Property Manager Lee Davis approached the Long Tom Watershed Council after one of his tenants handed him an outreach flyer for the Amazon Creek Initiative. After contacting the Council, and having a site visit, Lee and Project Manager Jason Schmidt of LTWC agreed upon a set of ‘Best Management Practices’ that can be implemented on-site. Lee’s willingness to step outside of the box, and ‘do the right thing’ for Amazon Creek, is a great example of how the Council can work with willing property owners. Reducing and treating runoff from our properties contributes to a healthier and safer Amazon Creek. The management techniques used on the South Willamette Amazon Friendly Rainscaping Project can be replicated on commercial, industrial, and residential properties. This project is designed to showcase inexpensive and simple solutions.
Restoration Techniques
- Parking lot/Parkway vegetated swales – Parking lot and road drainage diverted to vegetated swale
- Rain gardens to treat roof runoff – Turf areas will be converted into rain loving landscapes
- Planter boxes – Downspouts will be diverted into landscaped planters to treat roof runoff
- Pervious pavers – A portion of pavement will be removed and replaced with a hardscape that soaks rain
- Ecoroof – A new bike shelter will incorporate a vegetated roof that reduces runoff from impervious surfaces
Project Benefits
Ecological: Runoff from nearly 14,000 square feet of impervious surface will be diverted into several stormwater management best management practices that will not only reduce pollutants entering Amazon Creek, but also beautify the property, raise the property value, and provide a land-scape that attracts and retains tenants and customers.
Economic: Attractive landscapes help to maintain tenants, bring new customers, and provide a pleasant experience.