TRWD Rainscapes

Watch the video below to learn about our Rainscapes!

TRWD MAIN CAMPUS

LID is focused on improving the ecological integrity of human developed habitats. This idea encourages the increased function and health of soil, water, biological, and atmospheric environments. Ecosystem services are enhanced by more natural forms of development under the umbrella of LID. LID often incorporates rainwater infiltration, re-use, and increased bio-availability for plant communities, offering a host of related benefits.

If we're going to build, let's build sustainably and responsibly. With green and gray infrastructure that's resilient and responsible for our future.

GSI is a practice of LID that utilizes stormwater as a resource, rather than a burden that needs to be gotten rid of. This form of ecological engineering is available and attainable for all who own or manage property. Focus is given on capturing and redirecting rainwater so it can be used to enrich the ecosystems it falls upon and passes through. These processes clean the runoff before it has a chance to enter our rivers and reservoirs.

Rainscaping involves the use of GSI in landscape design, which incorporates and maximizes the use of rainwater. These rainscapes use vegetation, permeable surfaces, mulch, soil and rock to help clean, sequester and slow stormwater runoff. Using these materials, there are many GSI features that can be utilized on a property. TRWD’s Fort Worth campus and the Airfield Falls Trailhead are great examples of incorporating GSI features into a treatment train that looks beautiful and creates habitat for wildlife.

All Texas conventional urban environments utilize impermeable surfaces along with a system of curbs, gutters, drains and sewage pipes to convey untreated stormwater directly into local water resources. These traditional forms of infrastructure contribute towards higher rates of pollution and flooding. GSI helps to offset conventional stormwater management practices by utilizing the best management practices (BMP) highlighted below.

These practices Increase water infiltration into the ground by improving uptake from the surrounding soil and vegetation. GSI can also be designed to help improve biological diversity, aesthetics of an environment, functionality of roads and walkways during storm events, and help to cut costs for supplemental irrigation and pesticide use.  As water moves from one feature to the next on our campus, not only does it slow flooding and become cleaner, but it benefits the people and wildlife locally too.