Transforming alleys for clean water

Some neighbors around Lake Nokomis have transformed their alleyways to improve water quality in the lake and beautify their properties.

The main source of pollution in Lake Nokomis comes from rainwater that lands on hard surfaces, flows into a storm drain and directly into the lake. On the way, it picks up debris, fertilizer, oil, pet waste and other pollutants. Residents can keep this polluted runoff out of the lake by catching it on their property and allowing it to filter into the soil.

Residents of 10 properties on a single block – between 16th and 17th Ave. S. and 50th and 51rd St. E. – recently installing a variety of landscape features that will capture polluted stormwater runoff from the alley, roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces.

Five properties installed raingardens, which are bowl-shaped gardens that use deep-rooted plants to hold and soak up stormwater. Four properties installed strips of pavers that allow water to pass through into the soil. Six of the homes used “bioswales” – think of a mini stream channel with plantings along the banks — to slow down and infiltrate stormwater.

These features also make the alley a more attractive public space and provide great wildlife habitat. Project organizers are producing a video that will highlight the initiative.

The project is a joint venture of Metro Blooms, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Friends of Lake Nokomis, and Master Water Stewards. Metro Blooms is hoping to expand this project to 15 more alleyways around Lake Nokomis over the next three years. Visit www.metroblooms.org/nokomis for more information.