A bioswale uses plants in an area of storm water runoff to remove toxins from the water, immediately improving the water quality. It would be an alternative to a storm sewer, reducing the water’s velocity and allowing for it to be filtered through the plants. This type of green infrastructure is practical for parking lots and sidewalks.

https://www.esf.edu/ere/endreny/GICalculator/BioswaleIntro.html

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_029251.pdf

GVSU has multiple examples of bioswales across campus. According to the map on the campus website, there are 5 examples that have been installed. As students of GVSU we feel there should be more education about the green infrastructure that has been put into place. We have 5 QR codes set up around campus. The next link is a map with other areas, see if you can find them all!

https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/CE4A3354-0600-A7FA-DDAE0FD203FA8B63/ravine_bmp_tour_map_4_15_11_8x11.pdf

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Ffigure%2FBioswale-concept-diagram-1-Dirty-and-polluted-water-from-rooftops-roads-and-parking_fig1_335219312&psig=AOvVaw1WL4wH8Vrz-5c2Hdi8Bs5V&ust=1637172356639000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjhxqFwoTCNidtLi8nfQCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD