In a world where fresh, clean water is an increasingly precious commodity, responsible stormwater management is becoming a vital skill for homeowners and businesses alike. LaCrosse Habitat for Humanity’s newly completed stormwater management education center, Soak It Up! provides an interactive experience that makes stormwater education accessible and fun for area and regional residents.
Soak it Up! is located at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Onalaska, Wis., and was designed in collaboration with the LaCrosse Urban Stormwater Group. The project is supported in part by a donation of permeable interlocking concrete pavers from County Materials, used to construct a display demonstrating various types of pervious paving. In addition to this display, Habitat staff, volunteers and partners have also constructed biofilters, replaced grass with native vegetation, added a pervious pavement demonstration area, addressed erosion issues, and installed a commercial rain barrel at the site during the past year. As a result, stormwater runoff at the site is now absorbed where it falls, and permanent signs show visitors how it all works.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in La Crosse is visited by tens of thousands of people each year, including school groups. Every visit provides an opportunity for more understanding of stormwater issues and what they can do to minimize its negative effects.
“We're proud of this project! It's the result of vision, persistence, collaboration, and the generous contributions of many people. We are very grateful for the donation from County Materials. They were one of the first to step up and support the project,” says project manager Nancy North. “This project just shines with hope,” she adds. “Every person who gets involved just starts to sparkle. They work so hard and they know that it matters. It’s a gift that will keep on giving.”
