Two new rain gardens in Zeeland, Mich., have helped their city earn a 2008 Watershed Stakeholder of the Year Award from the Macatawa Watershed Project, a group supporting water quality improvements in Lake Macatawa.

"It was awarded to them for their interest in water quality and commitment to water quality best management practices," said Beth McDonald, storm water specialist with the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC). "It was their fortitude and proactive nature."

The city of Zeeland and MACC collaborated this past summer to install the two rain gardens, which help manage and treat storm water.

The award will be presented to the Zeeland City Council on Nov. 17.

Source: The Holland Sentinel