In a changing climate with extreme storms and floods in our present and future, forests, meadows and wetlands are increasingly vital as densely vegetated areas that act like sponges in our landscapes. They soak up massive amounts of rainfall, slow and clean water as it flows into streams and rivers and even help recharge the water table.

Unfortunately, the majority of land space in our developed areas is made up of impervious roofs and pavement, with this vital sponge largely missing. In cities and suburbs, rainwater that is not absorbed or intercepted by plants becomes dangerous runoff. Runoff is water that moves quickly across roads and sidewalks causing erosion and flooding as it picks up pollution from cars, human waste, fertilizers and pesticides along the way. It then washes into waterways and shorelines to cause atrocities like toxic algal blooms and poor water quality for aquatic and human life.

So, how do we mitigate runoff and make our built landscapes as spongy as possible? Native plants attract butterflies, bees and birds while helping absorb rainwater back into the earth. Virtually any space that is not paved can be planted: this includes yards, sidewalk hellstrips, between pavers, and around community gardens. Here are several ways to maximize your landscapes “spongability” with native plants.

Read the full article here