For Release: April 27, 2005
Contact: Evelyn Adams
Public Information Specialist
Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources
301-883-5958

Berwyn Heights Rain Gardens Ribbon Cutting

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) joined the Town of Berwyn Heights for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today at the Town Hall to commemorate the installation of two rain gardens and one bayscape in the Berwyn Heights community.

Last autumn, 50 volunteers planted over 2,500 plants and shrubs, and assembled and painted 12 rain barrels. The rain collected in the barrels will be used to water the gardens.

As practical as they are beautiful, rain gardens use the concept of bio-retention to remove pollutants from stormwater. They reduce the need for costly stormwater systems, provide shade and wind breaks, and absorb noise.

“We were delighted for the opportunity to partner with the Town of Berwyn Heights in this initiative,” said DER Director Donna M.P. Wilson, Esq. “Rain gardens not only revitalize our communities through plant beautification, but also improve the overall health of the environment by removing pollutants from stormwater. As we move forward with the implementation of the County Executive’s Livable Communities Initiative, we look forward to partnering with more communities interested in our environmental programs.”

A neighborhood planted with rain gardens enjoys the benefit of a beautifully landscaped area. For more information, please contact DER’s Environmental Services Division at

(301) 883-5824.

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