About the project

This project was a residential reconstruction creating bioretention basins throughout several blocks. These sites help collect stormwater that otherwise would flow directly to local waterbodies untreated. 

Native plant species were installed which provide food and habitat for Minnesota’s native pollinator species. This pilot project is currently being monitored to determine how well these sites are capturing and treating stormwater runoff. This information will help to provide insight for future projects on long term maintenance needs and costs. Learn more at: MWMO link. 

• Type of green infrastructure: Bioretention basins  
• Completion date: 2020 
• Project partners: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), Hennepin County, Board of Soil Resources (BWSR), Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), University of Minnesota- St. Anthony Falls Laboratory 
• Functions: 
  • Collects rainwater from the roads, sidewalks, and buildings and cleans it before it flows to the city’s river, lakes, and streams 
  • Address local flooding issues 
  • Creates pollinator habitat 
  • Adds native plants and trees, and protects existing trees 
  • Creates a community amenity