The Red Oak Rain Garden is a current 2017 SSC funded project. During the design phase, issues became apparent that require additional funding so that the project can go forward successfully. Namely, these are sidewalk additions/modifications that must happen before plant installation. The garden was built by NRES students 10 years ago. In 2016, when the revitalization project began, Master’s Candidate Cameron Letterly held two student-attended stakeholder meetings and did initial design work.

Once the sidewalk phase is completed, the rain garden can be planted. Students will have an opportunity to participate in building the garden side by side with experienced Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists during intergenerational work days. Once the garden is built, it will be a living learning laboratory – providing outdoor educational opportunities. Further, students will benefit from planned wellness programming that will center on the garden. This team plans to work with “neighbors” McKinley Health Center and CRCE Campus Rec to encourage students to incorporate the garden into their fitness/wellness self-care routines. Even if they never attend these events, the garden will directly benefit students by providing a natural place where students can relax and recharge. The benches around the garden, which are paid for by F&S, will allow students to sit and be immersed in nature, by hearing birds singing, seeing attracted pollinators such as butterflies and bees, and smelling the flowering native plants. Students can learn about green infrastructure by reading the educational sign that will be placed near the sidewalk. Students may also feel their anxiety lifted as they engage with nature. Indirectly, students will become more aware of the benefits of green infrastructure by witnessing the changes between now and post-restoration of the garden.