finishing touches on the garden recently.

“Structures like rain gardens help to slow runoff after heavy rains by allowing the water to slowly filter through the landscape,” said Crystal Dymond, storm water technician for the OSWCD. “The native plants that are chosen can tolerate both wet and dry conditions because their roots are deeper than other plants and they are used to our local conditions. The native plants also help to filter out the bad elements in the soil before it drains in a waterway, stormwater drain, or in this case, a pond.”

The township erected the memorial to honor veterans, firefighters, and their families and related organizations.

The township installed what is called “porous” pavement at the memorial.

With traditional concrete or asphalt, water runs off the surface, picking up pollutants and warming the water temperature, Dymond said, adding the result can be harmful to nearby streams and aquatic life.

Those helping with the construction of the garden, include Mark and Donna Keller, Beatrice Miringu, Cody Harder, a township maintenance employee; Mike Harder, township maintenance supervisor; Sonia Eischen, township fiscal officer; Scott Everhardt, a township trustee: Carol Bennner, OSWCD director, and Crystal Dymond.

Engraved bricks and granite benches are being sold to support the memorial.

For information call (419) 836-9614 or (419) 836-2045.

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