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Girl Scouts Interested in Renovating a Rain Garden #927246

Asked April 01, 2026, 10:25 AM EDT

My Girl Scout troop has seven 4th grade girls who are interested in renovating their school's rain garden, which has been neglected. I know almost nothing about how to do this, and would like to see if there is a volunteer who would be interested in looking at our garden and talking to my Scouts about recommendations they would have for their work. Meetings are every other Weds 4:30-5pm at the school, but I could try to arrange a different time. School is in NW DC, close to the border with Takoma Park.

District of Columbia County District of Columbia

Expert Response

So glad that the troop is interested in making their school grounds greener! Construction and/or rehabbing a rain garden, and sizing it for the site is an excellent opportunity to copy some engineering! 
Suggest starting with the DOEE Riversmart Schools program for information and tips on rain gardens and other methods to sequester storm water while benefiting wildlife. https://doee.dc.gov/service/riversmart-schools. Their department is far more expert in rain gardens, as part of their specialty.

Use last year’s proposals for ideas to put together a plan for your school. Then are also plans on the site, plant lists, methods and lots of other guidance. DOEE Community River smart program might be willing to come to your site, or a sample home site to learn from. 

Please keep us posted on how this works out for your troop and if further help is needed.


KatieMacDC Extension volunteer team


An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 02, 2026, 10:25 PM EDT

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