RIPLEY WATERFOWL CONSERVANCY
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Water Conservation At The Conservancy

10/16/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
The New Bog Connects Four Of LRWC's Ponds, Pictured Here Is The Connection Between Ponds 1 & 2
LRWC is excited to announce that our new rainwater harvest and reverse bog system is up and running! This project is LRWC's next step in its mission to conserve waterfowl and wetlands by enabling the Conservancy to reduce, reduce, and recycle one of the world’s most precious commodities, water.

LRWC houses a collection of approximately 400 rare and endangered birds from around the world, inclusive of 85 different species, the majority of which are waterfowl (i.e. ducks, geese, and swans). These birds are critically dependent upon fresh, clean water for their survival, a resource that is becoming increasingly limited.

In an effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle water, the Conservancy partnered with O & G Industries to develop an innovative bog system, designed specifically for water conservation while simultaneously supporting the health of our birds.
​
This project was completed in two phases, the first phase focused on reducing our water need by collecting and conserving rainwater runoff. To accomplish this, we added gutters to our rearing barns and installed a large underground storage tank. During storm events, rainwater runoff is collected off of the roof and transported to the tank for holding. The storage tank then feeds directly into the newly constructed bog, which was the focus of phase two. The bog connects and provides clean water to four of our front ponds, cycling water throughout each pond before being recycled back into the bog to undergo natural plant remediation for its reuse.
PictureGutter Implementation On The Rearing Barn
​​Phase 1: Rainwater Harvest and Storage
LRWC installed gutters along its rearing barns to capture rainwater runoff. These barns have a total surface area of 3,000 sq. feet, which can collect approximately 1,800 gallons of water per one inch of rain. Connecticut receives an average of 51 inches of rain per year, equating to the collection of over 90,000 gallons of water from runoff alone! 

PictureBog Design
Step Two: ​Reverse Bog System
The collected rainwater is transported from the storage tank into the reverse bog system, flowing between four ponds before entering an underground filtration matrix. This matrix supports water filtration as it flows through smaller and smaller spaces, acting like a sieve. After exiting the matrix, the filtered water is then pumped up and recycled back into the top of the pond.

PictureFunctioning Bog
When the water reaches the top of the pond, a second  filtration occurs as the water flows through a man-made “bog” of native Connecticut flora. Wetland plants naturally filter out organic waste and sediment, absorbing nutrients for their own growth. Lastly, the water flows between each pond through a man-made waterfall, which not only enhances the habitat for the birds, but also naturally oxygenates the water. 

LRWC is proud to support water conservation and is planning on utilizing the completed bog as an education tool. Anyone interested in learning more about the bog or wanting to schedule a program should contact LRWC's Head of Education, Colleen Peters. 
Picture
LRWC Mascots Enjoying The New Bog
1 Comment
Cynthia Rabinowitz link
11/5/2019 06:35:40 am

Congratulations on your wonderful project!

At Northwest Conservation District, we are working to promote low impact development strategies (LID) in our 34 towns. This is a very interesting application of those kinds of applications. Our staff of 3 would very much like to come and see what you have done. Is there a time that someone could show us the reverse bog and explain how it is set up and working?

We commend you on this project! Well done,
Cynthia Rabinowitz
Executive Director

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​55 Duck Pond Road/P.O. Box 210
Litchfield, CT 06759

Phone: 860.567.2062 / Fax: 860.567.4369  info@ripleyconservancy.org

  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • New Identity
    • Board of Directors
    • The Collection >
      • Collection Plan
      • Species Guide
    • Partners
  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Photography
    • Raptor Experiences
    • Guided Tours & Field Trips
  • Support
    • Join
    • Siberian Crane Silent Auction
    • 2021 Photography Calendar
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a Bird
    • Merchandise
  • Education
    • At Home Education: Species Highlight Videos
    • Explore
    • Featured Programs >
      • Avian Ambassadors
      • Wetland Health Inspector
      • Birds on the Brink
      • Duckling Development
      • Birds of a Feather
      • Distance Learning
      • Education Collaboration
      • Microplastic Pollution
      • Ripley and the Girl Scouts
    • The Reviews Are In
    • Internships >
      • Avian Care and Environmental Education Intern
      • Junior Aviculturist
  • Research
    • Current Research >
      • Institutional
      • State of Connecticut
    • Past Research >
      • Long-Tailed Duck Harvest Survey
      • Eider Nutrient Allocation
  • Conservation Action
  • Upcoming Events
    • Give Local 2021
    • Member Days
  • Blog
  • 2021 Annual Benefit
    • Event Details