N.J. Company Installs Rain Gardens on Corporate Grounds to Help Improve Rivers

Subaru of America Inc. announced the installation of two rain gardens, the first of which was installed Oct. 13 at the company's headquarters in Cherry Hill, N.J., and the second one to be installed later this fall at the company's Pennsauken, N.J. office. These rain gardens will help reduce storm runoff into surrounding rivers and streams, such as the Cooper River that runs along the edge of the Subaru headquarters grounds. Subaru worked in partnership with the Camden County Soil Conservation District and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Rutgers University to install the rain gardens.

Rain gardens are shallow depressions in lawns and fields that collect rainwater. The rainwater then percolates down through layers of rock, gravel or other drainage. The gardens are landscaped with native plants, which help minimize maintenance. While rain gardens are becoming more common in new constructions, the Subaru rain gardens are some of the first in New Jersey to be retrofitted to corporate grounds.

"Subaru is pleased to be among the first companies in New Jersey to retrofit a rain garden—or two—at our corporate buildings," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Subaru of America. "The rain gardens will certainly benefit the streams and rivers around those buildings, but just as importantly, they'll help educate our employees, our corporate neighbors, and the public about the importance of storm water management."

Source: Subaru of America Inc.