Superior Stormwater is a project by the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department for the City of Superior, Wisconsin. The blog is a way to bring information about stormwater and related topics to the public. Please let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to cover! For more information, check out our website at www.ci.superior.wi.us!
These days, there seems to be a holiday for EVERYTHING. This week just so happens to be Scoop the Poop Week. In the spirit of the week, we will be passing out doggie treats and dog bag dispensers at several locations in the next few days.
Today: Walmart on Tower Avenue
Tomorrow: Super One
Outside the Government Center
Superior Public Library
Pick up your dog's poop! If you leave it lying on the ground, bacteria from their poop will end up in the lakes and rivers, which can result in beach closures. I know we're not thinking about going to the beach right now, but we will be soon. Too much dog poop washing into storm drains can lead to algal blooms too. So scoop the poop!
Although it certainly hasn’t felt like April in Superior
lately, Earth Day (April 22nd) is fast approaching.Earth Day was founded in the U.S. in 1970 as
a day for teaching about the environment by former Wisconsin Governor and US
Senator Gaylord Nelson.The Earth Day
Network organizes Earth Day each year.
If you are interested in doing something for Earth Day, you
can let the world know about your commitment on the Earth Day Network’s website
(here http://act.earthday.org/).We also
have some tips for things you can do to celebrate the Earth this April here:
1.Plant a tree.Trees filter air pollutants, decrease heating/cooling needed in your
home, sequester carbon, create habitat for animals and insects, and reduce stormwater
runoff, among many other things.
2.Install a rain barrel.Rain barrels provide water for lawns/gardens,
reduce stormwater runoff, and lower demand on municipal water supplies.If you’re interested, we’re selling rain
barrels (at cost with tax included) through May 24th.Visit www.ci.superior.wi.us/sale for an order
form and more information.
3.Replace appliances and fixtures with water and
energy efficient models.When appliances
and fixtures need to be replaced, choose models that will save water and/or
energy; it will also save you money.
4.Clean up your neighborhood.Pick up dog poop from your yard.Clean up litter, leaves and sticks from the
storm drains on your street.When it
rains, all of these things can be washed into storm drains, leading to water
pollution down the pipe.
5.Plant a rain garden.This is a little more time intensive than the
other suggestions, but planting deep-rooted native plants in a depression in
your yard can be visually appealing and will also reduce stormwater runoff and
water pollution.
6.Get inside! Of the Superior Public Library, that
is.You can see artwork by the 5th
and 6th graders who won our “Water is Art” contest beginning April 22nd.You can also learn more about the Earth by
checking out a book; no matter what aspect of the Earth you’re interested in,
there are books to cover it!
7.Get outside! What better way is there to
celebrate the Earth than to spend some time outside of our built environment?
Spending time in the woods or on the water will remind you just how much you
love living in such a beautiful place.Scientists have found that spending time in nature is also good for your
health; it can increase immune system function, lower your pulse, lower blood
pressure, and decrease stress.
There are so many other things that you can do to celebrate Earth Day! Don't forget to take a little time to love the Earth this April 22nd. It'll do you and the Earth good!
The Douglas County Fish and Game League Sport Show is this weekend, Friday-Saturday. We'll be there with information, giveaways, and a raffle. So stop by and see us! The show runs:
Friday 5 PM- 9 PM
Saturday 10 AM- 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM- 4 PM
For more information, visit the Fish and Game League's website here. We'll see you there!
One week from today Science Night will be held at UWS from 5 PM - 9 PM. That will be Friday, April 19. It will be a great opportunity for families to learn more about science, participate in learning activities, listen to speakers, and enjoy this student-run activity.
ESDPW will be there will a Scoop the Poop booth and a Mercury booth. Come take the quick quizzes on each of those topic and win a prize.
April 20th and April 27th from 8 AM- 2:30 AM are the City of Superior's Free* Landfill Days. There is normally a charge, but on those days, you can bring household trash, tires, and brush for free. You can also bring other things that are accepted year-round, but there may still be a fee.
Find out more here and remember to always correctly dispose of your yard waste, hazardous waste, and e-waste. It's better for you and better for the environment.
The fifth installment in the Environmental Matters Webinar Series, "Native Plants to the Rescue", is today at 12:00 PM. Register to attend at: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/831658063
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle- ReStore in Superior - Habitat Open House on Thursday, April 4
Coming soon to Superior, WI will be a Habitat for Humanity ReStore store. It's a store where people can bring leftover building materials and some house fixtures, windows, doors, etc. Then, people needing housing related material can come shop. The money supports local Habitat for Humanity projects. Their projects have included fixing up homes in weatherizing homes in Superior for low-income homeowners. The group does projects in the Western Lake Superior area including Two Harbors, Duluth, and Carlton County. Many groups and individuals have helped with the manpower for the projects. The donated materials, donations, donated time all come together through the coordination efforts of Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity.
An Open House will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at 1621 Broadway St. in Superior. Their promotional message is Habitat for Humanity has a place for you to put your beliefs into actions. Reusing materials, sending less materials to landfills, weatherizing homes so that less energy is needed to heat the home (and bills are reduced), and people helping each other and learning building skills - so many benefits through the program.
Stop by at the Open House. You may wish to donate building materials, purchase materials, help on a project, or make a donations. You will learn that Habitat for Humanity is making forward steps to improve people's lives and neighborhoods.
To contact them call (218) 722-3875 or email info@twinportshabitat.org.
