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1. What is the Adopt-a-Rain Garden Program?

The Adopt-a-Rain Garden Program is designed to give the community a hands-on opportunity to help keep Owatonna’s rain gardens clean and attractive by performing basic maintenance activities like picking up litter, pulling weeds, and installing new mulch when needed.

Helpful Documents

• Adopt-a-Rain Garden Application
• Rain Garden Locations (PDF)

2. What are the program benefits?

Program benefits:

• It’s a great opportunity for groups to get outside during nice weather and have fun gardening.
• Properly maintained rain gardens improve our water quality and reduce flood risks.
• Your group can improve the beauty and value of Owatonna’s neighborhoods by adopting a rain garden.
• Your organization’s name will be acknowledged on a sign in the designated rain garden.

3. What is the Adopt-a-Rain Garden time commitment?

The adoption term lasts 2 years, and each year, the adoption commitment begins in April and concludes the end of October.

4. Who can participate?

The Adopt-a-Rain Garden Program is open to: 

• Businesses
• Civic groups
• Community organizations in the City of Owatonna
• Individuals
• Neighborhood associations
• Religious organizations
• Schools (school groups and teams)
• Service organizations

5. How does one go through the adoption process?

The application and information packet for the Adopt-a-Rain Garden Program can be downloaded here, picked up at the City Offices at West Hills Circle, or we can mail one to you, just contact the Water Quality Specialist or email Stormwater Management.

6. Why are rain gardens important?

As cities and suburbs grow and replace forests and agricultural land, increased stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces becomes a problem. Stormwater runoff from developed areas increases flooding; carries pollutants from streets, parking lots, and even lawns into local streams and lakes; and leads to costly municipal improvements in stormwater treatment structures.