Upcoming lecture at Ashland University

This Thursday, September 20th at 7:30 pm, I’ll be giving a public lecture at Ashland University as part of their Environmental Lecture Series. This year’s theme is “The Ecology of Urban Living” and I’ll be talking about “the science of streams in the city” (abstract below). The lecture is open to the general public, so if you are in the area, please come. The talk will be held in the auditorium on the second floor of the Hawkins-Conrad Student Center (building 29 of the campus map)

The Science of Streams in the City

When land is developed for urban uses, there are a number of hydrological changes that typically occur. The conversion of large areas of land surface from vegetated soils to impervious pavements and rooftops tends to increase storm flows and may reduce groundwater recharge, while underground pipe networks can recharge or contaminate groundwater and streams. Some headwater streams may be completely buried or converted to culverts. Where streams remain, higher peak flows cause erosion in stream channels, and water quality and ecosystems may be substantially degraded relative to undeveloped waters. The science of urban hydrology focuses on understanding how water flows in cities and how human activities can contribute to the maintenance or restoration of aquatic ecosystems in urbanized areas. Strategies like storm water management structures and stream restoration can be used to mitigate some urban impacts. The presentation will describe the hydrological changes that accompany urban development and discuss some areas of current research in urban hydrology.

On January 31st, my Kent State colleague Terry Schwarz will be speaking on “Urban Obsolescence and the Adaptive Values of Cities.” That will surely be an excellent lecture, so mark your calendars for that one too.