Environmental Services and the Oregon Department of Transportation have finished construction on the Terraced Rain Gardens Project in southwest Portland. It is the largest rain garden project in Portland and manages stormwater runoff from 24 acres. The rain gardens collect runoff from Interstate 5, SW Barbur Boulevard and SW 26th Avenue, slow the flow and allow pollutants to settle out before stormwater enters Tryon Creek.

The work included planting over 11,000 native trees and shrubs throughout the project site. The vegetation holds rain to reduce stormwater volume, filters air pollutants, provides habitat, absorbs carbon to reduce greenhouse gases, and stabilizes the soil to reduce erosion.

Before construction:

During construction:

After construction: