Green Infrastructure Tour
For more tours visit mAppAthens
This tour takes you throughout the Ohio University campus and the Athens community to explore the many green roofs and other green infrastructure sites the town has to offer. Green infrastructure is a design strategy for reducing stormwater runoff. Each green roof listed is different from the next, with some used for research purposes and others for environmental benefits and aesthetics. During this guided tour you will learn about the benefits of green roofs and other green infrastructure for the environment, as well as for people and wildlife. Not limited to the tops of buildings, this tour will show you how gardening techniques can be used to manage stormwater runoff. The variety of green infrastructure sites in Athens shows the dedication of the community and the university to engage in new ways of utilizing urbanized spaces.
This tour was developed by Kaia McKenney and Dr. Kim Thompson in collaboration with Nancy J. Stevens, Jessica Schaudt, and the mAppAthens Team.
01 / 09
1
Schoonover Green Roof: Schoonover Center, Athens, OH 45701
On the second-floor rooftop of the Schoonover Center, students and faculty use water flumes and sensors to learn how green roofs slow down and clean stormwater runoff. Researchers are also measuring how plants cool off the building and whether there are any improvements in air quality. Green roofs provide habitat for animals, so students are recording the diversity of insects and other animals that have colonized the rooftop. As the only green infrastructure project on campus meant for research and educational purposes, there are lots of student and faculty projects. A time lapse camera has been installed to document changes on the roof throughout the year. This green roof was designed to hold only 4 people, but virtual access is allowed! Visit our website here: https://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/schoonover-green-roof-project
2
Patton Hall Green Roof: 100 E Union St, Athens, OH 45701
Located on the third floor of the Patton College of Education building this green roof has mostly Sedum, a drought-tolerant plant as well as the tall Allium sprouting out from garden beds. When open to visitors, the adjoining view from the patio shows the aesthetic benefits. This building was the first building on campus to attain Gold LEED certification. The green roof helps reduce energy usage in the building by cooling it in the summer and providing greater insulation in the winter.
3
Jefferson Hall Green Roof: 46 E Green Dr, Athens, OH 45701
Behind Jefferson Hall in the East Green, low-lying sedum plants line the surrounding residential hall courtyards. Sedum plants are utilized in green infrastructure projects to cool down an area and sequester carbon from the air but require less maintenance than other plants. This green roof sits atop a utility tunnel and now includes some volunteer grasses.
4
Edwards Accelerator
In the heart of the Ohio University Athens campus, the concrete slab roof of the Edwards Accelerator Lab is covered with grass over an Astronomy and Physics research lab space. Green roofs can lower acoustics in buildings and even in an area. Find out more about the lab here: https://inpp.ohio.edu/~oual/
5
Bioswales on Union
The biofiltration boxes on Union St were built to reduce the amount and improve quality of stormwater during times of rainfall. Stormwater is collected in the filtration trench and slowly absorbed by deeper soil and the plants, with excess water flowing into the sewer system. This helps prevent flooding with heavy rain events.
6
Holzer Clinic Green Roof: 2131 E State St, Athens, OH 45701
The green roof on the top of the Holzer Clinic was built in 2008. It is an intensive green roof that includes trees and shrubs. Holzer has given access to Ohio University student and faculty researchers for a microbiome study. Up the stairs and to the left of the clinic main entrance, this roof contains not only the green roof, but an array of solar panels, installed by a local Athens company, Third Sun Solar. In addition to the environmental advantages, natural areas provide mental health benefits and make the waiting area more pleasant.
7
Raingardens at the Ridges: 161 Horse Barn Ln, Athens, OH 45701
Raingardens are aesthetically pleasing ways to capture stormwater runoff and improve the water quality of an area. One of two raingardens located on the Ridges, this one is at the outside entrance to the Child Development Center. Both rain gardens are located at the tops of hills, which helps diminish the flow of stormwater runoff. It helps support diverse plant types that do not mind getting a good soaking. More information about the rain garden projects at the Ridges and a video describing a stormwater interactive display can be found at the following link: https://www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school/projects/rain-gardens
8
Raingardens at the Ridges: Ridges Building 38 Athens, OH 45701
Raingardens are aesthetically pleasing ways to capture stormwater runoff and improve the water quality of an area. One of two raingardens located on the Ridges, this one is outside of Ridges Building 38. Both rain gardens are located at the tops of hills, which helps diminish the flow of stormwater runoff. It helps support diverse plant types that do not mind getting a good soaking. More information about the rain garden projects at the Ridges and a video describing a stormwater interactive display can be found at the following link: https://www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school/projects/rain-gardens
9
Athens Community Center Raingarden
Raingardens filter pollutants from runoff, help prevent flooding and provide habitat for pollinators and other animals. This raingarden receives water that drains from the Athens Community Center rooftop which is about 5,000 square feet in size. It was planted in 2010 with a state grant received by Athens Soil and Water Conservation District.
