A Brock University graduate student is studying rain gardens as a way to manage stormwater and reduce flooding in downtown St. Catharines.
Lindsay Taylor recently launched her project, with rain gardens now in place at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Silver Spire Church.
The gardens capture rainwater and allow it to soak into the ground instead of flowing straight into storm sewers.
Taylor is monitoring rainfall, soil moisture, water movement and plant growth to see how they perform in real-world conditions.
The research could help municipalities explore more natural ways to manage stormwater.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)