On April 1st we had our first rain garden tour in cooperation with Green Girl PDX – ‘Rain Gardens 201: A Collaborative Learning Technical Field Class’. Evan guided the cyclists to the different rain gardens in Downtown Portland while Maria Cahill from Green Girl explained the details of their construction and implementation. She gave a great overview about how rain gardens function, and about how the sum of the parts like inlets, outlets, check dams, etc. can be designed, constructed, and maintained to improve or impact the ecological function of the watersheds in which they are built. The class is designed for anyone, beginners to experienced designers, engineers, agency employees, developers, and educators.
“I’m new in Portland and this class opened my eyes to another view of my surrounding environment when I walk through the city! I especially like the Tanner Springs Park in the Pearl District, my new favorite park, because now I know how rain gardens function and I’m able to explore them on my own. Thanks Maria!” – Tanja.
There will be three more rain garden classes on June 3rd, July 8th and August 5th. One of them will be by foot. Check out the web site for more information: www.greengirlpdx.com/rg201.htm or call us (503) 360 – 6815.
