Thanks to a grant awarded by the LSRPA Foundation, Carvallo Park now has a well-functioning rain garden. The grant was arranged through the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), which helps environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies in the State of New Jersey preserve natural resources and promote healthy communities. Since 2022, the LSRPA Foundation has partnered with ANJEC to support environmental projects throughout New Jersey.

The rain garden was the brainchild of Liz Magill, chair of Lambertville’s Environmental Commission, and Mary Anne Borge, chair of the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission. The two often collaborate on projects in the town. Given the increasing volume of rainfall experienced in recent storms, the pair believed an upgrade to the detention basin in the park would significantly improve stormwater management in the area, and make Lambertville more resilient in the face of climate change. The primary goal of the rain garden was to increase its water-retention capacity by replacing the lawn grass in the basin with deep-rooted native plants that would absorb more rainwater, with the added benefit of providing food and habitat for insects and birds.

The rain garden is a natural fit for Lambertville, a town that is proud of its environmental stewardship. The National Wildlife Foundation has certified it as a Community Wildlife Habitat, and a program known as “Lambertville Goes Wild,” which assists residents in greening their properties and certifies environmentally-responsible properties as “Gardens for Wildlife.”

Borge, who also is a naturalist and a specialist in native plants, designed the rain garden. In Spring 2022, ANJEC awarded Lambertville a $1,500 grant for the project using money supplied by the LSRPA Foundation. The park qualified for a Foundation grant as a former remediation site. Planting took place in Fall 2022.

Volunteers constructing the rain garden. Photo credit: Jeff Worthington

Finding volunteers was easy; Cavallo Park is a popular destination, and the town has a great community spirit. For several weeks, residents of all ages, including the mayor, Andrew Nowick, got on their hands and knees and planted 650 shoots of thirteen species that are native to New Jersey. Volunteers trained by Ms. Borge have been maintaining the garden since its completion.

Two residents of Lambertville who benefit from the Cavallo Park rain garden. Photo credit: Mary Ann Borge

The LSRPA Foundation is proud to provide funds for this and other worthy environmental projects through ANJEC and other non-governmental organizations. The Foundation also provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are aspiring to become environmental consultants, and to community college students pursuing curricula in the sciences. To support the Foundation, go to LSRPA.ORG and click on the Big Green Button found here: https://www.lsrpa.org/lsrpa-foundation