Rain garden developed by Wayne & Susan Selby(before & after)

The Seine/Rat River Conservation District is trying to get people throughout southeastern Manitoba to consider setting up a rain garden on their yards. It's part of a collective effort to slow down runoff after rains and reduce the risk of flooding.

Chair Cornie Goertzen explains how the rain gardens work. "What happens with a rain garden is, instead of sending the water onto the street, you have an area on your own land where you have a garden that will cause water to soak into the ground." He notes there are a variety of styles for such gardens.

The idea is to ease the amount of water that runs into storm drains to alleviate

flooding on streams and rivers.

The Conservation District has recognized Wayne and Susan Selby(right) of the RM of Springfield with its annual Conservation Award. The Selby's have built a rain garden.

Goertzen also notes the Conservation District has partnered with the new Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach to set up a rain garden.