Illinois Extension develops green infrastructure with local communities
To help communities maximize the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), Illinois Extension and Illinois Indiana Sea Grant experts are collaborating to further develop GSI in Illinois communities.
“Our goal is to connect Extension professionals, so we have the latest science and technology to support real people in real communities,” says Merrifield.
Collectively, this group, the Green Infrastructure Community of Practice, is working to share and cross-train professionals on models, methods and tools to understand and assess GSI and stormwater issues, including outreach to community leaders, business owners, K-12 teachers and students and others.
The group aims to help communities:
- understand and use GSI to minimize stormwater runoff and its potential impacts to the built and natural environment.
- maximize the societal co-benefits associated with GSI, including environmental literacy, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
- be more responsive and resilient to environmental and population changes over time.
“The Green Infrastructure Community of Practice is an invaluable resource for Extension and Sea Grant stormwater professionals,” says Eliana Brown, Illinois Extension water quality specialist. With a background in stormwater engineering and over 15 years of experience in stormwater management, Brown has witnessed both success stories and lessons learned from GSI installations.
Many communities increase their use of GSI after a major environment or regulatory event. For example, Peoria began a comprehensive program in 2013 in response to interactions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since then, the city has completed nearly 30 projects and currently budgets about $1 million each year for GSI, choosing to do so because they believe it will be more cost effective in the long run.
SOURCE: Lisa Merrifield, Community and Economic Development Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Linda Hughes-Kirchubel, Communications Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
