PORT ARANSAS - When local governments and city planners think about roadways and shorelines, they might use Kermit-the-Frog’s refrain “it’s not easy being green.” Often the use plants for flood mitigation or erosion control is not a common strategy, which may be related to the misconception that it is difficult and requires more maintenance.
However, over 30 community leaders, planners, resource managers, decision-makers, NGOs and academics came together today, Thursday October 11th, to discuss and learn more about green infrastructure. The goal of the workshop was to provide participants with information and tools to make implementation of green infrastructure a little easier.
With the recent heavy rainfall events and last year’s hurricane, green infrastructure is a valuable tool to protect homes and communities worth exploring. During the workshop, participants learned about green infrastructure and were connected with local experts and funding opportunities. "The workshop provided much needed technical information as an input into planning and implementing green infrastructure and living shorelines" said Scott Cross, Director of Nueces County Coastal Parks. Cliff Johnstone, Coastal Conservation Association, Corpus Christi Chapter President, reiterated the sentiment and said "It's really a benefit to be able to attend sessions like this in a university setting with experts in the field in conservation topics."
This workshop is sponsored by NOAA's Office for Coastal Management and hosted by The University of Texas Marine Science Institute’s Mission-Aransas Reserve.