Luzerne County Begins Construction on New Rain Garden

The 16,000-square-foot project aims to reduce runoff and educate the public on environmental benefits.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, intersecting waveforms, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the complex natural forces and ecological systems of a sustainable rain garden landscape.An abstract artistic rendering of the intricate natural systems and ecological benefits of the new rain garden project in Luzerne County.Wyoming Today

Luzerne County has started work on installing a 16,000-square-foot rain garden in front of the county's Operations Building in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. The project is expected to be completed by May 15 and will feature native plants, a water filtration system, pollinator gardens, and educational markers to teach the public about the ecological benefits of rain gardens.

Why it matters

Rain gardens are an important tool for managing stormwater runoff and reducing pollution in local waterways. This project in Luzerne County will help protect the nearby Abraham's Creek and Susquehanna River, while also providing an educational opportunity for students and the community to learn about sustainable landscaping practices.

The details

The rain garden is being constructed by Delaware Environmental Construction Services under a contract of up to $60,300. The project is funded through grant reimbursements from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to the county's Office of Solid Waste & Recycling Management. The garden will include native Pennsylvania plants like Black-Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Asters, and Goldenrod, as well as two pollinator gardens, several types of trees, and a walking path with educational markers.

  • Work on the rain garden project began in April 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed by May 15, 2026.

The players

Romilda Crocamo

Luzerne County Manager, who stated that the rain garden project is a 'major undertaking' that will benefit the local environment and provide educational opportunities.

Delaware Environmental Construction Services

The company working on the construction of the 16,000-square-foot rain garden under contract with Luzerne County.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

The state agency providing grant reimbursements to fund the rain garden project through Luzerne County's Office of Solid Waste & Recycling Management.

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What they’re saying

“This is a major undertaking by the County for an environmentally friendly project that will benefit not only the area around the building but also reduce runoff into the nearby waterways.”

— Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Manager

What’s next

The county plans to host school field trips and public tours of the new rain garden once construction is complete to educate the community on its environmental benefits.

The takeaway

This rain garden project in Luzerne County demonstrates how local governments can invest in sustainable infrastructure to manage stormwater, protect natural resources, and engage the public on the importance of environmental stewardship.