Brooklyn Cemetery’s $2.5M Secret Weapon Against Climate Change Will Blow Your Mind!

Revolutionizing Climate Resilience

Green-Wood Cemetery, one of New York City’s largest privately-owned lands, has embarked on a groundbreaking climate resiliency initiative. This effort aims to significantly reduce stormwater runoff and enhance the area’s environmental sustainability. By taking proactive steps, Green-Wood sets a new standard for private institutions in urban areas.

According to Joe Charap, Vice President of Horticulture, the cemetery’s intervention serves as a model for other private landowners. Their responsibility towards the community and climate resilience is immense. This initiative underscores the crucial role private entities play in combating climate change.

Central to this effort is a $2.5 million project that includes the installation of innovative mechanisms designed to manage stormwater effectively. These measures are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the surrounding environment.

Green-Wood’s commitment to sustainability is evident through this ambitious project, demonstrating their dedication to the greater good and environmental stewardship.

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Innovative Water Management Solutions

A key feature of this initiative is the installation of a smart mechanism at Sylvan Water, a glacial pond known for its historical flooding issues. This sensor monitors weather patterns and automatically adjusts the pond’s water level in anticipation of storms, significantly reducing the risk of overflow.

The drained water from the pond is filtered through an underground system, which is then used to irrigate the cemetery’s landscape. This not only reduces water usage but also diverts excess water from the city’s sewers, alleviating pressure on the aging infrastructure.

The project also includes the installation of permeable pavers in flood-prone walkways. These pavers capture stormwater on site, preventing it from entering the combined sewer system and mitigating flood risks.

The following benefits highlight the importance of these measures:

• Reduced stormwater runoff
• Improved water quality
• Enhanced urban green space

Massive Underground Storage

Another significant component of the project is the creation of a 66,000-gallon bioretention basin beneath a low-lying road. This underground storage system is designed to hold and filter stormwater, ensuring that it does not overwhelm the city’s sewers.

The basin features a series of crates that facilitate water filtration, capturing and containing stormwater effectively. This innovative solution is a testament to Green-Wood’s forward-thinking approach to environmental challenges.

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Overall, these improvements are expected to divert over 50 million gallons of stormwater from the city’s infrastructure annually. This massive reduction will help the old city infrastructure better handle the impacts of a changing climate.

Through these efforts, Green-Wood Cemetery is not only preserving its historical landscape but also contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.

A Model for Private Institutions

Green-Wood Cemetery’s initiative showcases how private institutions can make a substantial impact on environmental sustainability. By implementing these innovative solutions, they are setting a precedent for other landowners in urban areas.

The cemetery’s approach emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private entities to address climate challenges. Their work can inspire similar projects, fostering a city-wide commitment to environmental resilience.

These measures, funded by city and state environmental grants, highlight the critical role of financial support in driving sustainable initiatives. The success of Green-Wood’s project underscores the potential for public funding to catalyze significant environmental improvements.

As climate change continues to pose challenges, the proactive steps taken by Green-Wood Cemetery serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of innovative, sustainable solutions in preserving our environment for future generations.

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