Articles Tagged: Ecosystem

Rain gardens are among the most recognizable and effective forms of green infrastructure. Although they often resemble attractive landscaped planting beds, a properly designed rain garden is a carefully engineered stormwater management system. Every component, from the shape of the basin to the soil…

Stormwater management has traditionally focused on one primary goal, moving runoff away from roads, buildings, and neighborhoods as quickly as possible. While this approach successfully reduces flooding, it often leaves behind landscapes dominated by pavement, pipes, and manicured turf that provide …

Floating wetlands are emerging as an innovative and increasingly popular tool for improving water quality in stormwater systems, ponds, and urban waterways. By replicating many of the functions of natural wetlands without requiring extensive excavation or shoreline restoration, these systems offer m…

Waterfront properties are among a community's most valuable and desirable lands. They offer scenic views, recreational opportunities, and direct access to lakes, rivers, ponds, and coastal waters. Yet the landscaping practices commonly used to maintain these properties can unintentionally become…

Eurasian watermilfoil is one of the most widespread and problematic aquatic invasive plants in North America. Known scientifically as Myriophyllum spicatum, this submerged aquatic plant has spread aggressively across lakes, ponds, rivers, reservoirs, and canals throughout much of the United States a…

As communities look for sustainable ways to manage stormwater, bioswales have become one of the most effective and visually appealing tools in the green infrastructure toolbox. They blend natural processes with engineered design to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater before it reaches local wate…

Bioswales have become an increasingly common component of modern stormwater management systems. Found along roadways, in parking lots, within subdivisions, and around commercial developments, these vegetated channels are designed to slow runoff, capture sediment and pollutants, promote infiltration,…

Green infrastructure has become one of the most effective approaches for managing stormwater while improving the health and resilience of our communities. Rather than relying solely on traditional "gray" infrastructure such as pipes, culverts, and concrete channels to move stormwater downs…

What Is a Riparian Ecosystem? A riparian ecosystem is the corridor of vegetation and wildlife located along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Unlike upland areas farther from water, riparian zones are shaped by frequent interaction with moving water. The soils are typically w…

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake George is often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes," and for good reason. With crystal-clear waters stretching over 32 miles and a watershed that supports rich biodiversity, Lake George is both an ecological treasure an…