Build a rain garden fed by the downspouts at St. Jerome's Church

Every downspout at St. Jerome's Church dumps straight onto pavement and off to the storm drain. A rain garden fed by one of those downspouts soaks that water into the ground instead, and gives the churchyard a planted feature. Standard: EPA Green Infrastructure BMP; SDG 6.6/11.b. Proof: before/after photos + drainage test + planting log + GPS Method (EPA Green Infrastructure BMP; SDG 6.6/11.b.): 1. Photograph the downspout's current discharge point and the planned garden footprint before work. 2. Dig a shallow, level basin sized to the downspout's roof-area contribution, keeping it well clear of the foundation. 3. Amend the soil, redirect the downspout into the basin with a splash block or buried pipe, and plant it with native, water-tolerant species. 4. Mulch the basin and photograph the finished garden; test with a bucket pour to confirm it drains within 24–48 hours. Done when: before/after photos + drainage test + planting log + GPS

Where

Location on the packet

Pay

$95 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 + drainage test + planting log + 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.