In Detroit, abandoned homes are being turned into “bioretention” rain gardens. These gardens soak up storm runoff, which reduces the flow of sewage into nearby rivers and lowers the risk of street flooding during storms. Each garden will reduce stormwater runoff by 300,000 gallons every year. The gardens also sequester carbon emissions, improve water quality, beautify neighborhoods, and will be used as teaching tools for local children. Residents also reported that replacing vacant homes with … Continue reading From Empty Homes to Green Space & Flood Prevention in Detroit