****Before you Begin! This Earthcache is not for those wanting a quick stop! It will likely take close to two hours to complete - start to finish and over a 1.5km walk! This earthcache contains over 20 questions and 2 required photographs!****
Bioretention:
Bioretention is a process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed from stormwater runoff. Bioretention cells hold an objective to attenuate peak runoff and remove stormwater runoff pollutants. Methods of Bioretention are used in communities across the world to ensure protection from potential toxins.
Stormwater Retention Ponds:
Stormwater retention ponds temporarily store stormwater runoff. Ponds store and "retain" water until it is drained. Retention ponds are designed to permanently hold water. Retention ponds are designed so that rainwater will bypass the filtration of retention ponds.
Inlets:
Inlets are used to deliver water to retention ponds from streets and other areas.
Outlets:
Allow the water to fill and will gradually drain the water from the ponds.
***Sediments are stored at the base of retention ponds and are periodically removed for filtration purposes***
Rain Gardens:
Rain Gardens are areas consisting of native plants on a sloped surface. Rain Gardens are designed to absorb runoff sourced from rainwater. Rain Gardens are growing in popularity as they can prevent flooding and work as a natural filtration system.
Swales (Bioretention):
Bioretention swales are designed to have sloped sides with shallow, landscapes and vegetated to capture and treat stormwater before it runs off downstream.
(This cache will have you examining all types of natural filtration within Lakewood Park!)
Questions:
Stage One: (Posted Coordinates)
Q1. Within 100 meters of ground zero can you view evidence of water being diverted from Manning Road? Describe this diversion.
Q2. How do you believe this area is beneficial for the filtration and protection of Lake Saint Clair? Or does it not?
Q3. Which of the above filtration methods applies to this location?
Q4. Describe the vegetation within this area, does it match the description of the filtration method you chose?
Q5. Optional: Upload photo at Stage One!
Stage Two:
Q6. How do you believe this area is beneficial for the filtration and protection of Lake Saint Clair? Or does it not?
Q7. Which of the above filtration methods applies to this location?
Q8. Describe the vegetation within this area, does it match the description of the filtration method you chose?
Q9. This location allows you to closely examine the containments in the water. Do you see anything that doesn't belong? Is this location doing its job?
Q10. Mandatory: Upload a photo at this location!
Stage Three:
Q11. How do you believe this area is beneficial for the filtration and protection of Lake Saint Clair? Or does it not?
Q12. Which of the above filtration methods applies to this location?
Q13. Describe the vegetation within this area, does it match the description of the filtration method you chose?
Stage Four:
Q14. How do you believe this area is beneficial for the filtration and protection of Lake Saint Clair? Or does it not?
Q15. Which of the above filtration methods applies to this location?
Q16. Describe the vegetation within this area, does it match the description of the filtration method you chose?
Q17. Is there any algae in the water upon your visit? Does this demonstrate that the feature is or is not working?
Q18. Mandatory: Upload 1 photo of you or an identifiable item in the area!
General Questions:
Q19. Which of the filtration methods do you believe is most effective? Why?
Q20. Which of the locations that you visited do you believe filters the most toxic materials/fluids?