Putting Nature To Work By Naturalizing Stormwater Basins
Christopher Reiss Monday, January 23, 2012 at 9:30AM As development continues to encroach upon the natural landscape, the management of stormwater will play an increasingly vital role in preserving our freshwater resources. As noted by Susan McDaniels, LEED AP with Meliora Design, LLC, one of the major problems associated with traditional stormwater design is the inability of a detention basin to effectively manage the volume of downstream runoff or adequately address the presence of pollutants.
One popular method for addressing these challenges involves "naturalizing" a stormwater basin through the planting of indigenous flora. Naturalization allows stormwater to be retained within the basin for a greater period of time, and ensures that infiltration and evapotranspiration is performed by native trees, shrubs, or other vegetation in a manner more consistent with the natural environment.
A job well done by GreenTreks Network, a Philadelphia-based non-profit dedicted to educating people about the interconnectedness of environmental, societal, economic, and individual health.
