Presented to: Michigan Water Environment Association Watershed Seminar December 5, 2013 Tonya Hunter, LLA, CA Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.
What is Green Infrastructure? Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas, such as greenways, wetlands, parks, forest preserves and Native Plant Vegetation, that naturally manages storm water, reduces flooding risk and improves water quality.
Objectives Promote and encourage the establishment of Green Infrastructure in the Rouge River Watershed Increase public awareness about the benefits of grow zones, tree planting programs and other methods that increase green infrastructure, and, Encourage collaboration and partnerships between ARC communities and non-profits, school districts, educational institutions and others to improve the Rouge River Watershed.
Eligibility Requirements Be located within the Rouge River Watershed Be readily accessible to the public Be located on public land or part of a public easement The applicant is responsible for preparing the site for planting The applicant must commit to operation and maintenance of the project for a minimum of five years Applicants must be an ARC member community in good standing or have a letter of support from the ARC member community where the project will take place
2009 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects Parkland Park Dearborn Heights E.L. Johnson Nature Center Bloomfield Hills Heritage Park Farmington Hills Lathers Elementary School Garden City Lawrence Technological University Southfield Canton Public Library Canton Township Bloomfield Hills Carpenter Lake Southfield Miller Elementary Canton Plymouth Township DPW UM - Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center Bingham Farms Telegraph Median Melvindale Ice Arena
Grow Zone Project Status Parkland Park Dearborn Heights Before 2009 August 2012 July 2010 September 2013
E.L. Johnson Nature Center Bloomfield Hills Before 2009 July 2011 July 2011 May 2012 September 2013
September 2013 Canton Public Library - Canton Township Before 2009 July 2010 August 2012
City of Bloomfield Hills Planting - 2009 Planting - 2009 August 2012 September 2013
Plymouth Township DPW Before 2009 July 2010 July 2011 July 2012
Telegraph Median Bingham Farms Before 2009 Planting Day June 2013 September 2013
City of Melvindale July 2010 July 2011 August 2012 September 2013
2010 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects E.L. Johnson Nature Center Bloomfield Hills Canton Public Library Canton Township Canton Trail Head Canton Township Sheldon-Warren Wetland Canton Township Bingham Farms 14 Mile/Bingham Lane Cleveland Elementary - Livonia Bicentennial Park - Livonia Northville Township Six Mile/Ridge Carpenter Lake Southfield
Cleveland Elementary - Livonia June 2010 July 2010 July 2011 August 2012 September 2013
Northville Township Before 2009 July 2010 July 2011 June 2012 October 2013
2011 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects Shiawassee Park - Farmington Riverside Park Beverly Hills Founders Sports Park Farmington Hills Henry Ford Community College Dearborn Jane Addams Elementary Redford Township Glen Oaks Golf Course Farmington Hills Birney K-8 Southfield Southfield Heritage Park - Canton Township
Riverside Park Beverly Hills June 2011 July 2011 June 2012 September 2013
Henry Ford Community College (MTEC) Dearborn Before March 2011 May 2012 September 2013
Jane Addams Elementary Redford June 2011 July 2011 July 2011 June 2012 September 2013
Birney K-8 School - Southfield Before February 2010 June 2012 September 2013
Positive Reinforcement Awarded to 10 Sites Recognized for Commitment to Stewardship
Transforming the Rouge: Mowed Down to Grown Up Improve, Install and Enhance Riparian Buffers, Wetlands and Upland Habitat in the Rouge River Watershed Unite the Major Green Corridors along the Rouge River Develop Consistent Priorities for Restoration Implementation Improve Rouge River Fisheries
Transforming the Rouge: Mowed Down to Grown Up 6 sites across the watershed Southfield Valley Woods Wetland 7 acres restored Lower and Upper Rouge Parkway Lola Valley Park Eliza Howell and Rouge Park Approximately 25 acres turf grass converted to native vegetation
Lower and Upper Rouge Parkway 15 acres of turf grass converted to native vegetation Before Before After After
Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park 5 acres of native prairie restored 5 acres of turf grass converted to native vegetation Controlled burns Seed installation by students Before After
Additional Green Infrastructure Programs Purchase and installation of 2,000 trees Green Schools: 225 trees and hundreds of seedlings Workshops Naturalizing home and golf course landscapes Maintenance 3,600 rain barrels sold
Recipe for Success Site Selection Choose a location that can be converted from mowed turf or an impervious surface to a native planting area Design Develop a planting plan that incorporates native plants that are appropriate to your specific conditions. Use seed, plants or a combination of both Site Preparation May include vegetation removal/herbicide application, tilling, soil amendments, soil erosion control measures, mulching, etc. Plant Installation / Volunteer Planting Day This is a great opportunity for parents, students, and the community to get involved Maintenance
Maintenance Watering Weeding Invasive Species Removal Mowing / Burning Replace and Replant
Watering Especially critical during plant establishment (1 total water per week, including rainfall, until vegetation is 4 high typical) Soak the soil below the mulch (pull back mulch to check) During excessive heat or drought more may be required
Weeding and Invasive Species Removal Inspect planting area on a weekly basis and remove unwanted species Identify invasive species. Treat and remove to prevent them from spreading Hand removal or herbicide treatment (spot spraying) may be required
Restores vegetation structure, composition and biodiversity Burning: Mowing and/or Burning March or April by experienced crews. One to three years after third year of establishment. Check with local fire regulations and obtain the appropriate permits. Mowing: Early spring (March April) Mow to height of 4-6 and remove clippings.
General Maintenance Check plant health and re-plant as necessary. Schedule replacement plantings for the spring or fall Thin, divide, and/or remove extra plants if overcrowding occurs. Replace mulch in planting beds as needed. If bare areas occur, additional seeding or planting may be necessary. Periodically inspect for debris and/or erosion issues and address as necessary
Challenges Acceptance and Appearance Maintenance (watering, weeding, invasive species removal) Site Preparation issues (imported topsoil/mulch) Maintaining contact person/volunteers Establishment period (Patience!)
Tonya Hunter, LLA, CA Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. Thunter@ectinc.com Photos courtesy of Wayne County, ECT and ARC Community Members