Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Denver Botanic Gardens is currently partnering with the High Line Canal Conservancy to explore the effects of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) on vegetation and soils along an urban canal and recreational greenway (the High Line Canal) near Denver, CO. This past summer we characterized baseline vegetation and soil characteristics before installation of GSI (berms and forebays that will channel and hold incoming stormwater for up to 72 hr). This will allow us to track changes to canal vegetation and soil properties over time as the GSI changes the hydrologic regime. We will also be able to provide an ecological context for understanding the functioning of the GSI, as the in situ vegetation and soils will shape critical factors like water infiltration rates and degree of pollutant removal.
