“Walking the talk”
Living Sustainably
While living in U.S. Virgin Islands, I was in a community that valued water, and made use of every drop. In Milwaukee I wanted to commit to water conservation by investing in a water catchment and reuse system, assisted by grants from the Milwaukee Sewerage District. The Bike Path Building is a zero runoff property on which all rainwater is captured and reused to irrigate the roof garden and orchard.
Installing MWA’s Green Infrastructure
These images give you a peek at our green infrastructure—the rooftop garden—at the MWA office located in the heart of a busy urban area.
1. Early Construction, with a side view from the street. When hardhats and cranes are required, you know it is a serious garden install.
2. Waterproofing the building. Not an easy job. After a number of leaks, the third time proved to be the charm.
3. Installing the water retention blocks and planting media. After the substructure was leak-proof, materials to capture and retain water for reuse are installed.
4. Success. A garden of natives, ornamental plants and veggies. Having soil depths ranging from 6 inches to 18 inches provides options for plant diversity. Notice the tree in the corner! We are enjoying the benefits of the garden as a gorgeous place to sit and enjoy nature including monarch butterflies and a variety of birds within the busy city.
Read more in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about how this system is the first of its kind in a Milwaukee residence.