Volunteers plant 3,800-square-foot rain garden at North Edison library

Volunteers and community partners gathered at the North Edison branch of the public library to install native plants in a newly constructed rain garden intended to reduce stormwater runoff.

"This is our rain garden. This is over 3,800 square feet. And right now we're putting in native plants. Over 250 are going on the ground today," said Dorian Kerber, who introduced themself as a "green fixure champion" and helped lead the day's planting. Organizers said the session focused on placing a mix of plugs and potted plants in zones tailored to the garden's drainage patterns and soil conditions.

Organizers thanked the Department of Public Works for preparing the site and bringing equipment and soil, Edison Care and other volunteer groups for hands-on assistance, and students from JP Stevens and Mr. Wender's AP Biology class for helping with planting and site work. Project leads said the first phase completed about 250 plants and that "approximately four or 500 more" plants remain to be installed in a subsequent phase.

The installation uses native species chosen for their tolerance of wet conditions and ability to slow and absorb runoff before it reaches municipal storm drains. Project leads said the rain garden also serves an educational purpose for community volunteers and nearby students, who can see how green infrastructure reduces erosion and surface flooding. The group plans another planting day to finish the next phase and continue maintenance.