Landscaping design developed for the bioswale and water basin.
| Author: Nancy Givens Date: Friday, November 2nd, 2012 |  Return to Archive |
This represents the preliminary design for landscaping at Durbin. The plan created will emphasize water filtration and absorption as well as habitat creation and low maintenance. The stream bed and basin area will feature a rush and sedge mix that is evergreen and more rigid, to slow water flow and encourage filtration. The bio-filtration basin will be planted in bald cypress, selected because each tree absorbs hundreds of gallons of water per day, and they grow well both in standing water and are drought tolerant; also, their leaves do not create a lot of biomass. Tree plantings in other areas were selected to build habitat, including oaks and persimmons–which also can withstand standing water. White pines will be planted along the streambed and back property trail, as a screen and to provide food for wildlife. Rain garden areas that feature a wetland/wildflower mix will be planted around the injection wells and on the slopes near to housing areas. A tall prairie mix is recommended for areas away from the detention basin and houses; a benefit is the sound absorption capabilities of tall grasses. An area will be reserved for eventual planting of an orchard, after people have moved to the site and there is a maintenance plan. No shrubs are included due to having no added benefit and their high maintenance. The property will be seeded initially with oats to stabilize the soil and planting will occur in early spring. Invasives will be cleared and prohibited from being planted on the property in the future.
After more than a year of planning, the WKU-Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Durbin Project broke ground on Friday, Aug. 3rd with the installation of a vernal pond. Most of the work was completed as planned, with wetland plantings to be done later this fall.
The season of Fall welcomes Potter-Gray Elementary School to Trammel Creek in Alvaton, KY to learn about water quality testing.
The CEES has been awarded a 3-year $655,000 grant 319(h) nonpoint source (NPS) pollution grant from the Kentucky Division of Water. This is a partnership project between WKU, Habitat for Humanity and other regional partners.
The Center's office associate, Trish Sowell worked with CCC teacher, Linda Jenkins, and CCC's facilities associate, Dan Burch, with planning and developing an area for the pre- kindergarden students to plant seeds and study the growth of plants.
The CEES has been awarded a 3-year $655,000 grant 319(h) nonpoint source (NPS) pollution grant from the Kentucky Division of Water. This is a partnership project between WKU, Habitat for Humanity and other regional partners.
