CLIENT: District Department of the Environment
PROJECT: Stormwater Runoff
WEBSITE: http://green.dc.gov/stormwater
CONTACT: Walter Caldwell (walter.caldwell@dc.gov)
PROJECT MISSION:
The District Department of the Environment seeks to reduce stormwater runoff pollution through several
the RiverSmart Homes, RiverSmart Schools, Green Roof and BayScaping programs.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Homeowners in the District of Columbia, school administrators, and other people concerned about
stormwater runoff.
MESSAGING:
 BayScaping is landscaping that is planted and maintained to benefit people, the local
environment, and the Chesapeake Bay. BayScaping uses native plants to:
 Provide habitat for local and migratory animals.
 Improve water quality.
 Reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides

The District is promoting the planting of rain gardens because they manage stormwater on-site by
intercepting and filtering pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides, and oil and other automobile
fluids washed off of impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, turf, roads and parking lots. In
addition, rain gardens:
 Increase the amount of water filtering into the ground, which recharges local and
regional aquifers
 Help to protect communities from flooding and drainage problems; and
 Provide valuable habitat for local birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects.