PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County today announced that signs have been placed in the rain gardens in the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard describing the native species that are planted in the beds. The signs display information on all 30 native species of plants, including botanical name, flower description, and blooming season. The signs also have QR barcodes that smart phone users may scan for additional information.

“Last month, we hosted a very successful program with the Penn State Master Gardeners in the Courtyard about the importance of using native plants in landscaping,” said Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato. “The participants were very interested in learning how to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices in their own gardens, and we’re pleased to offer additional information on the plants that have helped to make our rain gardens a success.”

In 2009, the four planters in the Courthouse Courtyard were retrofitted and converted into rain gardens as part of Onorato’s Allegheny Green initiative. The four downspouts that previously drained into the city’s sewer system are now diverted into the planting beds and the planters are now filled with drainage material and drought tolerant native plants.

Residential and commercial rain gardens can be planted in yards and other green spaces to help offset stormwater rushing into combined sewer systems. Developing a rain garden is as easy as digging a depression and planting it with native plants, such as shrubs or perennials, that tolerate water that may pool, as well as plants that tolerate droughts. The cost to develop a rain garden is normally $6-$8 per square foot and provides increased value to homes and businesses. 

“We must come together as a community to address the issue of stormwater management, and green infrastructure is a key component,” added Onorato. “Allegheny County government is proud to provide leadership in this area by developing a number of rain gardens, as well as our green roof on the County Office Building, which is the first green roof on a public building in Allegheny County.”

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, an average rain storm can produce two inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Even two inches of rain falling on a roof can result in more than 600 gallons of water rushing through downspouts and into sewer systems. As little as 1/10 inch of rain can cause combined sewers to overflow.

As rain travels over hard surfaces, it picks up and carries pollutants. The large amount of impervious surfaces in urban areas does not allow rainwater to permeate into the soil. Instead, rainwater flows into storm and sanitary sewers, as well as local streams, which are often unable to handle the higher water volumes, causing back up and eventual flooding.

# # #

Allegheny Green is County Executive Onorato’s comprehensive initiative to promote sustainable practices within County government through countywide policies, programs, and green projects.

Learn more about Allegheny County’s green initiatives and sustainability programs at www.alleghenycounty.us/alleghenygreen.

Follow Allegheny Green on Facebook and on Twitter. 

For additional information on Allegheny County Office Building’s green roof, visit  www.alleghenycounty.us/alleghenygreen/COBroof.aspx .

 Print Version