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Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities Gets in on the Earth Day Action

April 22, 2011

Lansing ----- April 22, 2011 is Earth Day, and Michigan State University (MSU) interns at the Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF) are giving it their all this year. SERF interns Sarah Redwine, Meredith Nelson and Josh Graybiel will be building rain gardens at the Wolverine Development Corporation office.

Rain gardens are depressions that improve water quality in urban areas where rainwater runs off of roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots and lawns. Storm water soaks into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains and causing erosion or water pollution. Plants absorb excess water, filtering it through soil layers and root systems before entering the groundwater and removing chemicals and other substances found in urban environments.

Native plants, including wetland vegetation such as wildflowers, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and small trees, are usually planted in rain gardens because they attract wildlife and birds, are tolerant of local climate and conditions and don't require fertilizer.

SERF invites those interested in enacting their mission of Practical Environmental Stewardship™ to participate in Earth Day events in their own neighborhoods. Learn More:

Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities Michigan State University Interns Earth Day Network

The Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF), headquartered in East Lansing, Mich., is a coalition of property owners, business managers and green industry experts promoting Practical Environmental Stewardship™ and certifying and promoting green buildings.

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