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

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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, leblecm@auburn.edu

(334) 844-0192

• Eve Brantley, brantef@auburn.edu

(334) 844-3927