Grand Avenue Extension Stormwater Wetland in Ames

The City of Ames was granted funds from the IDALS Water Quality Initiative to install a stormwater wetland along the newly-extended Grand Avenue to intercept 100 acres of stormwater runoff before entering nearby Ioway Creek.  With support from Prairie Rivers of Iowa, the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority, Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC&D, Story County Conservation, and the Story Soil & Water Conservation District, the project will reduce street flooding and provide water quality treatment by collecting sediments and reducing the amount of nutrients, bacteria, oil and grease, heavy metals, and other pollutants entering Ioway Creek, which drains into the South Skunk River.  The wetland will also enhance aesthetic appeal in Ames and provide wildlife habitat.

“The integration of the stormwater wetland between the road extension project and Iowa Creek in Ames is an excellent example of taking advantage of available open space to provide excellent stormwater treatment and improve natural spaces for citizens and wildlife alike to enjoy,” stated Jennifer Welch, Urban Conservationist at Polk Soil and Water Conservation District for the IDALS Urban Conservation Program.