Whippanong Library Rain Garden Sign Dedication

Hanover Twp., NJ – A dedication ceremony commemorating the installation of a rain garden at
the Hanover Township Municipal building near the Whippanong Library took place on June 6 at
6:30 PM. A permanent sign, which details what a rain garden is and who was involved was
installed by library officials, Boy Scout Troop 155 and members of the Whippany River
Watershed Action Committee.
This rain garden uses natural systems to improve water quality in the watershed. It is an
engineered landscape that collects water flowing off the library roof and removes pollutants from
the water as it moves through plants and infiltrates into the soil. In addition to removing
pollutants, the water draining through the soil is slowed to help reduce the risk of flooding in the
watershed.
“The Whippanong Library Board of Trustees is proud our Library was chosen as the educational
center to promote the benefits of our Hanover Township Rain Garden.” States Kathleen
Sheridan, President, Whippanong Library Board of Trustees. “Thank you to everyone involved
in bringing this exciting project to fruition.”

The rain garden was made possible with funding and support from the Township of Hanover,
The Watershed Institute, Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, and the Whippany River
Watershed Action Committee.
Maintenance of the Whippanong rain garden has been assigned to BSA Troop 155 of Hanover.
A maintenance manual was created by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County.
Scouts will be responsible for weeding, pruning and mulching while learning about conservation,
responsibility and leadership.

“This rain garden intercepts, treats and infiltrates approximately 1,320 gallons of rain per year
before it becomes runoff,” states Jim Baranski, chair of the WRWAC. “Our organization has
installed many rain gardens throughout the watershed to manage storm water runoff and
ultimately recharge underground aquifers.”

The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is a non-profit, grassroots organization based
in Morris County, comprised of members representing thirteen municipal governments, the
Board of Chosen Freeholders, and other stakeholders.