The Mercer Library has installed a rain garden!
What is a rain garden?
Rain gardens are designed to capture and absorb runoff to protect property and lakeshores from erosion. Rain gardens are a great option for collecting water from an urban lot or a lakefront property. These gardens allow water to collect and absorb slowly, creating a beautiful area in your yard. No, they don’t grow mosquitos! The water is absorbed within 24 hours, which is not enough time to breed insects. The Mercer Library’s rain garden directs water from a large portion of the library’s roof into the garden.
The Mercer Library rain garden was completed in the spring of 2021. This project was generously supported by the Friends of the Mercer Public Library and by the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department. The Iron County LWCD has many resources for Iron County landowners who want to promote sound land and water stewardship.
Mercer Rain Garden Guide
Please note: Like any garden, our rain garden is a living, changing thing. This diagram shows an approximate layout of our rain garden, but some plants may be duplicated across the garden or in a slightly different placement than shown on the diagram.
MPL Rain Garden Plant List
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Additional resources
Learn more about rain gardens and how your can create your own garden to protect your property and our lakes.
Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department – resources for rain gardens and stormwater management
Rain Gardens: a beautiful way to reduce runoff pollution! – Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin DNR Rain Garden Manual
UW-Extension Rain Garden Resources – how to’s and fact sheets