Metro Blooms' permeable alley opening celebration planned June 19

Metro Blooms is proud to celebrate the installation of one of the first permeable alleys in Minneapolis (photo right submitted) on Tues., June 19, 5:30-7pm, in the alley behind 3853 21st Ave. S.

The alley project was a partnership between Metro Blooms, a group of residents in the Standish-Ericsson neighborhood, Hennepin County, and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.

Metro Blooms and residents will be on hand to answer questions about the attractive, eco-friendly alley, from conception to costs, installation, and maintenance. Please RSVP at permeablealley.eventbrite.com.

The privately-owned alley is an example of permeable hardscape, surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks designed for water to drain through them rather than running off. Similar to what happens in a rain garden, the water seeps into the earth, getting cleaned as it filters through the soil. In contrast, stormwater in urban areas typically runs into storm drains, collecting pollutants along the way, and eventually ends up in our lakes and streams.

This innovative approach is uncommon in the Twin Cities. It has been used more in other cities, notably Chicago, which started installing permeable alleys more than a decade ago.

Goals of the permeable alley project include:

• reducing flooding and ice problems

• making the alley and adjacent driveways more attractive

• improving water quality by capturing runoff

• collecting data that compares water flow on the alley before and after installation

Metro Blooms, a local non-profit organization, works to strengthen communities by promoting environmentally-sound landscaping that beautifies neighborhoods and protects our environment.