As spring rains arrive, much of the runoff in cities cannot soak into the ground because roofs, roads, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces cover the soil. This talk explores how green infrastructure projects – such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and constructed wetlands – are being used across Ohio to reintroduce soil into cities and manage stormwater more naturally. Drawing on real monitoring data, it highlights what works, what doesn’t, and what these projects mean for neighborhoods and waterways.

Joey Smith is a water resources engineer and researcher in the stormwater management program at Ohio State University. His current research focuses on monitoring the hydrologic performance and water quality benefits of large-scale green infrastructure and wetland projects across Ohio.