Slowing the Flow

Slowing the Flow. Preserving Creeks, Vistas and Ecosystem. , The construction of the Keystone College Athletic Field and Track Complex marked a milestone in Keystone's progressive history by providing a state-of-the art venue for soccer, track and field, field hockey, lacrosse, intramurals, and community recreation., Like all facility improvement projects on Keystone's campus, it was constructed using best practices in stormwater management to protect the area's pristine creeks, beautiful vistas, and diverse ecosystem. The runoff of stormwater caused by the rapid flow of rain or melting snow can be highly destructive. Pollutants, topsoil and excess nutrients are picked up and carried into waterways, threatening drinking water, aquatic life and ecosystem. These contaminants often lead to excess algae blooms and sedimentation, which deplete oxygen, and thereby harm fish and amphibians, and deteriorate plant and wildlife habitats. Raging stormwater quickly erodes streambanks and hillsides, causing aesthetic damage, loss of top soil and flooding., Keystone College uses many stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to protect our natural resources. These filter pollutants from runoff before it enters waterways and slows its velocity to limit erosion and promote groundwater recharge., Riparian Buffers , Keystone maintains streamside buffers of trees and vegetation along the Tunkhannock and Ackerly creeks. These buffers protect our pristine waters as well as the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff, stabilizing banks, and moderating stream temperature and sunlight which keeps fish and other aquatic life healthy. They also provide nesting and foraging habitat for many species of birds and animals., Retention Plantings , Keystone has planted over 100 native trees along the steep banks of the athletic complex to help stabilize the banks and reduce soil erosion that can lead to high-velocity runoff and sediment pollution. This includes 70 sugar maples which will become part of our sugar bush. These will be tapped to collect sap for our maple syrup production operation when they get large enough., Synthetic Turf , By choosing synthetic turf materials over grass for the new athletic complex, Keystone has eliminated the need for fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides that can run into nearby waterways, threatening drinking water safety and aquatic life. We estimate that we have eliminated 375 pounds of nitrogen, 150 pounds of phosphorous, and 250 pounds of potassium fertilizers that would have been needed annually to maintain grass fields., Natural No-Mow Areas , Keystone maintains several mow-free grow zones across its main campus to allow tall grasses to filter runoff and provide wildlife habitat. Watch for our "natural habitat” signs., Rain Barrels , Rain barrels are small containers used to capture rainwater runoff from roofs that can be used for irrigation or other non-potable uses. The Keystone College Environmental Education Institute has conducted several workshops that have provided free rain barrels to the community., Porous Surfaces , Keystone maintains abundant greenspace and uses natural pathways and parking areas when safety permits. These areas allow water to permeate the soil, rather than runoff into creeks., Rain Gardens , Rain gardens, often located in areas with a high volume of runoff, are depressed areas lined with porous soil, gravel and water tolerant plants. They capture water to slow down runoff and filter it. Keystone's demonstration rain garden, located behind Sisson Hall, features native plants that attract birds and beneficial insects.