Community Based Restoration Initiatives in East Central Alabama
Eve Brantley, Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemCharlene LeBleu, Auburn University, Landscape Architecture
A USDA CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program Project
Working with Alabama Communities
Communities at the urban-rural interface
• City of Alexander City
• Town of Pike Road
• City of Eufaula
• City of Brewton
Partnerships …
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Auburn University Department of Landscape Architecture
Alabama Clean Water Partnership
Local Stakeholders
AU Landscape Architecture
• Incorporate communities into their Environmental Studio • Students lead Community Charettes • Assess existing conditions & listen to community concerns• Prepare draft plans to address water quality issues –
‘Blue Prints’
AL Cooperative Extension System
• Educational and technical resources– Workshops and seminars– Intro to stream restoration– Stormwater BMP Academy
• Stormwater and watershed management information
On-line Resourceswww.aces.edu/waterquality
Watershed management resources, demonstration projects, and local contacts
LID Play
• Interactive land use & planning activity
Implementation
• Assisting with designs and outreach
Rain Garden example: City of Alexander City, Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership, Tallapoosa County Extension System, Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Boys and Girls Club, and AU Landscape Architecture Department
Dealing With Stormwater
Post-construction BMPs have been tested that address both stormwater quality and quantity
– Rain Gardens– Constructed Wetlands– Permeable Parking– Green Roofs
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Rain Gardens
• Designed to capture first inch of rain and allow it to soak into the soil, watering the plants in the rain garden
• Saucer shaped depressions that typically have 6 – 9 inches of water when completely filled with stormwater
NCSU BAE NCSU BAE NCSU BAE
Rain Gardens• Alexander City – 3 highly visible sites
– Radney Middle School– Benjamin Russell High School– Sport Plex
• Radney Middle School
• Radney Middle School
Benjamin Russell High School
Total Costs
Items Amount
Pipe (PVC and Slotted drain tile with sock) $1,140
#10 screenings (sand for soil amendments) $310
Organic soil amendment and Hardwood mulch
$1,470
Mulch Hay and Bahia Grass seed $47.50
Native Plants $585.70
City Crew to help … Priceless
TOTAL $3,553.50
Education and Outreach
• BMP tours• Presentations to City Councils, Alabama NPS
Conference, University classes, Grocery Store line, just about anywhere we get invited!
• Keep plants watered
• Follow up maintenance after big rains
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
• Community Education– Newspaper articles– Tours– Incorporated in local school programs
Students Benefit
• AU Landscape Architecture students get to experience real world problems and suggest innovative solutions
City of Eufaula & Brewton
1. Set up a meeting with the students to learn more about local priorities and thoughts
2. Students explore around town and find ideas for water quality projects that meet the goals
3. Final ‘BluePrint’ presentation by students to group
4. Implement projects? Hopefully!
AL Cooperative Extension System
Upcoming Workshops and Seminars– Intro to Stream Restoration, Oct. 18 & 19
Montgomery– Stormwater BMP Academy, Spring 2006
Contact Us
• Charlene LeBleu, [email protected]
(334) 844-0192
• Eve Brantley, [email protected]
(334) 844-3927