Inside this Issue
Ann Arbor District Library Partner Spotlight ~ E2P2 New Members ~ Smart Watersheds ~ Washtenaw County School Recycling & Education Program ~ Partners in the News ~ SAVE THE DATE! for 2018 Awards Ceremony ~ Volunteer Opportunities ~ Upcoming Events ~ Certificate Courses
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:
Ann Arbor District Library
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The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) has been a valued partner since 2004 when the Mallets Creek branch was built. It was only natural to join Waste Knot (WK) and Community Partners for Clean Streams (CPCS) at that time because of the library board’s commitment to creating and sustaining a library that is low-impact on the environment. In addition to the library board’s strong leadership and enthusiasm, former Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, Janis Bobrin, who created CPCS, was instrumental in helping plan the building and surrounding landscape.
The unique character of the Mallets Creek branch can be felt before even entering the building. A parking lot with no storm drains and a multitude of rain gardens is a shining example of alternative design for pollution prevention. The green roof – a unique and welcome feature in the community – captures 50% of the water that lands on it, reduces the building’s heating and cooling costs by 50%, and decreased the area needed for the detention pond between the building and the creek by 50%. Once inside, it is evident that the building makes strong use of natural light and, weather permitting, natural air and sounds. Not as evident to the untrained eye, but equally as important, recycled and local materials were utilized as much as possible during construction.
These same environmental ideals remain important to AADL and are reflected in more recently built branches. At the Traverwood branch, ash trees from the site that would have died from emerald ash borer induced disease were used in the construction of the building. Guests can even see emerald ash borer tracks on the wood inside! At the Pittsfield branch, which happens to be at the headwaters of Mallets Creek, the building is elevated to protect the marsh, invasive species have been removed, and a conservation easement is in place protecting 3 out of the 5 acres from development.
The AADL is proud to be a platform for education and engagement surrounding green infrastructure in the community. Josie Parker, Director of AADL, is passionate about sharing their work because “talking about it with others is part of the payback”. Individuals and organizations have the opportunity to learn a lot from AADL and, as Josie put it, “there is always something to learn, no matter how large or small, about how to live more lightly on the planet”. Please send us an email at e2p2@ewashtenaw.org if you or your group would like to schedule a tour!
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Josie Parker, Director of AADL, next to a rain garden in the Mallets Creek branch parking lot.
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Over the last few years, University of Michigan professor Branko Kerkez and his team have installed controllable valves in basins and wetlands throughout the City of Ann Arbor. These valves can be opened or closed by a computer as weather conditions change. In anticipation of a large storm, a valve may be opened to let water out of a pond. The pond is then able to hold more water during the storm. By holding water in the pond during and after the storm, downstream creeks and rivers will not receive all the stormwater at once. Kerkez’s team can then slowly let the water out of the pond-- reducing flooding and flashiness in creeks.
For example, Kerkez’s team installed a valve and sensor at Ellsworth basin that sends data wirelessly. By remotely controlling the valve according to weather conditions, there has been a 5 million gallon improvement in water storage within the basin. Those stored gallons now can be slowly released after a storm.
By controlling the speed of stormwater, the series of valves and sensors also improves water quality. Fast moving water brings a slurry of sediment, pollution and leaf litter into our creeks and rivers. When water slows, it drops these pollutants, which allows cleaner water to flow into our waterbodies.
Sensors installed by Kerkez’s team track water depth, soil moisture and water quality. This means that large amounts of data is now available as to the health of our creeks and rivers.
To develop technologies that help control and monitor stormwater, Kerkez received $1.8 million in funding from the National Science Foundation. Kerkez has been working with the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office as well as the City of Ann Arbor, the Huron River Watershed Council and others on this project.
Learn more by going to open-storm.org or watch this video:
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Autonomous Storm Water Valves
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Washtenaw County School Recycling & Education Program
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Primary schools around the country are increasingly implementing recycling programs to reduce their environmental footprint and educate youth about natural resource life cycles. Recycling can be extremely empowering for children because they feel involved in something that is important on multiple levels, from their local community to the whole planet. Moreover, students often carry their enthusiasm home and teach their families, which has the potential to make a positive impact on our community’s broader recycling goals. To this end, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), in partnership with Recycle Ann Arbor (RAA), Ecology Center, and Washtenaw County’s Solid Waste Division (WCSWD), was awarded a grant through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Community Pollution Prevention grants program for the 2015-2016 school year to create the Washtenaw County School Recycling and Education Program.
