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Don't let rainwater go down the drain!

Capture water from your downspout and create your own miniature wetland.      Rainwater from your rooftop is generally relatively pure and free from chemicals such as chlorine found in municipally treated water. It also tends to be warmer than water straight from the hose. All in all, it's a better choice for growing some of the more sensitive moisture-loving native species.      By diverting water from your rooftop into a bog garden or rain barrel, you will reduce stress on local streams and culverts caused by the influx of water delivered via storm sewers. The volume and force of this water, particularly after mixing with oils, pesticides, animal wastes and other pollutants washed from impermeable surfaces, can be devastating for local riparian habitats and fish spawning grounds. (more info)

Build your own bog garden!   COME TO A FREE SEMINAR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DISCONNECTING YOUR DOWNSPOUT AND CREATING YOUR OWN BOG GARDEN FEATURING SPECTACULAR MOISTURE-LOVING NATIVE PLANTS. Registration is appreciated to assist with our arrangements for these events: REGISTER AT 416-631-4438 OR NANPS@NANPS.ORG

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Disconnecting your downspout is easy! You can do it yourself, or residents of the City of Toronto can call 416-392-1807 to arrange to have the job done at no charge. Whether you choose to have downspout water directed into a rain barrel, onto your lawn or garden, or to create a bog garden, you'll be reducing stress on local storm sewer capacity and on nearby waterways. Disconnecting downspouts is encouraged by the City of Toronto as a means of water conservation and to lessen the risk of flooding during major storms.