This past May, I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I recently got my diploma in the mail, and I am preparing to start a new job and for my whole life to shift on its axis. For the first time ever, I will no longer be a student. In the face ofContinueContinue reading “Looking Back on my RORG Experience: Chantal Korde”
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Erin’s Senior Capstone Project: Deucalion’s Garden
The Inspiration When I tell people I recently graduated from the Sustainable Design program at Illinois, their first reaction is often curiosity. I’m frequently asked questions like, “What is Sustainable Design?” or, “How is it different from other design majors?” To me, Sustainable Design is set apart by its focus on solving real-world problems andContinueContinue reading “Erin’s Senior Capstone Project: Deucalion’s Garden”
Lessons from the Ground: A Conversation with Tony Heath, Former RORG Project Engineer
This blog is part of Joe Hinsberger’s ENVS491 course. As part of his assignment and to prepare for the interview, he read a past interview and several blog posts that Tony wrote while serving as construction manager As a civil engineering student, I’ve always been curious about the real-world challenges behind what we study inContinueContinue reading “Lessons from the Ground: A Conversation with Tony Heath, Former RORG Project Engineer”
New Signage Brings Fresh Visibility to RORG
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,ContinueContinue reading “New Signage Brings Fresh Visibility to RORG”
Illinois communities make strides to improve stormwater
By Chantal Korde, Stormwater Intern I have always had a passion for sustainability and the natural environment, but as a chemical engineer, I have not always had many chances to work on projects relating to it. That is why I was extremely excited when I got the opportunity to work with the Illinois-Indiana Sea GrantContinueContinue reading “Illinois communities make strides to improve stormwater”
Rain Garden Rumble 2025
Round 1 ResultsRound 2 ResultsRound 3 ResultsFinal Results To mark the sixth year of our competitive native plant tournament, we invite you to get ready for… RAIN…GARDEN…RUMMBBLLLEEEEEEE!!!! Our Rain Garden Rumble tournament takes an educational spin on a sports classic, teaching people about native plants, their benefits, and how to include them in home gardens. Including rainContinueContinue reading “Rain Garden Rumble 2025”
Orange & Blue Week
From March 3-9, the University of Illinois celebrates Orange & Blue Week, a chance for Illini and friends to unite and make a difference. The Red Oak Rain Garden is honored to be a part of the inaugural effort to highlight crowdfunding projects that directly impact our students and campus. The University of Illinois atContinueContinue reading “Orange & Blue Week”
A Wheel Bug’s Life at RORG
Traipsing through the jungle of sedges, climbing among wildflowers, or buzzing loudly by, the North American Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) is a prehistoric-looking insect you might spot in our rain garden during warmer months, aptly named for the wheel-like armor on its back. Approaching four years of my regular visiting of RORG, I can safelyContinueContinue reading “A Wheel Bug’s Life at RORG”
RORG’s 2024 Year-in-Review
By the RORG Team Welcome to RORG’s Year in Review — our fifth one! Before we start, we’d like to express our gratitude to all of the volunteers who gave us their time and talent. We also thank the University of Illinois Extension, Extension’s Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment program, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant for their leadership and University of IllinoisContinueContinue reading “RORG’s 2024 Year-in-Review”
RORG’s Fall Leaf Approach: Finding the Balance
By Maddy Craft Our American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) that we have the pleasure of having at the Red Oak Rain Garden is an absolute beauty. Standing at over 80 feet tall, this tree is estimated to be over 100 years old. Its canopy is expansive and grows hundreds of thousands of leaves during each growingContinueContinue reading “RORG’s Fall Leaf Approach: Finding the Balance”
Red Oak Rain Garden 