South Orange Rain Garden Opens as Living Classroom for Stormwater Management Education

South Orange, New Jersey, unveiled a new rain garden on October 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone where progressive education merges seamlessly with tangible environmental stewardship. This innovative project is strategically situated adjacent to the South Orange Middle School (SOMS) grounds. The initiative is a collaborative effort, overseen jointly by the Township Administration and the Rahway River Watershed Association.

The funding backbone for this endeavor received crucial support through a Sustainable Jersey grant, which was made possible by the PSEG Foundation. This foundation has dedicated substantial resources, reportedly investing over $4 million into sustainability projects across New Jersey’s schools and municipalities. The engineering blueprint for the garden was meticulously crafted by Dr. Kirk Barrett, the President of the Rahway River Watershed Association. Dr. Barrett brings over two decades of expertise in water resource management, specializing particularly in surface and wetland hydrology.

The design of the rain garden is fundamentally aimed at controlling stormwater runoff with high efficiency. It is engineered to capture up to one inch of rainfall, effectively managing approximately 75 percent of the typical rain events experienced in this region, which averages around 100 rainy days annually. This capacity ensures that the garden plays a vital role in mitigating local flooding risks.

Students from both South Orange Middle School (SOMS) and Columbia High School (CHS) are actively participating in the hands-on monitoring of the garden’s performance. The pupils utilize installed instruments to quantify the volume of runoff captured, lending measurable, real-world value to their academic studies. Eighth-grader Emma Aylward aptly described the garden as a practical solution and a “living filter,” emphasizing its immediate, tangible benefits to the local environment.

Positioned along the East Branch of the Rahway River, this specialized garden possesses the capability to absorb roughly 250,000 gallons of stormwater each year. This volume represents water that would otherwise flow directly into and pollute the waterway. The garden thus acts as a crucial buffer, protecting the ecological health of the river system.

Furthermore, the project serves as an excellent demonstration site for local residents, showcasing the principles of sustainable landscaping. This includes the strategic use of native plantings, which naturally lowers maintenance demands and reduces flood potential. Andy Stone, Secretary of the Environmental Commission—which was chaired by Kathleen Grant in 2025—noted that if this model is replicated on private properties throughout the area, it will significantly contribute to purifying the river and restoring natural habitats.

The Founders Park Conservancy also provided valuable assistance to the project, contributing expertise during the design and initial planting phases. This partnership highlights a community-wide commitment to environmental improvement.

The South Orange rain garden initiative aligns perfectly with broader sustainability trends taking root across New Jersey. Since 2009, Sustainable Jersey grants have channeled over $8.4 million into various projects promoting environmental advancement statewide. By integrating student monitoring and data analysis, this infrastructure project transforms into a dynamic educational laboratory, perfectly complementing STEAM standards and environmental literacy goals. The successful execution here offers a constructive blueprint for tackling urban runoff and water quality challenges at the community level.