Using Rain Gardens to Keep Waterways Pollution-Free

The gardens would also make the neighborhood more beautiful and attract birds and butterflies. As a bonus, the city was picking up the tab for the work, since it would serve as a teaching tool to encourage similar installations in the area. The neighbors just had to help plant, and promise to care for, the new gardens. "It was a fabulous opportunity, too good to pass up," said neighborhood organizer Heidi Eshpeter (left, pictured with fellow community-gardener Paula Hemphill). "When you live near a salmon stream, everybody needs to do their part."