: : Grounded GSI: Hazelwood

Grounded GSI: Hazelwood

The Grounded Strategies Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Project uses green solutions to address pressing stormwater issues and community needs. We seek to understand the types of GSI features desired in communities and how they can be used to generate creative community spaces while reducing stormwater runoff. The goal of the GSI project is to reduce the number of combined sewer overflows while also achieving community co-benefits. This is achieved by using green solutions to capture stormwater while creating valuable community green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Most importantly, our GSI projects serve as a touchstone and catalyst for broader outreach and education around stormwater management best practices, environmental justice advocacy, and community placemaking. We have recruited and trained a new cohort of Stormwater Ambassadors who are passionate about sharing knowledge about stormwater within their community. Matt, Valerie, Andrea, and Ali, are all Hazelwood residents involved in the neighborhood and dedicated to creating a better living environment. Be on the lookout for our demonstration projects in Hazelwood including a rain garden, and bioswale. These projects are already helping to inform the neighborhood about stormwater issues and also directly countering these issues with ecological revitalization. Green infrastructure mimics naturally occurring habitats to absorb excess water. By doing this it also reduces the amount of pollution in rivers and streams. These practices can act as a tool to the community for utilization and education.