• Rain Gardens and Landscaping for Stormwater Management

             What is polluted stormwater runoff, and how does it affect the water we rely on for drinking and recreation? What role do we play in protecting the water quality and quantity of our rivers, lakes and streams? How can we change our landscaping methods to improve stormwater management?

            This presentation introduces audiences to stormwater and the danger polluted stormwater runoff poses for waterways and the life that depends on them—including human life. Stormwater runoff results from a lack of permeable surfaces and collects pollutants such as soil sedimentation, sewage bacteria, unsightly trash, pesticides and fertilizer. It results in flooding and water pollution, which negatively affects aquatic and human life.

            Engineering innovations, such as water detention ponds, can alleviate some of the problems stormwater runoff poses. However, these are often expensive and aesthetically problematic. The presentation educates audiences about steps everybody can take to landscape with stormwater management in mind by giving in-depth attention to rain gardens, native plant growth and rain barrels. It describes these options, discusses their implementation and addresses their positive impact on preventing polluted stormwater runoff.

            Audiences will enjoy the colorful graphics this presentation uses to illustrate the benefits of stormwater management. They will walk away with an understanding of why we must all work to prevent polluted stormwater runoff, and practical options for taking personal steps to do so.

 Length of presentation: 45 minutes, plus time for talk-back 

• River-Friendly Lawn and Yard Care

            What effect do green lawns have on our precious water resources? What alternatives to green lawns exist? If we choose to retain our green lawns, how can we maintain them in the most environmentally friendly way?

            This presentation makes audiences aware of the environmental impact of green lawns, which many Americans take for granted. Keeping a green lawn cut, seeded, fertilized, insect and weed-free takes time and often requires using chemical products that disrupt natural ecological systems. The relative low permeability of most lawns and the lawn chemicals, grass clippings and yard waste that irrigation and rainwater collect increases polluted stormwater runoff. Flash flooding during heavy rain events is economically detrimental for many families. Excess fertilizers entering waterways cause algae blooms, thus disrupting human recreation and aquatic life. Pesticides, found in all our rivers, are toxic and harm human and animal life.

            The presentation explores how everyone can improve landscaping to reduce polluted stormwater runoff by examining rain gardens, native plants and rain barrels as feasible alternatives. It describes these options, discusses their implementation and addresses their positive impact on preventing polluted stormwater runoff.

            Many people, however, need or want to maintain their turf grass, as it is a traditional yard arrangement and provides a recreational area. To address environmental problems green lawns pose, the presentation guides audiences in planning for environmentally friendly lawn care. It gives in-depth attention to soil testing, fertilizing, watering, mowing, raking, collecting yard waste and applying herbicides and insecticides.

            Audiences will enjoy the colorful graphics this presentation uses to illustrate the importance of environmentally friendly lawn and yard care. They will walk away with numerous practical tips for reducing polluted stormwater runoff by being more mindful of how they manage their yards. Not only will these actions improve the environment, they will also save people time and money, and help to beautify their yards.

 Length of presentation: 45 minutes, plus time for talk-back

            Did you know that the top pollutant in the state of Wisconsin is soil? Do you know the role agricultural, industrial, residential, commercial and construction sites play in managing this and other pollutants? Do you know that, as a citizen, you have the power to prevent pollution resulting from illicit discharges and construction site violations?

            This presentation explains illicit discharge by examining both its direct and indirect sources. These include sediment erosion, sewage and septage, indoor and outdoor wash water, landscape irrigation water, liquid wastes such as paint and oil, poorly managed garbage, and other pollution from farms, industries, residences, recreational areas, construction, commercial or development sites. The presentation then educates audiences about how to prevent, recognize and report illicit discharges.

            The presentation then gives in-depth attention to citizen recognition and reporting of construction site violations. Construction sites cause Wisconsin’s primary pollutant, soil erosion, which negatively affects water quantity and quality. Sediment fills rivers and decreases their water capacity. This results in flooding during heavy rain events. Lowered water levels also negatively influence recreational users and fish populations. Soil that is contaminated with chemicals changes the natural ecology of waterways. Excess sediment makes water appear dirty and smothers aquatic habitats. 

            Sediment, especially toxic sediment, is very expensive to dredge. Preventing soil from entering our waterways is the best solution to this pollution problem. The presentation educates audiences on construction site permit requirements, including an erosion control plan and stormwater management plan. It introduces regulators, including the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation. Finally, it trains audiences to look for the following construction site best management practices: perimeter controls, inlet protections, tracking pads, lot stabilization and spout protection.

            This presentation provides numerous graphic examples that provide a context for audiences to understand illicit discharges and construction site violations. People will leave with a heightened awareness of their role in monitoring and reporting these preventable sources of water pollution.

 Length of presentation: 1 hour, plus time for talk-back