Project team

Head: Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation (BPDC)

Partners: Friends of Big Creek

Project description and goals

The project intends to enhance the riparian area of a group of parcels located next to the Chevy Branch of the Big Creek with the installation of a rain garden. The goals of the project involve natural re-entry of stormwater into the watershed as a means to decrease soil erosion in the creek, as well as increasing the biodiversity of the area through the installation of trees, native plants, and landscapes.

Existing conditions

The 7, 630 sq. ft. site (parcels 020-10-140 and 020-10-141) is located along Milligan Ave. in the Puritas-Longmead neighborhood.  The lots together are located adjacent to another land bank lot which the Chevy Branch of the Big Creek runs through. The lots were chosen because of their proximity to the creek, and because their location within a neighborhood with a history of flooding makes them spatially ideal for stormwater management sites. 

Proposed interventions

The installation of a rain garden as a natural catchment and filtration basin involves a number of steps. First, the lots must be cleared of debris, and then meetings with the Water and Soil Conservation will commence to figure out the best location for the rain garden site.  The eventual site will be graded to appropriate depth, with a berm placed and plantings rooted next. In addition to the rain garden, the riparian area will also be remediated with trees and shrubs planted 8 to 10 ft. apart that extends at least 25 ft. from the creek.  

Site maintenance

BPDC volunteers will be handling the majority of the maintenance, including weeding, organic mulching, and stabilizing the berm.  Watering—when needed—will be transported to the site from the creek.