Low-Impact Development Consulting Services
Ecosystems that Clean & Regulate
Sound Native Plants specializes in many low impact development (LID) methods. What they have in common is that they clean water and soils while regulating the effects of flood and erosion. LID designs mimic natural processes and work with the surrounding environment to reduce maintenance and yield long-term project success. Implementing nature-based solutions maximizes ecosystem services.
Examples of LID ecosystems:
- Rain gardens
- Slope bioengineering
- Bioretention ponds
- Shoreline bioengineering
Our consultants have decades of experience consulting on LID systems. Whether you want to install a pollinator-friendly rain garden or build beaver habitat, our crews can help!
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens use existing or supplemented soil and native vegetation in natural depressions to infiltrate stormwater runoff from surrounding areas. Rain gardens reduce runoff by intercepting, evaporating and infiltrating rainfall, which diminishes erosion and improves water quality. Beautiful and functional, rain gardens can buffer noise, enhance privacy, provide urban wildlife habitat, and add aesthetic value to the landscape. Rain gardens are inexpensive to install and require little maintenance.
Depending on site conditions, rain gardens may be retrofitted in existing developments to augment existing stormwater facilities, help reduce flooding and improve water quality. Soil amendments and excavation may be necessary.
Slope Bioengineering
Sound Native Plants offers slope stabilization designs that specialize in using vegetation and soft materials instead of concrete and rebar. Bioengineering integrates quick-rooting plant materials with soil stabilization products made from soft materials such as coconut fiber. The resulting slopes are stabilized and vegetated at a fraction of the cost of traditional retaining walls, crib walls or gabions. Bioengineered slopes have the added benefit of providing habitat for birds and wildlife. Many local jurisdictions are increasingly requiring bioengineering to stabilize slopes in sensitive environments such as along streams and wetlands.
Bioretention Ponds
By using native vegetation and soil amendments, bioretention ponds often out-perform traditional stormwater detention systems. Native vegetation reduces stormwater runoff through interception and evaporation. Roots stabilize soil, decrease erosion, absorb soil moisture, improve soil aeration and enhance rainfall infiltration. Stems filter out sediments, and plant tissues immobilize heavy metals and break down organic pollutants, improving water quality. Native vegetation nourishes soil organisms that aid decomposition and improve soil characteristics.
Shoreline Bioengineering
Sound Native Plants works extensively on shoreline issues including identification of high water lines, determination of building setbacks, shoreline stabilization and erosion control, riparian habitat restoration, and bulkhead alternatives for lake and marine shores. We offer complete mitigation design and monitoring services. We design “soft” solutions to stabilize shorelines using bioengineering techniques in situations where bulkheads are not permitted.
All of our consultation services are backed by over 30 years of research and practical experience. Along with our knowledgeable partners, we bring long-lasting ecosystem services to your landscape.
Contact us at info@soundnativeplants.com with large project inquiries or questions.