At 4020 Steward Road, adjacent to Amazon Creek, Mountain Rose Herbs (MRH) installed a 500 sqft rain garden that manages 11,000 sqft of stormwater runoff from their primary parking area. Additionally, 23 trees planted
to help reduce heat on the property and expand the habitat function of the Creek. In summer of 2016, the existing retention pond was dredged and expanded to meet city requirements. The following summer the pond was planted with appropriate vegetation. Significant restoration work has been completed but there is still more to be done!
MRH is the first Salmon Safe Certified urban campus in the Southern Willamette Vally. Long Tom Watershed
Council (LTWC) works closely with MRH to help them meet certification conditions which include increasing wildlife value and stormwater management while decreasing water use and impervious surfaces.
Co-owner, Shawn understands the impact that businesses can have on water quality and habitat, as well as the business case for being a good watershed steward.
MRH is a Business League Supporter of LTWC and was a finalist for the 2016 Eugene Mayor’s Bold Steps Award.
Restoration Techniques
Detention Pond and Swale: Capture and treat all of the stormwater from the entire four-acre site before overflowing into the adjacent Amazon Creek
Tree Preservation and Planting: Provides a wildlife corridor between Amazon Creek and the adjacent wetlands in addition to providing additional stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation.
Rain Garden: Provides pre-treatment for the stormwater from 1/2 of the primary parking lot. Regardless of the twice daily vehicle leak checks, brakes and tires are a significant source of zinc which has been shown to kill salmon within minutes of exposure. It has also been shown that rain gardens are the cheapest and most effective method of removing heavy metals and other pollutants from stormwater.
The completed projects offer both environmental and economic benefits including:
- Reduction of urban pollutants – especially heavy metals and pesticides, from entering Amazon Creek
- Reduction of erosion – stream bed and bank erosion contributes to sedimentation of the stream
- Improved instream water quality – benefits fish, amphibians, and macro-invertebrates
- Wildlife habitat integration – native plantings added into the urban framework benefits local song birds, pollinators, and wildlife
- Distinctive signage – highlights the sight as an example of Trout Friendly Landscaping, educating passersby, visitors, and employees