Learn about natural techniques for cleansing and conserving stormwater for humans and wildlife, at any scale–backyard to urban/suburban/industrial to regional. Our bayous and bays are greatly impacted by the quality of the stormwater flowing into them, and now is a great time to start improving it with practices we can implement at home, work, or beyond.

Join us in a beautiful setting–the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s new LEED-certified building in Lake Jackson, TX.

The workshop will be offered on three dates: Friday August 12, Thursday Sept 29, and Saturday March 4, 2017.

Speakers and Topics:

• Charriss York, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program Specialist: Collecting and cleansing stormwater runoff at home and in the neighborhood
• Mary Carol Edwards, Stormwater Wetland Program Specialist: Using wetlands in flood control basins for water quality and habitat
• Marissa Sipocz, Wetland Restoration Program Specialist: How large-scale wetland restoration benefits us all

Workshop Schedule:

8:30-9:00–Registration

9:00-9:10—Opening remarks by the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory

9:10-9:30—Introductions to the speakers, green infrastructure program, and the Wetland Plant Partnership with GCBO

9:30-10:00—Marissa Sipocz on freshwater and estuarine wetland restoration

10:00-10:30—Charriss York on homeowner techniques for capturing and cleaning stormwater as part of the landscape

10:30-10:45—Break

10:45-11:30—Mary Carol Edwards on using stormwater wetlands for water quality and habitat, changing the way design flood control basins are designed in this region.

11:30-11:50—TBA

11:50-12:00—Concluding remarks

Attendees are encouraged to walk the birding trails, and visit the onsite wetland nursery.