Georgia’s rivers provide drinking water for millions and feed productive farms, cities, and businesses across the state. These freshwater ecosystems are home to some of the greatest aquatic biodiversity in North America. However, stormwater runoff is the largest contributor of pollution to Atlanta rivers and streams. Trees Atlanta is tackling this problem by partnering with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the City of Atlanta to implement green infrastructure measures in neighborhoods throughout the city.

The Green Streets and Clean Streams project will use street tree installation as equal parts intervention, research and education. The tree planters are designed to infiltrate and clean stormwater runoff before it returns to waterways. Water sensors installed in the tree planters will provide valuable data about the benefits of green infrastructure for reducing runoff and improving water quality. The planters will also serve as a learning tool for the public and other practitioners about green infrastructure and its potential applications.

The project will provide multiple environmental and quality of life benefits for Atlanta residents, and will also serve as a case study to replicate throughout the region. Green infrastructure interventions like the Green Streets and Clean Streams project have significant potential to help steer Atlanta towards a more sustainable future and make our cities greener, healthier places to live.