By Blake Jackson
Heavy rainfall often sends water rushing across hard surfaces like rooftops, sidewalks, and parking lots, carrying soil and debris along its path. How that water is managed depends largely on the surrounding landscape.
At Lincoln University (LU), the Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory demonstrates how conservation practices and native plants can help control stormwater effectively.
Rain gardens and similar features play a key role in slowing water movement. “The key is to slow the movement of water through the landscape,” said Sue Bartelette, educator and landscape designer with LU’s Native and Specialty Crops Program.
“The slower that water moves, the cleaner it will be when it reaches our aquifers.” When water flows too quickly, it becomes runoff, which can erode soil and transport pollutants into nearby waterways.
Native plants are central to addressing this issue. Their deep root systems improve water infiltration, while dense foliage captures rainfall and reduces surface flow. “Native plants have deep root systems that allow water to percolate through the soil,” Bartelette said. “They also have a lot of foliage, so they’re capturing rainfall and holding it in the soil.”
At LU’s campus, rainwater flows through curb openings into planted areas where it can soak into the ground. Rain gardens temporarily hold excess water and release it gradually within a day or two. Permeable pavement further supports this process by allowing water to pass through rather than run off.
Native plantings also help stabilize slopes and prevent erosion. “We started planting natives, and now it is not only looking beautiful but also protecting the soil from erosion,” said Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, program leader.
Beyond campus, LU promotes practices like prairie strips and riparian plantings to support water sustainability. These techniques slow runoff, reduce sediment loss, and improve water quality.
Photo Credit: pexels-adam-sondel
Categories: Missouri, General