Several groups partner to create ‘rain garden’ at Whirlin’ Waters

When folks in Berkeley County want to take a dive in the water, they either head to the pool, river–or better yet go to Whirlin’ Waters. However, the next time you go, you might notice something new.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation Committee (CCPRC) joined with Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health and Clemson Extension’s Carolina Clear to bring a multifunctional rain garden to the Whirlin’ Waters park in North Charleston.

The project initially impacted six residents from Palmetto Summerville, a residential facility for patients ages 7-21. These young volunteers helped in the formation of the rain garden, and were guided by Natural Resources Agent Kim Counts and other employees from Carolina Clear, which is a public service group that works to educate the public in waterway protection and pollution prevention. In addition to teaching the children about gardening, the project educated them about biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

“We are grateful for the generosity and dedication of Carolina Clear, and that the young people of Palmetto Summerville were able to share something so important with their community through their hard work,” says CCPRC’s Accessible Recreation Program Aide Marina Forbus, who, along with Stewardship Aide Sarah Giles, piloted the efforts to bring the rain garden project to completion. “It is amazing to see how community partnerships, recreation, and nature can inspire such personal growth and joy in all people.”

Visitors to Whirlin’ Waters, which is now open for the summer season, can view the rain garden and learn more about it on the sign near it. Plants within the garden include many local varieties, including the dwarf palmetto, beauty berries, sweetgrass, tiger eye, milkweed, and dune sunflower. The plants were chosen because they were low maintenance, which saves on fertilizer and water usage. In addition to adding color to the area, the rain garden helps to enrich the local ecosystem by naturally filtering rainwater.

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Natalie Vereen-Davis

A native of Mount Pleasant, Natalie attended Bishop England High School (Go Bishops!) before heading off to Clemson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in English. She went on to earn an M.A. in British Literature from the University of South Carolina.

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