Build the rain garden where the Iron Triangle downspout used to hit concrete

The depaved strip's next rung: shape the basin, route the downspout, plant the natives that drink the roof's winter water instead of sending it to the storm drain. Standard: Contra Costa rain-garden sizing guidance (yard scale). LBC Water petal, SDG 6. Proof: finished-garden photos + dimensions + downspout routing photo Method (Contra Costa rain-garden sizing guidance (yard scale). LBC Water petal, SDG 6.): 1. Size and shape a shallow basin in the opened ground per the roof area draining to it; keep 10 ft from the foundation. 2. Route the downspout via extension/swale into the basin with an overflow path to the original drain. 3. Plant the basin with the regional native palette (rushes, sedges, yarrow); mulch. 4. Water in, photograph finished from matching vantage, and log basin dimensions. Done when: finished-garden photos + dimensions + downspout routing photo

Where

Owner-invited yards, Iron Triangle, Richmond, CA 94801

Pay

$90 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

finished-garden photos + dimensions + downspout routing photo

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.