Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Terra Cotta

The rain garden at Credit Valley Conservation’s Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a demonstration of a rain garden that is small, simple and can be implemented onto any residential property. This innovative garden collects roof runoff and uses native plants and compost-amended soil to filter out pollutants so cleaner water flows into our waterways.
Innovative Clean Water Technologies
Rain Garden (bioretention)
An innovative garden with compost-amended soil and native plants collects roof runoff and filters out pollutants so cleaner water flows into our waterways.
Monitoring Goals
- Evaluating the movement of water of the LID practices through the use of rainfall data in combination with water level loggers or outlet flow loggers.
- Quantifying establishment and ongoing maintenance requirements for the rain garden with varying design features and drainage areas (area that rainfall drains into system).
- Evaluating the success of plant species used within the practice based on health, maintenance and urban aesthetic standards.
- Testing and developing protocols to ensure the contractor has properly constructed the innovative landscaped stormwater practice as designed before taking ownership and paying. This includes post-construction surveys, soil testing, plant surveys, and post-construction inspections.
Monitoring Progress
- Landscaping – The rain garden is lush, but CVC is seeking consult on how-to achieve a more clean, colourful aesthetic.
- Maintenance – CVC performs maintenance on a biweekly basis.
- Water Levels – The rain garden is functioning as designed.
See the latest Monitoring Report for Terra Cotta below for more information on Monitoring Progress.
Terra Cotta CA Monitoring Report – December 2012/January 2013 |
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Grant makes garden grow – Independent Free Press Feb. 22, 2012 |