Posts Tagged ‘Stormwater Mitigation’
Windridge Condos Breaks Ground on Rain Garden
Windridge Condominium Homes to Build Eco-Friendly Rain Garden
Indianapolis, Indiana—Windridge Condominium Homes, located in the Emerson and Fall Creek Parkway area, has announced that it will build a groundbreaking rain garden. Not only will this garden be beautiful, it will also help to alleviate existing flooding and moisture issues in the neighborhood.
Originally built more than 30 years ago, challenges associated with stormwater drainage have confronted Windridge from its inception. While the original developers installed traditional storm drains and conveyance systems in the neighborhood, ongoing development in the surrounding area has increased the frequency and volume of stormwater flow around and through Windridge. While various solutions have been implemented over the years to control flooding and standing water issues, the neighborhood’s infrastructure has been unable to handle the more than 91 million gallons of rain water that fall on the neighborhood annually.
The rain garden will not only reduce runoff into nearby Fall Creek, it will also improve local water quality by capturing pollution that normally contributes to algae growth, and improve the overall ecology of the local water systems.
“Rain gardens are a green way to solve many traditional storm water problems,” said Tom Barrett, owner of Green Water Infrastructure and a consultant on the project. “They’re also a great retrofit for many older, more established communities with persistent drainage issues.”
Fischer Design, an Indianapolis-based landscape architecture firm, will design the rain garden. Green Water Infrastructure in Westfield will provide green consulting. TERRA Site Development in Westfield will provide the civil engineering for the project. The project is expected to break ground in September 2011.
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About Windridge Condominiums:
The Windridge community is a unique collection of two hundred and twenty one homes located in a natural setting along Fall Creek in Indianapolis, Indiana. Touring the property one easily recognizes our respect for the natural environment. You will see a number of wild animals, birds, countless plants, and trees. The Windridge community takes pride in maintaining our natural surroundings.
About Fischer Design, LLC:
Fischer Design is a landscape architecture design firm focused on the creative integration of man-made and natural environments promoting environmentally responsible, sustainable, functional, and aesthetically beautiful design solutions. For additional information about Fischer Design, please visit www.fischerdesignllc.com.
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About TERRA Site Development, Inc.:
TERRA Site Development, Inc. (TERRA) is a site development consulting firm that provides specialized investigation, engineering design, and testing services for property and projects in all aspects of development. Assisting clients regardless of what stage their project is in – TERRA provides environmental and geotechnical assessment before property is purchased, civil engineering design and permitting assistance prior to construction, and materials testing and inspection during buildout. Located in Westfield and Indianapolis, additional information about TERRA can be found at www.terrasitedev.com.
Rain Garden Construction at Frazee Gardens Presentation
April 23, 2011 (Brownburg, Indiana)
Frazee Gardens hosted a special presentation on the need for rain gardens in our community. Kathy Dillon, Wastewater Superintendent for the Town of Brownsburg gave an update on the the City’s stormwater plans.
Below are the three presentations.
Cleaning up the Dirty Truth about Water
Tom Barrett of Green Water Infrastructure began by sharing with you the dirty facts about what happens to surrounding Indianapolis waterways almost every time it rains. After you understand the limitations we are faced with relying on our current storm drain system, you will begin to see why rain gardens are such a vital necessity in our urban landscape.
Here is a copy of Tom’s Presentation on Stormwater and Rain Gardens:
Native Plants for Rain Gardens
Ronda Fischer of Fischer Design, LLC will followed with a discussion about the benefits of using native plants in rain gardens. Native plants are already adapted to Indiana’s extremes in temperature and precipitation requiring less maintenance. They also improve infiltration, drainage and water retention while providing important wildlife habitat.
Here is a copy of Ronda’s Presentation on Native Plants for use in Rain Gardens:
Constructing Rain Gardens
Frazee Gardens installed a rain garden on site for homeowners to view as well as native plants that work best in rain gardens for our area.
Here is a copy of the Frazee Gardens’ Presentation on Constructing their Rain Garden:
I have a better understanding about native plants and how to build a rain garden.”– Loren and Sandy Hunt
I would like to learn more about the relationship between the environment and human health.”– Sarah Wood
My favorite part was having an actual rain garden and multiple speakers. Thank you for having the presentation.”
Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable Sites & Livable Communities
Tom’s next presentation, entitled “Green Infrastructure: Creating Sustainable Sites & Livable Communities” is May 12th at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. There is no charge for this presention. You can Click Here to Register.
Upcoming Presentation – Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development
Presented by Tom Barrett
Chicago Center for Green Technology
Courtesy of Unilock
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois
Thursday, February 24, 2011
6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Permeable paving is a transformative approach to sustainable site development. Permeable hard surface construction is part of a continuing series of engineering solutions to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Permeable paving is an efficient solution for stormwater runoff. It will reduce flooding, increase water infiltration, recharge groundwater and improve water quality.
Join Tom Barrett as he explains how to develop a “more natural approach” to stormwater management issues.
AIA/CES: 2 LU
Learning Objectives
• Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States
• Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
This program is presented free of charge as part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program. Registration is required by calling 312-746-9642 or by emailing your requested class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” in the subject line.
About Tom Barrett:
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of landscape industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking. For more information, please visit Book Tom Barrett.
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About the Chicago Center for Green Technology: The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ™ (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated the building in 2002 and it has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. The Center serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational resource in the Midwest.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales – An Overview
Brownsburg, Indiana
January 20, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices.
In this presentation, Barrett will discusses how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom explains how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales Presentation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre Presentation
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices. In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom will explain how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of ‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people. “In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing water sources.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
I throughly enjoyed the whole presentation! The topic was great, easy to understand. I would like another presentation that is more in-depth. The visuals were on-topic and easy to understand.”
- Emily Placke
Your presentation was really great. The subject matter, of course, was very relevant. Beyond that, though, I have to say your ability to explain and transition from point to point was great. You have a very special way of addressing the topic simply, clearly, without bias, and with common sense that’s hard to refute
Thanks for a great presentation!”
- Stephanie Krull
Tom Barrett Announces New Speaking Engagement
Tom Barrett has recently announced upcoming speaking engagements for January 9-10, 2011. Please see the video below for more information.
For more information or to register, please go to www.nationalgreencenter.org.
Green Water Infrastructure founder to speak on Rain Gardens & Bioswales at the Chicago Center for Green Technology
Tom Barrett, owner of Westfield, Indiana-based Green Water Infrastructure, will present “Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales: New Tools for Sustainable Site Development” at the Chicago Center for Green Technology on July 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle, and how they can help develop a natural approach to water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of
‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people.”
This program is presented free of charge as part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program. Registration is required by calling 312-746-9642 or by emailing your requested class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” in the subject line.
About Tom Barrett:
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of landscape industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About the Chicago Center for Green Technology: The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ™ (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated the building in 2002 and it has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. The Center serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational resource in the Midwest.
Aqualand Green Roof – St. Charles, Illinois
Subsurface Drip Irrigation System
Subsurface Drip Irrigation System-Header/Footer
Extensive green roof utilizing native prairie grass
Aqualand - St. Charles, Illinois