A recycling system was introduced into eight schools, covering most of the districts in Washtenaw County. RAA worked closely with each school to determine its individual needs and also tracked recycling and trash weights to monitor each school’s progress. Ecology Center staff provided education to school staff and students, and in some cases families at after school events! Furthermore, the Ecology Center administered student surveys before and after the recycling system was in place to gain an understanding about recycling attitudes and knowledge and how the educational components of the program influenced attitudes. Through these extensive efforts, the overall reduction in school waste going to landfill by means of recycling was 48.5%, much beyond their goal of 30%! Also significant were the increases in recycling knowledge, as measured by the student surveys. To learn about the grant project in more detail, view the final report.
Since the completion of the grant period, WCSWD has provided the necessary funding and all the partners have stay committed to delivering ongoing attention and support to the program. As a result, recycling systems are now being facilitated in fifteen schools. In addition, Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority receives the schools’ recyclables and has made several positive remarks about the cleanliness of the materials, which is extremely important for an efficient and economical recycling process. If you’d like to learn more about this program and/or how to potentially get your school involved starting next school year please contact WCSWD’s Jon Tulman at 734-222-3810.
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Welcome!
New E2P2 Members
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Community Partners for Clean Streams:
Mary's Fabulous Chicken
Under new ownership, Mary’s Fabulous Chicken is working to keep their kitchen clean and grease away from their sinks and drains. With a well maintained and regularly serviced grease storage container, this restaurant is working hard to keep fats, oil and grease out of our pipes. By regularly cleaning around dumpsters, Mary’s Fabulous Kitchen is preventing pollution from ending up in our stormdrains.
Situated at the base of two hills, the YMCA has a unique ability to capture large amounts of stormwater. The bioretention area, full of native plants, helps do just that. Pervious pavers and a hydrodynamic separator also help clean and filter stormwater before it reaches our creeks and rivers. From the building’s small footprint design to the use of advanced technology to monitor, adjust and minimize pool chemicals, to the installation of water bottle filling stations, the Y is doing everything that it can to reduce waste and prevent pollution.
Participation in E2P2 is voluntary and free!
All members of Waste Knot and Community Partners for Clean Streams are automatically part of E2P2 which collaborates with the County's Pollution Prevention Program to recognize & reward Washtenaw County's environmental business leaders.
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Congratulations!
Partners in the News
Do you have a success story to share? Did your organization just start a new environmental, recycling, or pollution prevention program and want a place to promote it? Share it with us at e2p2@ewashtenaw.org and you may see it on our Facebook page or in an upcoming newsletter. For example. . .
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Community Clean-Up Days were held in Northfield, Chelsea, Saline, & at EMU, resulting in the safe disposal of:
- 165,304 lbs. of Household Hazardous Waste
- 147,398 lbs. of Electronic Waste
- 93,873 lbs. of Scrap Metal
- 1,697 Tires
- 176 Freon Appliances
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SERVICE 2,286 RESIDENTS!
Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
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Board of Public Works
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Chelsea Athletic Boosters
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City of Ann Arbor
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City of Saline
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Eastern Michigan University
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Freedom Township
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Lyndon Township
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Northfield Township
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Saint Joe Mercy Health System
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Superior Township
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Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority
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COMMERCIAL STORMWATER CREDIT for Community Partners for Clean Streams members in the City of Ann Arbor
Community Partners for Clean Streams (CPCS) is a program with the Washtenaw County Water Resources' Office designed to help identify practical, cost effective ways to protect Washtenaw County waterways through pollution prevention. CPCS is a cost-free initiative that provides information, technical advice and recognition to participants. This option reduces the customer charge by 25.83% per quarter.
For more information click HERE.
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In 2017, Zero Waste Washtenaw:
- Partnered with 26 events
- Recycled 2452 pounds
- Composted 3371 pounds
- Reached ~41,000 people
- Achieved an average diversion rate of 81.3%
- Submitted the Final Grant Report to the MDEQ
Zero Waste Washtenaw looks forward to extending its reach in 2018. Visit zerowastewashtenaw.com to learn more about the program and how to partner with ZWW for your event!
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Keep Michigan Beautiful
Mini Grant
The Keep Michigan Beautiful organization is offering mini grants ranging from $100 to $500 dollars to be used to fund, or partially fund, a project which will earn the applicant points to be used towards their Green School status.
