Stormwater Habitat for Ecosystem Creation - University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Stormwater ponds do not have to be ugly.

In fact, there are some very creative and ecologically successful, healthy and prospering stormwater management facilities doubling as wildlife habitat, natural areas and ecosystem restoration/creation projects.

Take for instance the University of North Florida's master stormwater facility just to the east of Highway 9A and north of J.T. Butler Blvd. in Jacksonville Florida.

This stormwater facility offers wildlife habitat, cleans stormwater and importantly, provides a sense of place for students and the community at large.

Numerous hiking trails, well maintained can be found around the stormwater management facility.

The water is clear, supports a variety of native vegetation, provides a place for students to canoe and the sight-seeing is awesome!

University of North Florida Stormwater Pond's Ecosystem

University of North Florida Stormwater Pond's Ecosystem

 

The stormwater pond is hardly recognizable as a man-made feature other than the semi-square shape.  The facility/ecosystem has developed beautiful littoral shelves and hosts numerous wildlife species.

UNF Stormwater Pond

Alligators, turtles, birds, fish and other wildlife populate the ecosystem.

Kudos to a great project exemplifying how a stormwater management facility can become a positive benefit to the community in many ways!