Diamond Lake Blooming Alleys for Clean Water

This was a community-focused project to improve the water quality and create native habitat in the Diamond Lake Watershed in 2015 and 2016. With funding from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and Hennepin County, Metro Blooms engaged local residents to install practices such as raingardens, permeable pavement, and native plantings. The focus of this project was on alleyways, since an average of 60% of a property’s impervious surface drains to the alley. The goal was to reduce stormwater runoff and associated pollutants to Diamond Lake. Entire alleys were targeted and we worked with local ‘alley captains’ to hold community gatherings, engage residents and build interest in the project. A total of 21 raingardens, 14 permeable pavement sections, and 17 new native plantings were installed as part of this project. In doing so, we helped to transform alleyways into pedestrian-friendly community spaces with an ecological function.