Did you know that streets and sidewalks can serve an important role in protecting our local ecosystems and watersheds? With proper environmental management, streets can become a vital tool reducing pollutant loads in stormwater runoff, infiltrating rainwater into underground aquifers, and supporting local habitat for plants and animals.

Traditionally, storm drains, gutters, and other conveyance systems have captured and moved pollutant-laden stormwater to treatment plants, or worse, local creeks and watersheds. This traditional method can be expensive, and moves water away from where it falls, which can exacerbate drought conditions. Also, if stormwater moves through creeks, and eventually into oceans, species can be exposed to toxic chemicals from urban, industrial, and agricultural sources.

Green streets, and complementary green infrastructure, can address these challenges. Green streets can be made of pervious surfaces, or include other stormwater technologies, like bioswales. These technologies allow pollutants and allow water to seep into underground aquifers, instead of moving it away from the local area. Green streets are lined with trees and native plants to support wildlife, such as native birds and insects. Additionally, recent studies suggest that green streets and sidewalks boost mental health and lead to healthier sleep outcomes (Martin et al., 2024). Green streets also include safe bike lanes and sidewalks to promote alternative modes of transportation, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, and promotes exercise and public health.

The City of Goleta understands the importance of promoting ecosystem and public health through the construction and maintenance of local infrastructure. Green streets are one such way the City can support the health and well-being of its residents, reduce toxic exposures, and fight climate change.

The City of Goleta is exploring a variety of multi-beneficial solutions to greening, cleaning such as through Beautify Goleta and Adopt-A-Park programs, and opening areas around the community.

Solutions primarily fall into three categories:

1. Water Quality Technology
2. Green Space for Habitat
3. Green Space for the Public through Placemaking

Water Quality Technology

The City is investing in numerous technologies to improve water quality and remove pollutants from the environment. Examples of technologies include trash capture devices, which catch litter before it enters storm drains, infiltration capture devices, which infiltrate water into underground aquifers while simultaneously filtering pollutants, and bioswales, which are channels that collect and filter runoff. Take a closer look at some of the devices the City is implementing! Diagrams of water quality improvement devices are included [below].

Green Space For Habitat

Furthermore, clean green spaces are essential for protecting local habitat and wildlife. Goleta is home to hundreds of native plants and animals, including insects, birds, mammals, fish, and other species. Native, drought-tolerant plants provide water/drought resiliency benefits to the area, which is crucial in California’s drought-prone environment. Native plants can also help remove contaminants from stormwater, which prevents ecotoxic impacts.

Clean green spaces also provide safe transportation routes for animals, known as wildlife corridors, so that species can move within their habitat without vehicle collisions or other barriers to movement. Overall, clean green spaces protect local species habitats from pollution and improve climate resiliency, which in turn, bolsters local biodiversity.

Green Spaces For The Public Through Placemaking

Finally, clean green spaces provide opportunities for residents to engage with the outdoors, despite their urban environment. It is important to note that green spaces can be seamlessly incorporated into urban infrastructure. Many cities have introduced tree-lined walking paths, greenbelts, and urban gardens in and around roadways to improve local safety, pollution, and ambiance. Additionally, providing clean, safe green spaces mitigates climate change impacts and bolsters public health, as pedestrian paths empower residents to engage in alternative modes of transportation (biking, scootering, roller blading, or walking), exercise, and produce food locally.

Learn More

• https://www.epa.gov/G3/green-street-practices
• https://www.casqa.org/resources/stormwater-funding/project-funding/multip
  le-benefit-projects
• https://www.stormwater.com/stormwater-management/article/53058788/la-county-program-supports-multi-benefit-stormwater-infrastructure-project