Vegetated Stormwater Technologies
Recharge Gardens / Bioretention Beds
Bioretention areas are usually densely vegetated, depressed features that store stormwater on the surface until it infiltrates or evapotranspires. The vegetation serves to filter and transpire runoff and the root systems can enhance infiltration. Optimal bioretention techniques mimic natural ecosystems through species diversity, density and distribution of vegetation, and the use of native species resulting in a system that is resistant to insects, disease, pollution, and climatic stresses. Bioretention areas can be used in a variety of applications: from small areas in residential lawns to extensive systems on large development sites (incorporated into parking islands and/ or perimeter areas).

Cahill Associates incorporated Recharge Gardens at the Pennsylvania State University/Centre County Visitor Center, and the Tyler State Park in conjunction with PA DCNR and DEP.

Examples

Recharge garden / bioretention bed conceptual detail.

Recharge garden at PSU/Centre County Visitors Center, in State College PA.