For their student-designed service learning project, ninth graders in our COMPASS Program, developed a rain garden to reduce stormwater runoff in the alleyway next to the Freshman Academy in downtown Lowell. Rain gardens and other impervious materials are especially important in urban settings as they can greatly reduce the amount of pollutants that enter our rivers.

Using recycled materials as flower boxes and purposely choosing to plant native flowers to attract pollinators, the students hope that this rain garden will serve as a small, peaceful retreat for fellow students and pollinators alike!