Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that collect rain water runoff from streets, sidewalks and roofs. The soil and plants remove pollutants as the runoff slowly infiltrates the groundwater table. They capture and hold runoff in the specially engineered soil, slowly recharge the ground water, and protect storm drains from overflow during intense storm events.
The first engineered rain garden or bioretention swale at Seattle University grows in what was formerly a lawn in front of the 1103 Building. After an historical rain event in 2006 flooded the basements of 1103, Hunthausen, Xavier, and the Chapel, this garden was designed to capture runoff from Spring and Madison streets.
Sinegal Center Bioplanter
Lee Miley Rain Garden
Lemeux Library Rain Garden
Flag Pole Rain Garden
Union Green Wildlife Garden
Advancement and Alumni building runoff capturing
Eisiminger Fitness Center Rain Garden