Build a downspout-fed rain garden in the parking lot, First Congregational Church of Long Beach

First Congregational Church of Long Beach's parking-lot downspouts dump straight onto pavement and into the storm system. A planted rain garden at the low point captures that runoff instead of wasting it. Standard: EPA green-infrastructure inspection — bioretention/bioswale/permeable-pavement function + maintenance; SDG 6.3/11.5. Proof: before/after photos + basin sizing note + planting list + GPS Method (EPA green-infrastructure inspection — bioretention/bioswale/permeable-pavement function + maintenance; SDG 6.3/11.5.): 1. Photograph the downspout discharge point and the low spot in the lot/landscape it drains to. 2. Dig a shallow basin sized to the downspout's contributing roof area, keeping it at least 10 feet from the foundation. 3. Amend the basin soil for infiltration and plant native, water-tolerant species. 4. Route the downspout to the basin, mulch, and photograph the finished rain garden. Done when: before/after photos + basin sizing note + planting list + GPS

Where

241 Cedar Ave, First Congregational Church of Long Beach, CA 90802

Pay

$100 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

before/after photos + basin sizing note + planting list + GPS

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-09-01

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–75 minutes. Method of record: EPA green-infrastructure inspection (bioretention / bioswale / permeable pavement function + maintenance)

Bring

• measuring tape
• GPS phone
• camera
• trowel / probe
• data sheet
• gloves

Steps

1. 1. Locate the GI asset; record GPS; identify the type (rain garden / bioswale / permeable pavement / tree filter).
2. 2. Photograph the asset, its inlet, and its outlet/overflow.
3. 3. Check the inlet and outlet for blockage (sediment, trash, mulch) and note whether flow can enter/leave freely.
4. 4. Check for standing water and estimate whether it drains within the design window (typically <24-48h after rain); probe media if dry.
5. 5. Assess vegetation/media condition and estimate sediment/trash accumulation depth.
6. 6. Note erosion, bypass, or structural damage and list the maintenance needed.
7. 7. Enter asset type, condition, inlet/outlet status, drainage observation, sediment level, maintenance needs, GPS, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Standing water persists > 48h after rain -> flag failed infiltration (clogged media) for rehab.
• Inlet or outlet blocked -> flag for cleaning; the asset isn't capturing runoff.
• Erosion, undercutting, or flow bypassing the asset -> flag for repair.
• Documentation only — no digging out media or altering structures.

What counts as done

• Asset type + overall condition recorded
• Inlet + outlet clear/blocked status recorded
• Standing-water / infiltration observation recorded
• Sediment/trash level + maintenance recommendations + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.