Storm Water Solutions recently visited an unlikely area for a forest preserve: Calumet City, Ill., located south of Chicago and just a few miles west of industrial Indiana.
The Sand Ridge Nature Center is home to 236 acres of preserved natural habitats, including a substantial wetland area, making it an oasis in the midst of a big city and heavy industry.
Wetlands are not only peaceful places to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life; they are also important means of storm water management. They provide natural flood control by holding and absorbing excess storm water. Wetland plants absorb certain chemicals and nutrients that are pollutants, and because water flow in wetlands is slow, silt and sediment are able to settle to the bottom, further cleaning the water.
Natural environments help us to mentally and physically recharge. Take a few hours this spring to escape to a natural setting in your part of the country, and tweet your pictures to @SWSmag, or post them on our Facebook page for all to enjoy.
Check out photos of the wetlands at the Sand Ridge Nature Center below.
