Purdue EEE students working with Dr. Lindsey Payne recently completed an engagement project that expanded the rain garden in the Celery Bog Nature Area. 

Celery Bog after expansion
 

“When the opportunity arose to expand the green infrastructure and reduce polluted runoff into the Celery Bog, I was excited to get involved,” says Jenni Fifer, who is completing an MS in Environmental and Ecological Engineering.

EEE students planted over 200 native wetland wildflowers during their expansion of the rain garden in front of the Lilly Nature Center.

“Wetlands are one of the earth’s biggest natural carbon sequesters,” Fifer explains. “They remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it for long periods of time due to slowed decomposition of organic matter such as dead plants and animals. The Celery Bog plays an important role in reducing our community’s carbon footprint, and provides additional ecosystem benefits to the Greater Lafayette Area such as habitat for wildlife and a human connection to nature.”

Celery Bog before expansion
 

In addition to limiting polluted runoff and reducing the local carbon footprint, the expanded rain garden will capture stormwater run-off from the parking lot, preventing flooding and improving water quality in nearby streams and rivers. The captured run-off in the rain garden is filtered by the native plants.

“These plants add more diversity to the Celery Bog, which will hopefully make people more knowledgeable about native plants and green infrastructures," says EEE undergrad Hannah Congleton.

Celery Bog during expansion
 

For junior Marcellus Chang, this rain garden expansion is representative of why he chose Purdue EEE as a major.

“I want to give back to the public and maintain the environment for all to enjoy,” says Chang. “As engineering students, it is rare that we get to formulate, design, and implement a real-world project. The Celery Bog is a unique site, since it is unusual for wetlands to exist on the outskirts of a city. It was exciting to help rejuvenate this area for the betterment of the land, people and wildlife. I hope that all EEE students get to experience the fun and fulfillment of completing a project like this.”

Undergrad student Molly Sipes also participated in this effort. Thanks to all for your hard work!

Written by Jessica Mehr