After years of thoughtful planning, the Red Oak Rain Garden (RORG) is now home to two new signs thanks to generous support from the American Water Charitable Foundation and the Student Sustainability Committee.
An interpretive sign and a sculpture identification plaque not only beautify the space, but also deepen the public’s connection to this high-profile, sustainability-focused landscape.
Telling the Story of Rain Gardens
Interpretive signage does more than point the way; it invites people to pause, learn, and connect. Designed to educate and inspire, the new 2′ x 3′ sign explains the role of rain gardens in managing stormwater and improving water quality, while highlighting the Red Oak Rain Garden’s unique features.
The project began with a pedestrian survey conducted by Stormwater Intern Chantal Korde, which revealed that the garden sees around 150 passersby per hour on weekdays. That number confirmed what we already knew: RORG is a well-trafficked and highly visible spot, making it an ideal venue for environmental outreach. It also provided insight into how people move through the space.
But placing the sign wasn’t simple.
The garden has multiple access points and a pedestrian bridge that invites traffic from every direction — including fast-moving bicycles. While the south end of the bridge seemed like a logical choice at first, safety concerns took priority. With help from the university’s Architectural Review Committee, which met on-site with Layne Knoche, a safer and more accessible location was selected at the north end of the bridge.
A Commitment to Inclusion
True to RORG’s mission, the sign reflects a commitment to universal design, ensuring that people of all abilities can access and benefit from the information it offers. Encouraged by Pat Charlebois, Associate Director of Outreach at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the team explored ways to integrate Braille into the sign.
With guidance from campus experts at Disability Resources and Educational Services and at Facilities & Services, the final design includes a Braille line that directs visitors to a QR code, where they can access an audio tour. It’s a small feature with big impact as the first outdoor Braille signage on campus.
Collaboration Behind the Scenes
Coordinating a project like this requires teamwork. RORG Assistant Director Layne Knoche led the charge for us, working closely with graphic designer Joel Davenport to develop a tight timeline that ensured installation before the grant deadline of April 30. A focus group composed of Extension professionals, Master Naturalists, and community members reviewed the content to ensure it was accessible, accurate, and engaging.
In total, Layne collaborated with 48 individuals across campus and the community to bring the signage to fruition.
Celebrating the Prairie Fire Sculpture
The second sign acknowledges a longtime fixture of the garden: the Prairie Fire sculpture. Installed during the garden’s original 2006 construction, the artwork was designed by Jennifer Astwood, then a graduate student in Fine and Applied Arts. Made from weathered Core 10 steel, the sculpture represents the flames of prairie fires that once shaped the Illinois landscape.
Public art becomes more powerful when you know more about it. While the sculpture has long been part of the garden’s landscape, few knew its name or origin. The new plaque now fills that gap, recognizing the piece and honoring its designer.
A Lasting Impact
These signs do more than mark a place; they expand its reach. Thanks to our funders, the impact is already visible. Website visits are up, with more people discovering the role rain gardens play in sustainability and water quality.
The Red Oak Rain Garden has always been a living example of how public spaces can educate, include, and inspire. Now, with new signage in place, we invite you to come see for yourself. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, there’s something here for everyone to discover.
Red Oak Rain Garden Director
Eliana Brown is the Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist for Illinois Extension and Illinois Indiana Sea Grant working in the Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy team. In addition to serving as the Red Oak Rain Garden Director, she coordinates Illinois’ Extension’s Rainscaping Program and Illinois Indiana Master Watershed Program. Her education includes a Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and her accreditations include LEED AP, NGICP, CPESC (2014), and certified Master Gardener.
Red Oak Rain Garden 