SNP South Crew Shoutout! How Cool Are Portland’s Green Streets?
Did you know that our SNP South crew works to install the Green Streets rain gardens around Portland?
The SNP South crew has partnered with Portland Green Streets for over 17 years!
Our crews are specialized in working with young native and water-wise plants, ensuring a quality project as these babies are installed. This is super important labor that helps to manage the region's stormwater during rainy winters (and summers). Please honor their efforts by being a good Green Streets neighbor.
Thanks, SNP South, for providing this vital ecosystem service!
Here’s some info on PDX Green Streets and why they’re so cool.
Select a link below to jump directly to the topic section.
What are Green Streets
Green Streets are small rain gardens installed in strategic areas around Portland to help manage stormwater.
Green streets are located along streets and sidewalks in the city. They are planted with special water-wise species that tolerate flooding and drought. The plants and soils help filter and moderate the rate of flow of water before it enters pipe systems.
Multiple Awards for Green Streets Design
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has granted the project three awards.
The City Parks Alliance reports that “Green Street projects have received international recognition and multiple design awards for their innovative approach to integrating functional and aesthetically pleasing stormwater management systems into public space.” There is great potential in spreading Green Streets-style designs to other cities to bolster their water and greenspace management.
Ecosystem Services of Green Streets
The City of Portland names the following ecosystem services, although I think we can name more!
- Prevent sewer backups into streets and basements
- Protect water quality in rivers and streams by removing up to 90 percent of pollutants from the stormwater runoff before it flows into a waterbody
- Replenish groundwater supplies
- Absorb carbon and improve air quality
- Improve neighborhoods by adding green space
- Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety by calming traffic with vegetated curb extensions
- Protect our investments in Portland’s stormwater and sewer systems
Additionally, Green Streets
- Save the salmon
- Provide habitat for pollinators and other insects
- Bring together neighborhood volunteer community
- Add peace of mind from tangible solutions for our shared planet
According to the City Parks Alliance:
The installations have successfully reduced peak flows from their drainage areas by at least 80% and up to 94%. These rain gardens filter water to reduce total suspended solids by 90%, organic pollutants/oils by 90%, and heavy metals by more than 90%. Green Streets also offers a 40% cost reduction compared to a traditional pipe upsize and replacement project.
How You Can Support Green Streets
Your Green Streets are part of your community garden — care for it!
The City of Portland advises the following to be a good Green Streets neighbor:
- Keep people, pets, and trash out of the planters.
- Keep inlets open.
- Don’t prune or cut the plants.
- If needed, you can water the plants during a dry spell.
- Report green street maintenance issues.
You can also volunteer to be a Green Streets Steward. Get more information on the City of Portland's website.