The EE Sampler - Jefferson County Public Schools

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Transactive Writing: Informational Writing, Feature Articles, Brochures Transactive writing is informative, persuasive or analytical writing that presents ideas and information in letters, speeches, editorials, and articles for an authentic audience. Contents Informational and Feature Articles: Rain Gardens (feature article) Kristen Barnes page 16 Impervious Surfaces: What are They? (Informational) Aaron Olsen page 17 Disposal of Animal Wastes (Informational) Sarah Payne page 18 Brochure: Exercise and Asthma Kelly Carter page 19 15
Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How? Kristen Barnes Why are rain gardens important? As impervious surfaces increase throughout many neighborhoods, storm water runoff is becoming a growing problem. Pesticides and yard waste, coupled with oil and gasoline from cars, are washed into storm drains. As pipes reach capacity, contaminated water often ends up in local streams or rivers, where the aforementioned chemicals are a big concern. Creating a rain garden can help relieve several of these problems, lessening the amount of water flooding storm drains, as well as filtering the run-off , decreasing pollution reaching streams by up to 30%. What exactly is a rain garden? Many homeowner's can set aside areas of their lawns for a rain garden, which is a garden designed to collect rainwater from gutters and downspouts. An area of ground is dug out, which allows water to be absorbed into the ground--instead of quickly running into storm drains. The plants used in rain gardens have complex, deep root systems, which allow excess water to be both absorbed and filtered by the plants. Grass possesses only a simple root system, therefore can't absorb water from storm runoff. How can I make my own rain garden? When planning the location of your rain garden, you should consider how storm water will be directed toward it. Downspouts should be easily accessible or directable to the garden. You must also consider the quality of the soil. It needs to allow the water to drain properly, otherwise pooling will occur, likely leading to continued runoff and flooding. Most gardens will be dug several inches deep, and drainage quality can be tested by whether or not water can drain within a 24 hour period. If this isn't the case, the soil at the bottom of the garden can be replaced with a mix of compost, sand, and topsoil. The plants used in your garden are your choice, but there are some general guidelines that are helpful to follow. You should consider the location of your garden, and how much sunlight it will receive daily. Some plants need direct sun to flourish, while others prefer more shaded areas. Choosing local, native species is also helpful when trying to establish your garden, as they will be in the proper climate, and will likely possess the complex root systems necessary to properly filter rain water. For Further Information on why and how rain gardens can help you, consult: www.msdlouky.org -Louisville Metro Sewer District guideline for rain gardens http://raingardens.org/docs/Create_A_Rain_Garden.pdf -A Michigan based publication, with good general information on rain garden design and maintenance. 16
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Page 3 and 4: Introduction This environmental sam
Page 5 and 6: The EE Sampler Selections from the
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