Greening Our Facility
'Green' Roof
In 2006, the Elkhart Environmental Center replaced its leaking roof with a new 'green' roof. The roof is not only green in color, it is also made of 70% post-industrial recycled waste including baby diapers that were factory seconds. A special thank you to Carlisle, Inc for donating half of the shakes for this Eco-Star environmentally friendly roof product.
Geothermal Energy
The Center has been using geothermal energy since the cabin was constructed in 1991. In 2007, the units were updated to an even more energy efficient system. The geothermal furnace is now on display inside the log cabin education center. A big thank you to WaterFurnace for their discount on this energy saving unit.
Pervious Concrete Sidewalk
In the spring of 2008, the Elkhart Environmental Center installed a pervious concrete sidewalk. These sidewalks capture stormwater and allow it seep into the ground at a rate of 3 to 5 gallons per minute. This helps allow groundwater to be recharged, reduces stormwater runoff. It reduces the need for retention ponds and swales. This sidewalk is a part of the Elkhart River Alliance and Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District's Stormwater Urban Demonstration Site that was funded by an EPA 319 grant. Also thank you to Premium Concrete for the discount on this project.
Rain Gardens
On May 31, 2008 the Elkhart Environmental Center partnered with the Elkhart River Alliance and Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District to plant two Rain Gardens and a Bioretention area through a hands-on workshop. Participants learned about the value of rain gardens in collecting stormwater run-off and how they could build a rain garden at their own home or business. They then installed over 3000 plant plugs to establish the gardens at the Center.
A few simple ways that you can 'green' your home include:
- Use environmentally friendly cleaners.
- Build a compost bin.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs.
News & Notices
- Summer 2010 Green Gazette
Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
- Elkhart Environmental Center Biennial Report
Published: Friday, March 19, 2010
Check out all of the accomplishment's of the Elkhart Environmental Center over the last two year. Discover how many people were reached, our partners and much more.
- Adopt-A-Trail Map for Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Published: Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Interested in making a difference in your community while getting outside? You can adopt-a-trail in the City of Elkhart. Volunteers will maintain trails at Boot Lake, the Elkhart Environmental Center, Woodlawn Nature Preserve or the River Green Way. For more information call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.
- Spring 2010 Green Gazette
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
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