The Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Storm Water Innovation Center in collaboration with the Pawtucket Department of Public Works Division of Engineering, provided real-world environmental science education to our JMW high school students, demonstrating the importance and how the city works to mitigate stormwater pollution. Through the use of green infrastructure, the city is addressing the issue of polluted runoff from streets, preventing further contamination of our water systems. Green infrastructure refers to a range of practices that use or mimic natural systems to manage stormwater runoff and provide other environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as improved water quality, enhanced wildlife habitat, and increased recreational opportunities.
By incorporating elements like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, green infrastructure helps to absorb and filter stormwater, reducing the burden on traditional drainage systems and preventing water pollution from entering our rivers and streams.
The importance of green infrastructure lies in its ability to create sustainable, eco-friendly solutions to manage stormwater. It not only helps improve water quality but also enhances urban environments by adding green spaces that support biodiversity, reduce heat island effects, and provide areas for community engagement. This approach is essential for building resilient cities that can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while improving the overall health of our ecosystems.
Click on the videos below to view the ways Pawtucket is addressing this issue: