Read an article about Rain Gardens like the one pictured.Green infrastructure is a type of water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle.In the 1970s, landscape architec

Read an article about Rain Gardens like the one pictured.Green infrastructure is a type of water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle.In the 1970s, landscape architects began to think about stormwater management differently. They started to emphasize developing urban areas with a more conscious design and utilizing nature for infiltration. The terms Green Infrastructure (referring to newer structures like rain gardens and bioswales) and Low-Impact Developments (LIDs) (planning around existing natural features) didn't come about until the 21st century.Green Infrastructure is cost-effective.Green Infrastructure basically mimics how the natural environment treats water and includes grassy swales, rain gardens, bioinfiltration areas, and green roofs.Gray infrastructure is man-made structures built to manage water resources like catch basin inlets, storm drain pipes, discharge structures, and culverts.Benefits of Green InfrastructureHealth benefits—Green infrastructure can improve air quality and reduce smog in a dense area. In general, having more plants means having more carbon sequestration, shade, and cleaner air. Cooler and cleaner air should reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, which are on the rise.Reduced flooding is also a major benefit. Green infrastructure, especially in at-risk areas, can reduce flooding risk and increase a community's climate resiliency.It is very pertinent that we have more areas of absorption to help deal with excess water during storms.Green infrastructure plays a huge role in managing flooding, increasing absorption, and reducing the speed at which water travels. When Green Infrastructure and LIDs are implemented, they greatly reduce the amount of water that needs to be transported by drains while simultaneously slowing it down, letting it re-enter the water system, and not allowing it time to carry pollutants.Examples of Green Infrastructure You Could Implement at Your HomeRain gardensButterfly gardens in swalesCisternsRain barrelsGreen RoofsEstablishing riparian zones and buffer strips around bodies of waterPermeable drivewaysSome Great Local Examples of Green InfrastructureKalamazoo College's Arcus Building - Lots of different green infrastructure implemented in the designCity Hall - built 4,600 square feet of green roof in 2011.City Hall Green RoofKalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) is a great place downtown or at the Texas Township campus to visit and see green infrastructure in person.Green Roof Installation at KVCC CampusGreen Infrastructure Signage Downtown by Kalamazoo Valley MuseumRain Garden Designs for Kalamazoo County (PDF)Local conservation districts - South West Michigan Land Conservancy  and Kalamazoo Conservation DistrictKalamazoo Public Schools LEED gold/silver certificationLinden Grove / Prairie Ridge Elementary School - Green roofs, recycled construction materials, high efficiency.Articles about Green InfrastructureEPA Article "What Is Green Infrastructure"NRDC Article on Managing Water with Green InfrastructureEPA Article on Managing Floods Via Green Infrastructure