Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 - (Page 23)

Project Impact The Coca-Cola Rain Garden attracted residents, political officials, schools and many other interested groups since it was constructed. The project also fits into the Village of Niles goals to implement environmentally green projects. The village has established an Environmental Committee comprised of community and business members as well as village personnel and leadership. They have undertaken a number of initiatives, from working with their waste removal provider to replacing diesel fueled garbage trucks with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, to recycling and distributing compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) to the community. The Village of Niles also hopes to develop a resident action plan whereby local residents and businesses can take steps on their own to make their homes and businesses greener. The benefits of environmentally friendly stormwater solutions such as a rain garden in a development, business, residence, or in a community are many. “It’s the beginning of something really great,” said Nicholas B. Blasé, mayor of the Village of Niles. “Not just in this community but something that will spread and spread throughout America because we are all talking about how we need to maintain our global quality and make our country a more beautiful place.” SLDT About the author: Phil Stuepfert is the Director of Planning for the SEC Group, Inc. and can be reached at 630.553.7560 or pstuepfert@secgroupinc.com. COCA-COLA RAIN GARDEN FACTS I The rain garden will retain approximately the first inch of rainfall. A small outlet drain was implemented to slowly drain large storm events I The first phase of the Rain Garden Park is approximately 1400 square feet and has over 560 native forbs (flowers) and grasses. I A soil mixture of approximately 50% topsoil, 25% sand, and 25% organic mulch was utilized to increase the absorption rate of the clay sub-soils that exist. I Native landscape plants are placed in the rain garden according to the wetness conditions. Typically there is three zones (Wet, Mesic and Dry). I The rain garden provides a new valuable habitat for butterflies, birds and other insects. Rain gardens attract dragonflies which consume mosquitoes at high rates. Properly designed and functioning rain gardens do not have standing water for more than 7 to 12 days (the time a mosquito needs to lay and hatch eggs). I Once established, rain gardens are low maintenance and attractive landscapes. I The native landscape plants infiltrate, absorb water and and further cleanse the water through the process of evapotranspiration. Prepare your community for tomorrow with Connexion Technologies… You can provide for the ever-changing technological needs of residents without touching your budget. By partnering with Connexion Technologies to install a cutting-edge Fiber to the Home network in your community, your residents can enjoy the best entertainment and communications services delivered over also be ready to handle almost any new service that comes to market. Find out more at www.connexiontechnologies.net or contact us at 919.535.7329. Circle 145 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 23 http://www.connexiontechnologies.net http://www.connexiontechnologies.net http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com

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Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 Contents Our Voice Editorial Board SLDT Resources Dynamic Duo Holding Your Ground Technology Low Impact Stormwater Management Seeking Your Feedback Preferred Providers Bookstore Back from the Brink Finance Transportation Building Smart Industry News Advertiser Index Products/Services Showcase Marketplace Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008

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