Summer 2008 Watershed Networking Sessions

A Trail in Two Cities
The Summer 2008 Watershed Networking Sessions, hosted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Watershed Specialists. Each session focused on integrated urban Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality improvement in community trails and facilities.

These sessions offered opportunities to meet individuals working in a variety of capacities to improve water quality through watershed management. A summary of each day's activities can be found below:

Thursday, August 14: Michigan City’s Trail Creek and Green Infrastructure Projects
10 a.m.  – 3 p.m.  (local time)

In the morning, we’ll discuss planning tools for non-structural BMPs, and get the details on a regional green infrastructure plan from Kathy Luther (Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission). We’ll also spend time learning what it took to plan and implement urban Best Management Practices for the City’s stormwater goals with Al Walus (Michigan City Sanitary District). In the afternoon, plan to trek through Michigan City’s BMPs by bus to get a firsthand view of successfully implemented projects and ask as many questions as you like.

And… if you just can’t get enough of such delightful BMPs, Steve Barker with the Coffee Creek Conservancy has generously offered a tour of their work after the session has concluded in a less formal setting to catch on the drive back home. (http://www.coffeecreekcenter.com)

Wednesday, August 20: Indianapolis Cultural Trail and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Facility
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (local time)  

We’ll kick off this session at the Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Downtown Office. Then, we’ll  cruise over to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful facility where KIB President David Forsell will join in to discuss their efforts to create a facility that meets the organization’s needs while lightening its environmental impact. Plan to learn more about what it takes to go-green, initiate Brownfield restoration and implement LEED-certified techniques. The morning will include a quick walk-through of the restored facility to see these additions firsthand. 

Then, join the lead designer and coordinator of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to explore how they designed and integrated stormwater quality improvement into one of the most exciting new community projects connecting the downtown area. This includes a walking tour of the newest portion of the Trail, and the opportunity to discover what it takes to make it happen. 

If you have any questions regarding IASWCD Watershed Management resources, please contact our Watershed Information Specialist, Elizabeth Trybula.