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On December 6th, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved the draft amendment to the solid waste plan. Over the next few months, the draft amendment will be shared and presented to all municipalities within the county. The plan is required to receive approval from 67% of municipalities. If this approval is received, the draft amended plan is submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for approval. Take a look at the Executive Summary to learn about key components of the plan!
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Volunteer Opportunities
Stonefly Search | Saturday, January 20
Join a team to search for these sensitive aquatic insects that hatch from streams in winter–2 events
Water Quality Monitoring Training with HRWC |Saturday, March 24
Learn how to collect water samples, measure stream flow, and sample runoff from rain storms. For more info click HERE.
Spring Bug Hunt with Friends of the Rouge | Saturday, April 14
Join a team to search for aquatic insects, clams, and snails in Rouge streams. For more info click HERE.
River Roundup | Saturday, April 21 | 9am-1pm OR 10:30am-2:30pm
Join the Huron River Watershed Council in collecting samples of bugs and other creatures that live in our streams that can inform us about the waterway's health. For more info click HERE.
Rural Education Days | Tuesday April 24 - Thursday April 26
Do you have a 3rd or 4th grader in Washtenaw County? They will likely go on a field trip to Rural Education Days, at the Farm Council Grounds where we will be presenting about stormwater and rain gardens. If you would like to volunteer to help with the presentations, please contact Catie wytychakc@ewashtenaw.org at or (734) 222-6813.
Insect ID Day | Sunday, April 29 | 12pm-2pm OR 2pm-4pm
Separate bugs into groups that look-alike and then an expert will help you identify them. Once bugs are identified you record the data and compare the results to last years and others. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For more info click HERE.
Miller Ave Rain Garden Workday | Monday, May 28 | 9:30am-12:30pm
Meet at 1916 Miller (across from Bruce)
Rain Gardens grace the sides of the road along Miller Avenue from Newport to Maple. Check them out! Join us for a neighborhood stewardship work day. We will be pulling some weeds - grabbing any little weeds before they get big. Local Master Rain Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and lend a hand. Afterwards, please join us at 1916 Miller for cookies.
Veteran's Park Zamboni Rain Garden Workday | May (Exact date and time TBD)
Come join us in caring for one of the oldest rain gardens in town. This garden was built downhill of the Zamboni's snow pile so that snow melt would feed the garden. Now, the garden is full of perennials like Canada Anemone, Blue Vervain, and Goldenrod. Help us weed and clear out the inlets so water can run freely into the garden. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. We will provide tools, gloves, water, and expertise.
Burns Park Rain Garden Workday | June (Exact date and time TBD)
Meet us at the tennis courts by the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Join us on this summer day to tackle the bindweed plants that are trying to cover the rain garden and tennis court fence. Learn how this rain garden stores and cleans water that lands on the tennis courts and the senior center parking lot. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. We will provide tools, gloves, water and expertise.
Employee Service Day | Anytime
If you are interested in organizing a group of employees to care for a rain garden, we can set up a volunteer workday for your group. We will provide the tools, water and expertise. Contact Catie at wytychakc@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 222-6813 to set up the details.
Zero Waste Events | Multiple Dates throughout Year
The Zero Waste Washtenaw Program has continued to gain popularity with events in the community! Volunteers are needed to monitor zero waste stations, serving as an educator on proper disposal for guests and in turn preventing contamination of recycling and compost streams. Visit zerowastewashtenaw.com to learn about upcoming events and how to sign-up to volunteer!
Upcoming Events
Plastics Recycling & Looking out for Nature | Saturday, January 20 | 10-Noon
Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Drive)
Put on by the Ecology Center: Transform plastic containers into winter feeders and shelters for backyard wildlife, and use alternatives to plastic to create compostable ones! Individuals, and families can drop in for a FREE 30 to 60-minute activity. Pre-registration is encouraged. Please pre-register by emailing education@ecocenter.org to assure adequate staffing and supplies are on-hand.
Measuring & Tracking Sustainability | Thursday, February 8 | 7-8:30PM
Ann Arbor District Main Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave
Part of the seventh annual Sustainable Ann Arbor series hosted by the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor District Library - experts from Ann Arbor city government, industry, and U of M will examine current ways to measure and track the success of sustainability programs.
