In August 2025, the Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) completed a rain garden and stormwater management project at the Glover Town Clerk’s Office. The project aims to treat stormwater runoff while also creating an educational and functional community space. Several stormwater best management practices (BMPs) were installed to filter stormwater runoff from the property before it flows in to the Barton River.

Gutters and swales were installed to capture stormwater runoff from the roof, nearby driveways, and Bean Hill Road. Runoff flows through a new driveway culvert and into the rain garden. The culvert inlet and outlet, as well as the swale leading into the garden, was lined with stone to reduce the potential for erosion. The rain garden is shaped like a kidney and can manage runoff from a 1-inch rainstorm. The bottom of the excavated rain garden is graded to direct water to deeper areas, allowing it to fill up like a small pond. It is planted with robust shrubs and vibrant perennials to help filter runoff and provide wildlife and pollinator habitat. Large boulders and rock clusters were put in as interactive stepping-stones for kids to enjoy. If you look closely, you will see rocks oriented like shark fins swimming through the swales and rain garden.

Next to the raingarden are a set of infiltration steps with a beautiful hand-whittled railing and arch. These steps are another example of low-tech stormwater BMPs that reduce erosion risk. They are constructed with treated timbers, lined with erosion fabric, and filled with gravel. Each step is capped with a slate steppingstone – with the uppermost step’s stone looking just like the state of Vermont.

The Clerk’s Office parking area runoff is now directed to a large, rock-lined swale planted with shrubs and three large trees. This swale allows stormwater to soak into the ground instead of flowing directly to the river. Additionally, a set of stone steps were installed to improve access from the back of the parking lot. Trees and shrubs were interplanted near the existing “Fairy House” and “Fairy Garden” to bolster plant diversity. Finally, a patch of native, edible berries were planted along the river near Bean Hill Rd to widen the riparian buffer and provide enjoyment for the community and wildlife, alike.  

Project funding was through a Water Quality Enhancement Block Grant awarded to MWA by Watersheds United Vermont (WUV). Project designs were completed by Greenleaf Design, LLC. Auger Heights Excavating did the heavy lifting & installed the cross culvert, excavated the rain garden & swales, and placed the stone. The Town of Glover and the Glover Road Crew were a tremendous help, providing project materials, hauling, and expertise. A big thank you to Northwoods Stewardship Center (NWSC) who installed the infiltration steps & plantings. MWA would like to sincerely thank the “Ladies of the Town” and volunteers that came out to help plant and put the finishing touches on the project.

Photo of the Northwoods Stewardship Center and Greenleaf Design, LLC after completing the project.