Designing and Installing a Native Bioswale for Stormwater Infiltration and Habitat Value

Abstract

Native bioswales can be designed for stormwater infiltration and improve habitat value. Conventional water management systems rapidly direct stormwater away from urban areas to local watersheds to reduce flooding. In a changing climate with increasingly frequent extreme rain events and longer dry periods, we must adapt to instead slow, spread, and sink our rain water. The first few inches of stormwater are the most polluted with hydrocarbons and sediment.Bioswales are planted basins that absorb and filter stormwater. Deeply rooted native plants and biochar increase water and pollutant absorption. The native plants add to the habitat corridor with a diversity of host and pollinator plants to feed fauna. This project is an example of how native plants, biochar, and bioswales are not only beneficial to our ecosystems, but are effective infrastructure.

Results

Key Terms: stormwater, flooding, pollution, bioswale, native plant, biochar, infiltration, habitat corridor