RI Green Infrastructure Coalition Stream-Friendly Homes Tour
Homeowners Learn How to Prevent Flooding, Improve Water Quality
(Providence, Elmhurst) The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition invites the public to the first ever Stream-Friendly Homes tour on Saturday, June 23rd from 9 to 10:30 AM.
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), in partnership with the Providence Parks Department and Providence City Councilwoman Ryan, used the Elmhurst neighborhood surrounding Pleasant Valley Stream as an example of how homeowners can make small changes to downspouts, driveways, sidewalks and yards to improve local water quality and help prevent flooding.
The Pleasant Valley Stream-Friendly Homes project is the first project of its kind in Rhode Island. Many other states have adopted similar programs with great success. The hope is that this project will be the model for many more throughout Providence and Rhode Island.
Tour goers will see things such as:
• Easy ways to disconnect roof drains to help water lawns
• Great looking landscaping called rain gardens that hold rain water in place without ponding
• Easy to install rain barrels
• Planter boxes watered by roof runoff
• Permeable pavers for driveways and patios
Tour details:
Meet with bike or car at the southeast corner of River Avenue and Pleasant Valley Parkway at 9 AM on Saturday, June 23rd. The tour will visit five nearby properties and take about an hour and half. Tour guides will be Alicia Lehrer, Executive Director of the WRWC and Bob McMahon, past Superintendent of Providence Parks, Elmhurst neighbor and project volunteer.
Attendees should bring their own bikes or cars for the tour. Hats, water bottles, walking shoes and sunblock recommended.
The Pleasant Valley Stream-Friendly Homes project was funded through grants from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Bay Watershed Restoration Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and the Rhode Island Foundation, with signage assistance from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.