La Crosse Area Waters (LAW announced this week that Clearwater Farm is the recipient of the 2024 Soak it Up Award for their innovative and sustainable stormwater best management practices. Through their commitment to creating a wetland garden, Clearwater Farm has transformed a previously unusable space into an educational oasis that demonstrates the value of effective stormwater management.
Clearwater Farm’s small apple orchard, originally a productive agricultural space, started to face challenges from increased stormwater runoff, which resulted in a shallow water table incompatible with apple tree growth. Recognizing the need for change, the farm installed a rain garden filled with water-tolerant native plants, berms, and swales that direct, capture, and absorb stormwater. This transformative project has turned a previously degraded area into a thriving educational resource, benefiting the local community and environment.
The rain garden features a winding pathway that invites visitors to explore a diverse array of native plants and observe the ecological benefits of sustainable landscaping practices. The innovative design effectively manages runoff while providing an interactive space for community members of all ages and abilities to learn about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
“By reclaiming this space, we have created an educational opportunity that aligns with our mission to advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources,” said Clearwater Farm volunteer, Alex Boecher. “We hope our efforts will inspire others to implement similar projects in their own communities.”
La Crosse Area Waters is excited to honor the vital work being done at Clearwater Farm, which exemplifies the importance of implementing green infrastructure in promoting climate resilience in urban areas. The Soak it Up Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and municipalities that have made significant strides in improving water quality through sustainable landscaping practices.
To learn more about Clearwater Farm, please visit their website. If you have installedwater-friendly landscaping and would like to be nominated for the 2025 Soak it Up Award, go to La Crosse Area Waters website.
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