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In the mid-1990s, the pioneer work of Dr. Richard Horner and Dr. Chris May resulted in a hydrology-based framework for protecting watershed health. “So many studies manipulate a single variable out of context with the whole and its many additional variables,” states Dr. Richard Horner. “We, on the other hand, investigated whole systems in place, tying together measures of the landscape, stream habitat, and aquatic life.”

The Stormwater Pioneers program showcases innovation and a true dedication by property owners and others to decrease pollution. “We’re hoping to keep trash, debris and other pollution out of the water supply so that everyone can enjoy a clean Schuylkill River. If we can play a small part in making the environment better for the next generation, that’s a major plus for us,” stated Joe Jaconski.

“Through our years of research and advocacy on water management issues, we realized that there was something of a disconnect between information and action. Rain Ready seeks to close that gap by making it easier for homeowners, businesses, and government leaders to create Rain Ready plans,” said Harriet Festing. The Rain Ready website features videos and how-to factsheets that show rain readiness in action.

“The goal of Blueprint Columbus is to ‘treat the cause, not the symptom’, This means working with residents to improve drainage from homes by installing sump pumps, redirecting roof run-off and repairing ‘laterals’, the pipes that carry wastewater from houses. And on a larger scale, it involves building a system of green infrastructure to keep excess stormwater from entering the sanitary system in the first place,” says Dax Blake.

A green roof is more than just grass on top of a building. It is a rainwater capture and management system. “This should be viewed as a model of how to take a large building in a residential neighborhood, work with the neighbors to get a zoning variance, and then successfully redevelop it,” says Leo Addimando.

“We have these new codes, and we are using the competition to teach architects, designers and engineers how to incorporate the new requirements to lessen the impact of stormwater. It’s not just about reducing the amount of stormwater, but also about making these places better,” stated Dawn Hjelseth.

“We’re excited to see neighbors come together to add new trees to our city. We inevitably lose a certain number of trees every year to things like emerald ash borer, and efforts like this go a long way in replacing and diversifying the city’s tree inventory,” said Ann Brugos.

Nisqually Tribe and town officials said the ability of salmon to thrive in the surrounding watershed will depend largely on how Eatonville grows and the way runoff from the municipality is managed. “Hopefully, this plan will show us how to not only prevent property damage, but clean up local streams and protect salmon,” says Doug Beagle.

“The green streets policy statement is a really exciting thing to happen for the city of Ann Arbor. We’re one of the first municipalities in the state of Michigan to take a stand to ensure that not only our private developers are following stormwater rules and improving water quality, but we’re looking within our own walls,” stated Jennifer Lawson.

“It’s entirely possible if you give people the right information and appeal to them in different ways, they’ll react differently. We’re going to study which social and economic factors dictate why people might be able to build green infrastructure,” says David Hsu.