You don't have to be an expert in stormwater management to make improvements that can help prevent flooding in your neighborhood. With assistance from a slew of project partners who have diverse expertise and missions, the City of Blue Island, Ill., in south suburban Cook County, is energizing community members to be part of an effort to reduce flooding in one city neighborhood. Known as Blue Island, Blue Water, this Illinois Millennium Reserve model project is using native gardens, rain barrels, and other green infrastructure to reduce the frequency and severity of costly sewer and basement back-ups, all while beautifying the neighborhood and empowering local residents.
This video highlights a collaborative effort to install a rain garden of native plants in a tot lot park in one of the neighborhoods of Blue Island that is most affected by stormwater.