A new trend in curbside vegetation is not just for looks.

River-friendly landscaping is sprouting up in neighborhoods across the DMV.

From rain gardens to permeable pavement to roadside trees, “green streets” in Montgomery County are doing more than boosting curb appeal. They’re a new and effective tool in making our local streams swimmable and fishable. Here’s how these smart, simple solutions work hard to make our drinking water a lot cleaner.

How do “Green Streets” Work?

Check out these before and after photos to see rain gardens at work!

A DC Rain Garden in February

Stormwater that would otherwise carry trash down to the river is trapped in the rain garden. Underneath the plants are feet of gravel and rocks into which water can seep.

Images courtesy of Jacob Fenston (Twitter: @JacobFenston)

A DC Rain Garden in February

If this rainwater wasn’t captured by the garden, it would carry trash, fertilizer, pesticides, and street oils into storm drains and our drinking water.

Images courtesy of Jacob Fenston (Twitter: @JacobFenston)

After the rain!

A few hours later, the rain has absorbed into the permeable gravel just as it would absorb into soil in the forest.

Images courtesy of Jacob Fenston (Twitter: @JacobFenston)

The alternative: Dirty water

After the same rainstorm, this water in a nearby tree-box has nowhere to go. If only this were a rain garden too!

Images courtesy of Jacob Fenston (Twitter: @JacobFenston)

Taking a cue from Mother Nature, strategically-placed trees and plants in our communities help to absorb rainwater, filter pollutants, and reduce harmful stormwater runoff — the only growing source of pollution to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.

Benefits of "Green Streets”:

Protect local waterways by reducing polluted runoff
Lower local and state costs as an alternative to expensive infrastructure projects
Provide habitat for native birds and pollinators
Beautify our neighborhoods and improve curb appeal

How to Tell if you're on a "Green Street"

Next time you're taking a stroll around your neighborhood, or visiting a nearby park, keep an eye out for river friendly greenery:

Step pools

The series of step pools reduce the flow of stormwater and allow native plantings to absorb rain and runoff naturally. Dennis Ave, Silver Spring, MD.

Rain gardens

Collects, stores, and allows rainwater from roadway to absorb into ground. Adds beauty to your street, with maintenance that varies based on the plants selected. (Montgomery County DEP)

Permeable pavement

Permeable pavers can be used to create parking pads along the roadway, also allowing water to infiltrate into the ground below. Less pavement means less stormwater and pollutants entering local streams. (Montgomery County DEP)

Pollinator gardens

A rain garden that provides a home for native pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Collects, stores and allows rainwater from roadway to absorb into ground. (Montgomery County DEP)

Tree box filter

Mini bioretention boxes filled with a soil mixture, a mulch layer, under-drain system and a shrub or tree. Typically used when space is limited. Requires proximity to a storm drain system. (Montgomery County DEP)

Bioretention

A shallow depression planted with native plants. Gravel layer has an underdrain pipe that is connected to a nearby storm drain to help drain the facility after rain events. Special areas collect debris that can clog draining pipes and cause sewage overflows. (Montgomery County DEP)

Grass swale curb extension

Sometimes curbs are extended into the parking lane and pavement is removed to widen the available footprint and treatable drainage area. Requires adequate space and minimal impact to parking. Allows runoff to percolate into the ground, reducing the amount of runoff leaving the roadway. (Montgomery County DEP)

What to look for:
Curbside rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, and tree boxes are a few of the more common types of nature-based infrastructure taking root along our roads and public right-of-ways. The new greenery helps rainwater absorb naturally into the landscape, reducing the volume of polluted runoff flowing into our streams and rivers.

Nature-based solutions are the wave of the future. Communities across the country - including right here in the greater Washington, DC metro area - are building green infrastructure projects to lower costs, meet pollution reduction goals, and create in-demand walkable, sustainable neighborhoods.

So go on and give that new street tree a hug! It’s working extra hard to provide you with clean air and water.

And give yourself a pat on the back while you’re at it. Thanks to you and others who are speaking up for common sense policies, nature-based solutions are gaining in popularity. In fact, our community is leading the region and the nation by embracing these and other innovative approaches to cleaning urban waters.

How did we get our “Green Streets”?

A strong state-federal partnership to clean up the Chesapeake Bay has led to a region-wide effort that will bring back swimmable and fishable waters to our streams and rivers. Working towards this goal, most green street programs are directed and funded at the local level, whether they're found in the District, Arlington, Hyattsville, or Wheaton.

Montgomery County's Green Streets Program has been particularly effective, transforming dozens of streets over the last several years. Run by the County's Department of Environmental Protection, the program tailors each project to the specific neighborhood; projects are only constructed on county-owned land and typically take two to three years to complete.

How YOU can keep this trend alive:
Thanks to your support for our Clean Water Advocacy program, Potomac Conservancy and allies in the region helped Montgomery County enact a strong pollution reduction plan that makes the Green Streets program and local stream restoration projects possible. Now we need you to help keep the program going —>

Get Vocal & Act Local
for clean water in Montgomery County!

The County Council is currently working on their next budget.
Now’s the time to speak up and urge them to protect Green Streets funding.
Email your council-members today and say:

"Yes, I support Green Streets!"