NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHTS

What does water-friendly landscaping look like? How is it maintained? These questions and many more are explored in this series with participants from VLAWMO's cost-share program. 

Each project is a creative blend of aesthetics, drainage strategies, soil conditions, and property goals. Whether the project is large and complex or small and compact, practical or whimsical, each project is a valuable addition to the watershed. VLAWMO is truly thankful for the residents and business who've offered to tell their story and bring others into the learning process!

Raingardens, Shoreline Restorations, and Native Plantings

Medium sized raingarden custom designed around home foundation. Rainbarrel connections and wet basement solutions.

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Marlette Family

Vegetated play area, field prairie, and large raingardens (3) featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants.

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White Bear Montessori

Small raingarden with dry creek redirecting stormwater runoff away from home, wet yard solutions.

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Beth

Multi-phase shoreline restoration including native plantings and alternative turf.

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Conrad and Stacey

Multi-basin raingarden with sump pump basement connection.

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Green Family

Multiple raingardens including a French underdrain and overflow features into Lambert Creek. Front yard prairie planting.

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Katherine

Small raingarden basins linked together, large front yard native planting, backyard native planting.

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Schmidt Family

A Zen-inspired raingarden featuring native mosses and several drainage and grading strategies.

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Sam

Pop-up raingarden, dry creek erosion control, native sedge groundcover, native shade planting.

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Shapland Family

Shaded woodland planting with native plants and groundcovers.

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Kate

Large full sun raingarden paired with a native planting.

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Ronna

Underground downspout connection beneath parking lot, raingarden, slope stabilization.

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Hisdahl's Trophy

Small and medium raingardens (4), alternative turf yard, backyard prairie.

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Sharon and Peter

Shared multi-property raingarden, pollinator garden, and a small raingarden featuring a sump pump connection.

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Bev and Chuck

A prairie integrated with a septic system mound plus a part sun/shade slope repair.

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Diane

Small front yard raingarden taking rooftop runoff.

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Glander Family

Watershed Stewardship

Insight from local resident Bob Winkler on his water-friendly winter maintenance and Adopt-a-Drain efforts.

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Bob

Frassati Academy's watershed stewardship has included planting, education, and even a musical approach!

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Frassati Academy

Connie and her granddaughter share about their experience helping with adopt-a-drain in White Bear Lake.

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Connie

A storytelling series that briges art, water, and community.

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Uptream