Plastic Bag Pollution & Recycled T-shirt Bags | Saturday, March 3 | 10-Noon
Ann Arbor District Library Westgate Branch (2503 Jackson Ave)
Put on by the Ecology Center: Replace those plastic bags with reusable t-shirt bags. Bring your favorite old t-shirt or select from our colorful collection, and we will help you create your very own bag. Individuals, and families can drop in for a FREE 30 to 60-minute activity. Pre-registration is encouraged. Please pre-register by emailing education@ecocenter.org to assure adequate staffing and supplies are on-hand.
Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show | Saturday, March 13 & Sunday, March 14
Thinking about a Rain Garden this Summer? Want to know more about preventing pollution around your home? Come visit WCWRC and the Huron River Watershed Council booth where we’ll share information and tips with you to get you started. For more info click HERE.
Compost Up Close & Planting Pots | Saturday, April 7 | 10-Noon
County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI
Put on by the Ecology Center: Take home your own handcrafted compostable pot and native plant seedling. We will share recipes for generating rich compost and give you the opportunity to observe some of nature’s recyclers up close. Individuals, and families can drop in for a FREE 30 to 60-minute activity. Pre-registration is encouraged. Please pre-register by emailing education@ecocenter.org to assure adequate staffing and supplies are on-hand.
Ann Arbor Water 101 | Thursday, April 12 | 7-8:30PM
Ann Arbor District Main Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave
Part of the seventh annual Sustainable Ann Arbor series hosted by the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor District Library - watch a video about extreme storms in Ann Arbor, hear presentations from some experts in the field, and participate in a Jeopardy-style water trivia game (with prizes!).
38th Huron River Day | Sunday, May 20 | 1-5PM
Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor
Enjoy the beautiful Huron River with free family-friendly river activities during the Huron River Day celebration. Fun river-themed exhibits and children’s activities include learning about how streams work with the University of Michigan Natural History Museum, a river-themed art exhibit, fishing, dipping for river-critters with the Huron River Watershed Council, live animals from the Leslie Science & Nature Center, a butterfly house from the Michigan Native Butterfly Farm, and the annual Enviro-Challenge with prizes for youth.
Ann Arbor Mayor's Green Fair | June | Main St.
The Environmental Leaders Area showcases environmental nonprofit organizations, government agencies and participating businesses that have earned the E2P2, "WasteKnot*" partners and/or Community Partners for Clean Streams designation from Washtenaw County. Many of the exhibit areas will provide information and host hands-on activities for all ages, such as environmental information, crafts and live birds of prey demonstrations.
Rain Garden Walk - Veteran's Memorial Park Rain Gardens | June 6 | 6-7:30pm
Meet at the Vet’s Park Ice Arena entrance at 2150 Jackson Ave in Ann Arbor. We will tour a variety of public rain gardens- some established, some newly planted and some in the middle of restoration. Come learn how these rain gardens work, what plants you can find inside them and more! We will mostly stay on the sidewalk so dress comfortably and bring water. The walk will be led by Catie Wytychak and Susan Bryan from the Water Resources Commissioner's Office. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing Catie at wytychakc@ewashtenaw.org or calling (734) 222-6813.
Certificate Courses
Winter Master Rain Gardener Certification Class
Dates: January 17-February 14 2018 | Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: 705 N. Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor MI. MSU Extension Classroom
Cost: $89 (Scholarships available)
Instructors: Susan Bryan, MLA & Harry Sheehan of the Water Resources Commissioner's Office, Shannan Gibb-Randall, RLA of InSite Design Studio, Inc.
Requirements: Participants must attend all five classes and plant or adopt a rain garden to receive their Master Rain Gardener certificate
Questions: Contact Susan at bryans@ewashtenaw.org or 734-730-9025
Register: You can register online, by phone, in-person or by mail
- Online through Rec and Ed
- Call Seema Jolly at 734-994-2300 x53203
Michigan Conservation Stewards Program
Dates: March 7- May 23, 2018. Sessions include 7 weekday evening sessions (6-9 pm) held on Wednesdays and 2 Saturday field sessions (9 am- 4 pm).
Always wanted to learn more about ecology and land management? Here is your chance! This class is a fabulous way to learn from the best, visit new locations and get hands on experience in the world of conservation ecology. Registration fee is $250/person. Limited partial scholarships are available. For more information, contact Shawn Severance (severances@ewashtenaw.org).
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Thank you for everything you do to keep our rivers clean!
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Copyright © 2018 Washtenaw County, All rights reserved.
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