In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Colleen Reuter, Environmental Compliance professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore the world of green infrastructure and stormwater management.

From rain gardens and rain barrels to depaving driveways and even the surprising role of beavers in flood control, this episode dives into practical, research-based strategies that homeowners and communities can use to reduce erosion, manage runoff, and improve water quality.

We also preview the upcoming Illinois Green Infrastructure and Erosion Control Conference, a free, public event packed with expert speakers, hands-on solutions, and professional development opportunities.

Conference Info: October 28 at the iHotel in Champaign, IL
Register at: ccstormwater.org
Registration deadline: October 14 

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpiuAlNO1As 

Skip to what you want to know:
00:43 Hey Ken! It rained...a little.
02:18 Welcome Colleen Ruhter!
03:05 Who are the partners for the Green Infrastructure and erosion control conference, and what is green infrastructure?
04:38 Why is managing stormwater important?
06:44 How does an impervious surface affect stormwater runoff?
11:25 What is depaving, and why is it a good idea for people to depave their landscape?
16:10 How do rain gardens help manage stormwater?
19:52 Are rain barrels effective when dealing with typical amounts of stormwater runoff?
23:37 Why are fall leaves a problem with stormwater management?
25:09 Is it useful for communities to work together to reduce pollution in the stormwater system?
29:03 Separating combined storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems.
32:01 Are there any good examples of communities that have incorporated green infrastructure into their stormwater system?
32:56 One of the conference topics is going to be about beavers. Are beavers considered a good stormwater management tool? 
35:10 Where can people go to learn more about the conference and about stormwater management?
37:57 Thank you and coming up next week.

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk 

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