Gant Plaza gets hybrid green roof

After two years of fundraising and organization, the Soil and Water Conservation Society, in collaboration with EcoHusky, will complete the Gant Plaza Roof Project this Wednesday.

This environmental cooperation was implemented as an effort to use green practices around campus specifically that dealt specifically with water issues, according to Natural Resource Management & Engineering (NRME) faculty member, Jack Clausen. Clausen also serves as an advisor to the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Gant Plaza, located within the Science Complex on the north side of campus, will receive its makeover on Wednesday morning with the help of any student willing to participate. The festivities will start at 10 o'clock and will include a free pizza lunch at around noon. At 1 in the afternoon, a formal ceremony will take place celebrating the completion of the project.

Rich Miller, the director of Environmental Policy at the University, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Special guests Barry Feldman, the vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Connecticut, and Amey Marrella, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, will speak on behalf of the accomplishment.

"DEP is pleased to be working with UConn and the town of Mansfield to support efforts to improve the water quality of Eagleville Brook." Acting Commissioner, Amey Marrella, said.

"The Grant Plaza roof project is a perfect example of the kinds of steps we can take to accomplish that goal. This 'green' roof is expected to reduce the volume of storm water that drains into Eagleville Brook and causes water quality issues," Marrella said. "The project is also an example of the steps UConn is taking to be a first-rate environmental citizen and set an example for outstanding environmental stewardship."

The green roof itself will act as a hybrid between a park and a traditional green roof, which, as the name would imply, ordinarily be found on top of a building. Green roofs were originally designed in order to redirect water flow, having the plants use the water to grow. While UConn's green roof will be at ground level, it will still have the environmental benefits, but also serve as an aesthetically pleasing fixture open to all students.

"The plaza is in an accessible place for all students…you'll be able to sit up there to relax, have a picnic, or just look." Said Clausen. "We could have put it up high, but then no one would be able to see it and utilize it."

Clausen encourages all students to attend tomorrow's green festivities and to be part of UConn's movement towards a greener campus.