Soil Conservation in Omaha's Urban Planning
While exploring the rich culinary scene in Omaha, Nebraska, one might notice the emphasis on local farming and sustainable practices. As part of this effort, Omaha has implemented various soil conservation methods in its urban planning, reflecting the city's commitment to preserving its natural resources. Soil conservation is essential in maintaining fertile land for agriculture, which in turn supports the local food systems. A significant portion of Omaha's urban planning involves protecting its vast tracts of agricultural land from soil erosion.
A notable example of soil conservation in Omaha is the use of green infrastructure, which involves incorporating vegetation into urban landscapes. The city's Riverfront Development project, located on the Missouri River in downtown Omaha, showcases this concept. The project features a 25-acre riverfront park, which includes over 1,500 newly-planted trees and over 40,000 plants, providing extensive benefits to the local ecosystem. The addition of green spaces not only beautifies the city but also improves soil health by reducing urban stormwater runoff and preventing soil erosion.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, also known as MAPA, is an Omaha-based organization that works closely with the city to develop comprehensive urban planning strategies. In an effort to address soil conservation, MAPA has formed partnerships with local farming associations and implemented policies that prioritize sustainable land use practices. For instance, the agency supports urban farming programs, such as the Big Garden, a local nonprofit organization that works to create community gardens throughout Omaha. Big Garden's urban farming initiatives promote soil conservation by employing permaculture techniques, reducing soil erosion, and maintaining fertile land.
Omaha also employs several regulatory strategies to ensure effective soil conservation. For instance, the city's erosion control ordinance requires developers to implement sedimentation controls during construction, thereby reducing soil disturbance and preventing erosion. In addition, the ordinance mandates the use of geotextiles, natural fibers, or other alternative methods to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
As part of the city's green infrastructure initiative, the local government is also exploring the concept of urban forestry. By expanding urban tree cover, the city aims to not only protect soils but also to create canopy cover that mitigates soil erosion, absorbs stormwater runoff, and provides habitat for pollinators.
When visiting the Joslyn Art Museum's Scott Pavilion, located in Omaha, guests can observe the impressive green roof of the adjacent pavilion. This innovative architectural element, part of the pavilion's design, showcases an urban soil conservation method known as an intensive green roof. This specific type of roof is densely planted with over 15,000 individual plants, requiring a deep, well-designed layer of soil to sustain the weight of plants. This urban planning feature promotes soil conservation by storing stormwater and minimizing soil erosion.
Another interesting example of soil conservation in Omaha's urban planning can be seen at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. One of the largest zoos in the United States, it sits on a 65-acre park area. In collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the zoo has incorporated prairie grasslands within the zoo area. Over 25 acres are now restored prairies comprised of deep-rooted plants, which provide fertile soil, assist with carbon sequestration, and create an organic filter for stormwater.
Omaha's emphasis on soil conservation serves as a model for other cities seeking to incorporate sustainable urban planning practices. The fusion of environmental initiatives, state-of-the-art green infrastructure, and concerted local action, have created a collaborative setting focused on soil conservation in the heart of this region known as the Great Plains.
A notable example of soil conservation in Omaha is the use of green infrastructure, which involves incorporating vegetation into urban landscapes. The city's Riverfront Development project, located on the Missouri River in downtown Omaha, showcases this concept. The project features a 25-acre riverfront park, which includes over 1,500 newly-planted trees and over 40,000 plants, providing extensive benefits to the local ecosystem. The addition of green spaces not only beautifies the city but also improves soil health by reducing urban stormwater runoff and preventing soil erosion.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, also known as MAPA, is an Omaha-based organization that works closely with the city to develop comprehensive urban planning strategies. In an effort to address soil conservation, MAPA has formed partnerships with local farming associations and implemented policies that prioritize sustainable land use practices. For instance, the agency supports urban farming programs, such as the Big Garden, a local nonprofit organization that works to create community gardens throughout Omaha. Big Garden's urban farming initiatives promote soil conservation by employing permaculture techniques, reducing soil erosion, and maintaining fertile land.
Omaha also employs several regulatory strategies to ensure effective soil conservation. For instance, the city's erosion control ordinance requires developers to implement sedimentation controls during construction, thereby reducing soil disturbance and preventing erosion. In addition, the ordinance mandates the use of geotextiles, natural fibers, or other alternative methods to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
As part of the city's green infrastructure initiative, the local government is also exploring the concept of urban forestry. By expanding urban tree cover, the city aims to not only protect soils but also to create canopy cover that mitigates soil erosion, absorbs stormwater runoff, and provides habitat for pollinators.
When visiting the Joslyn Art Museum's Scott Pavilion, located in Omaha, guests can observe the impressive green roof of the adjacent pavilion. This innovative architectural element, part of the pavilion's design, showcases an urban soil conservation method known as an intensive green roof. This specific type of roof is densely planted with over 15,000 individual plants, requiring a deep, well-designed layer of soil to sustain the weight of plants. This urban planning feature promotes soil conservation by storing stormwater and minimizing soil erosion.
Another interesting example of soil conservation in Omaha's urban planning can be seen at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. One of the largest zoos in the United States, it sits on a 65-acre park area. In collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the zoo has incorporated prairie grasslands within the zoo area. Over 25 acres are now restored prairies comprised of deep-rooted plants, which provide fertile soil, assist with carbon sequestration, and create an organic filter for stormwater.
Omaha's emphasis on soil conservation serves as a model for other cities seeking to incorporate sustainable urban planning practices. The fusion of environmental initiatives, state-of-the-art green infrastructure, and concerted local action, have created a collaborative setting focused on soil conservation in the heart of this region known as the Great Plains.
