The Bigelow Bioswales are one of 9 rain gardens across the Pitt campus. These gardens create natural habitats for pollinators while collecting excess rainwater that is absorbed and filtered by native plants, and a mixture of topsoil, sand and composite filters –helping mitigate Pittsburgh’s combined sewer overflow issues while nourishing the soil.
This series of rain gardens not only can handle 5,150 cubic feet of water, they also increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The transformation of this busy intersection created the University’s first Complete Street.
Learn more about the University's Water Systems and Transportation & Mobility goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.