Protecting the Winooski River with Green Stormwater Practices

The Winooski River is one of Vermont’s most important waterways. It flows from the mountains through towns and farmland before ultimately reaching Lake Champlain. The Winooski River provides clean water, supports wildlife, and offers places for people to connect with the outdoors. But as the climate shifts and heavy rainfall becomes more common, stormwater runoff is putting new pressure on the river.

In 2023, record rainfall caused widespread flooding across the Winooski River watershed. Homes, roads, farms, and businesses were hit hard. In many places, the river washed over areas that hadn’t flooded in decades. These events made it clear that our landscapes are no longer handling water the way they used to. With more paved surfaces and compacted soils, rainfall now runs off with higher velocity instead of soaking into the ground. That runoff carries sediment and pollutants into nearby streams, which contributes to erosion and water quality concerns.

This challenge is growing, but there are practical ways to respond. Landowners and gardeners can make changes that help manage water more naturally.

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is a collection of human-built infrastructure elements that mimic natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater runoff. These practices protect local waterways, reduce runoff, and help restore natural hydrology to developed areas.

Here are some of the most common and widely applicable GSI solutions for residential spaces:

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are shallow, planted depressions that collect runoff from rooftops or driveways. With native plants and healthy soil, these gardens filter water as it slowly absorbs into the ground. They can help reduce the burden on storm drains, limit pollutants entering rivers and lakes, and look beautiful! Pictured to the right are two members from the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District prepping an area for a rain garden. The rocks are being placed before plants are installed to promote subsurface flow. It is a reinforcing practice to promote drainage.

Swales

Example of vegetated swale in suburban neighborhood. Credit: ElementalGreen.

Swales are channels lined with stone or vegetation. Unlike ditches, they are designed to hold water briefly and allow it to absorb into the soil as it moves through. Swales can be an effective way to redirect water from impervious surfaces or sloped areas while mitigating the risk of erosion.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels connect to your gutter system and collect water from your roof. The stored water can be used in your garden, helping to reduce both runoff and your demand for water during dry periods.

 

Shop GSC rain barrels here.

Volunteers construct a rain barrel at the Winooski NRCD rain barrel event. Credit: Winooski NRCD.

At Gardener’s Supply, you’ll find a variety of tools and materials to support these practices, including native Vermont plants chosen for their stormwater benefits. These plants thrive in local climates and play an important role in healthy soil and water management. Whether you’re planting a rain garden or restoring bare soil, they’re an easy and low-maintenance choice for any yard.

Support from the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District

Winooski NRCD Service Area Map

The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is one of 14 conservation districts in the State of Vermont. The conservation districts have been empowered to assist residents and municipalities in voluntarily conserving their land. If you’re concerned about your land, the Winooski NRCD can help! Through our stormwater, agriculture, and watershed management programs, we offer technical support in a variety of areas, including for landowners in our service area looking to manage runoff and restore more natural landscapes. Our team works directly with residents in our service area to assess properties and offer site-specific solutions that protect water and soil health throughout the Winooski River Watershed.

The Winooski River needs our care. By making thoughtful changes in our backyards, we can influence clean water and build more resilient communities. Gardener’s Supply offers native plants, rain barrels, and other tools to get you started. Remember, small and dispersed problems across the watershed can add up to a lot of damage…but small and dispersed changes can add up to a lot of good.

Want to give back to the land that gives us so much? Donate to the Winooski NRCD and support Vermont conservation. Big or small, your gift goes a long way. Click here to donate.