Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The campus-wide design proposes adjusting storm drain heights and regrading turf areas to establish infiltration areas that will create both habitat and take pressure off of stormwater systems. Wetlands and infiltration basins can be created by raising the height of drains in existing basins and low points. The water level will at most reach the height of the drain, so ensuring the drain height is at an appropriate level is necessary to avoid unwanted flooding. Basins can be planted with various sedges and flowering plants from seed mixes. The maintenance of these areas will be less than continual turf mowing. Less stormwater will also be exported from campus via drains and instead infiltrate into the ground, helping to filter pollutants and recharge groundwater. These habitats also store and sequester carbon and provide habitat for pollinators.

aggressive fast growing, moisture tolerant, provides food for birds and host plant in wet areas, attracts pollinators, grows well under Black Walnut

M, W July-Sep Host plant, loves moisture, long lasting flowers benefit hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators

Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset Wildflower FS 3’-5’ M, W Aug-Sep Host plant, likes moisture, attracts butterflies and other pollinators

Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian Wildflower FS, PS 1’-2’ W Aug-Oct Only pollinated by bumble bees, keeps blooms late into the fall past frosts, locally rare, grows well under Black Walnut

Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower Wildflower FS, PS 2’-4’ W July-Sep Host plant, attracts hummingbirds with vibrant red flowers, natural wetland plant

Asclepias incarnata Red Milkweed Wildflower FS 3’-5’ W June-July Host plant for Monarchs, pollinator powerhouse, needs wet areas

Chelone glabra White Turtlehead Wildflower FS, PS 2’-4’ W Aug-Sep Host plant, wetland plant, pollinated by bumblebees

Matteuccia struth iopteris Ostrich Fern Fern PS, S