Susannah Drake discusses Sponge Park, a pilot project in Gowanus Canal that uses mostly woody plants to reduce pollution levels.
“Compared to other green infrastructure interventions, like rain gardens that use mostly herbaceous plants, the Sponge Park™ uses mostly woody plants that absorb, filter and evapotranspirate water through their roots and leaves, as well as remove toxins from the runoff through phytoremediation. A ten-foot wide walkway, covering an overflow area, provides public access to the Canal. In the spring iris, hibiscus and other flowers will further beautify the space.”
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The Sponge Park: Cleaning One of America’s Most Polluted Waterways, Metropolis