Green infrastructure


Green infrastructure

A strategically planned and managed network of wilderness, parks, greenways, conservation easements, and working lands with conservation value that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources, and contributes to the health and quality of life for communities. More specifically, the use of soil, trees, vegetation, wetlands, and open space, either preserved or created, in urban areas to capture rain while enhancing wastewater and stormwater treatment. Also includes nonliving complementary solutions such as porous pavement or rain barrels. Green infrastructure can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with traditional hard infrastructure approaches such as pipes, retention basins, and treatment facilities.