Friday, April 16, 2010
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden wins Leadership Evansville Award
Contact for more information:
Brandi Schwartz Marketing Coordinator Outreach & Engagement 812/464-1854 Created with native plants that adapt easily to the southern Indiana climate, soil, and water conditions, the rain garden serves as a living example of what the community can create at their home or business to make an environmental difference. Rain gardens are used to manage excessive rainwater run-off from all types of surfaces, including parking lots and roofs. Elissa Bakke, CAR project coordinator, worked on the rain garden project last summer and made the nomination for the award. CAR coordinates different outreach and engagement projects for the University and community partners. Bakke said, "The rain garden was different than most projects we facilitate, but it was also one of the most enjoyable. The project gave us the opportunity to meet individuals from organizations we had not worked with before, which opened up opportunities for other collaborative efforts. We are currently designing a rain garden for the USI campus, which will be installed near the new parking lot next to the Recreation and Fitness Center." In preparation of the project, Dr. Brandon Field, assistant professor of engineering in the Pott College of Science and Engineering, built a rain garden model that helped students understand the concept of rain gardens and how different surfaces are affected by rainwater. "By placing this rain garden at the main entrance of the zoo, with the signage and other educational information on the website, people in the community are being educated about the effects and benefits of rain gardens," said Field. "Hopefully, this will encourage them to install them in their own yards and to make a difference in their community." Leadership Evansville honors and recognizes leaders within the community of all ages. They believe people within the community can make changes, big or small, without holding a recognized position within an organization or company. They strive to help recognize individuals who make changes within the area for the betterment of the community. |
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