Why Our Work is Needed
Stormwater runoff from parking lots, roadways, buildings, and other impervious surfaces carries oils, grease, pesticides, sediment, and excess nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen into groundwater and nearby natural bodies of water–including to Lake MIchigan through watershed tributaries. Due to the increased frequency and severity of storms as a result of global climate change, volumes of stormwater runoff continue to increase.
Brief Overview of What We’re Doing
Delta Institute and our partners are planting more than 700 trees in Oceana County, Michigan along the Hart Montague Trail, and on roadways within five adjacent communities. Project trees will absorb and reuse stormwater runoff–thereby protecting local water sources. These efforts will reduce and treat 24,900 gallons of stormwater annually, and build long-term capacity for forest management in these rural communities. By keeping pollutants out of the groundwater, we’re helping keep water cleaner and healthier.
Funding
This project is generously supported by the U.S. Forest Service, the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, Oceana County & Trails, Eugene Kuhne, and William Field-Hart Montague Trail Funds of the Community Foundation for Oceana County.
Our Anticipated Impact:
700 Stormwater Trees planted on public trails
24,900 Stormwater Runoff Gallons are treated
Pollution is kept out of the Lake Michigan watershed and drinking water
Long-term Forestry Capacity is provided to five rural communities