How will our ecovillage deal with what seems an increasing frequency and volume of precipitation? Here is the first of a series related to how the ecological aspects of our site, as well as structures based on natural processes, will be part of our stormwater management strategies.
The mature and healthy oaks, hickories, and other trees in our forested location, around which we have clustered our buildings, are an important part of a natural approach to stormwater management in Rachel Carson EcoVillage. The trees and understory plants will affect the speed, volume, and quality of water that runs off of our land during precipitation events.
A dense canopy of tree leaves intercepts and slows down precipitation before it reaches the ground. As rain makes its way through the branches and down the trunk, the leaf litter under the trees captures and allows water to infiltrate into the soil, where it is absorbed by roots or passes through soil layers to recharge groundwater. Water taken up by the roots travels through the tree to its leaves and is transpired (evaporated) into the atmosphere, completing the water cycle—nature’s way of “recycling” this lifegiving resource. Tree roots, as well as understory plants, hold soil in place, preventing erosion and the siltation of streams, wetlands and other areas downstream. The amount of water that runs off is reduced and the flow is slowed, minimizing the possibility of flooding. Nutrients and contaminants also may be taken up by the roots of trees and other plants, preventing pollution and protecting water quality.
What’s more, the forest will sequester carbon, create wildlife habitat, enhance biodiversity, and contribute greatly to our community’s beauty and the quality of our lives—a win-win-win in so many ways!
*For more info on the role of trees and forests in healthy watersheds check out this article from Penn State Extension
– Becky Lubold, Founding member, RCE