Skagit County Marine Resource Committee

A Brief History of this Rain Garden

In 2023, the Skagit County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) initiated a project with the La Conner School District to upgrade this existing rain garden in the La Conner Elementary School parking area. At that time, water was not effectively entering the rain garden, and there was an opportunity to plant native plants to create a habitat and educational opportunities using the existing space

In summer of 2024, Skagit County’s Road Crew made the necessary curb adjustments, and regraded the asphalt to help water enter the garden from the parking lot more effectively.. The La Conner Elementary School maintenance team prepared the rain garden by pruning and clearing debris, weeding, mulching, and installing a gravel pathway to provide access to students and help direct water flow.

On planting day in October of 2024, native plants from the Salal Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society and Christianson’s Nursery were planted by Mrs. Alumbres’ 4th and 5th grade science class using tools and gloves on loan from the Northwest Straits Foundation and The Salish Sea School. The 4th and 5th grade science class then had a rain garden lesson and became caretakers and ambassadors for the garden.

How a Rain Garden Works

The main function of a rain garden is to capture, slow, and clean pollutants out of stormwater by providing a natural filter of soil and plant roots.

Rain gardens are great ways to create small, productive ecosystems in very developed (and paved!) communities. They improve water quality and help prevent flooding..

Elements of a Rain Garden

Rain gardens usually have a well-draining soil structure and Deep-rooted native plants that can withstand moist and dry conditions.. Using a variety of native plants and trees can boost ecosystem benefits and provide wildlife habitat!

Rain gardens are designed as a shallow depression, at least six inches deep, to hold water while it seeps into the ground during rain events. Cobblestones, or other durable but permeable materials are often used, to helps direct the flow of water and reduce erosion within the garden. Raingardens are often placed in natural low-spots in the landscape.

La Conner Elementary School Rain Garden Native Plants

Here are some native plants that have found a home in the La Conner Elementary School Rain Garden (information from the Washington Native Plant Society website)

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) A shrubby, drought tolerant plant that grows from the coast all the way to the Cascade crest.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) Holly-like leaves and bright yellow flower clusters! Birds love the berries!
Sword fern (Polystichum munitum) This plant is not picky, it grows throughout the West Coast, from British Columbia to Mexico! Did you know, individual sword fern fronds can live for 1.5-2.5 years?
Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) Hummingbirds, butterflies and birds love this plant for its nectar and berries!
Common camas (Camassia quamash) Camas has a rich history with indigenous populations in the area!
Red flowering current (Ribes sanguineum) One of the first native plants to bloom in the spring, beautiful cascading pink flowers.
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) Mammals and birds alike enjoy their berries, and according to the Washington Native Plant Society, its roots can live underground for hundreds of years.
Deer fern (Struthiopteris spicant) This can be an important food plant for deer and elk and like moist places.