The city has unveiled a nifty new tool for all you eco-enthusiasts and digitally savvy folks. It's an online GSI Virtual Tour that lets residents and visitors explore the green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) peppered throughout Raleigh, and yes, it's as cool as it sounds, as announced by the City of Raleigh.
The GSI system uses natural solutions to manage excess rainwater, like rain gardens that absorb and slow it down. This helps keep waterways cleaner and reduces flooding. These gardens also support pollinators and make a great setting for community events, with butterflies and bees adding to the atmosphere while people enjoy their lunch.
Raleigh didn’t just install these systems and walk away—they launched a GSI Monitoring Pilot Program to track their progress. Phone stands are set up at the sites so visitors can take photos and share them with the city, helping monitor changes over time. Just snap a pic and you're part of the effort.
Raleigh is partnering with Urban Sustainability Solutions on a Rain Garden Apprenticeship Program—a hands-on, paid opportunity for high school students and teachers to learn about green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). The city also offers Raleigh Rainwater Rewards, a cost-sharing program that covers up to 90% of the cost for installing GSI projects like rain gardens and cisterns to help manage rainwater on-site.
If you're in Raleigh and want to learn more or get involved, visit the City of Raleigh's website to check out the GSI Virtual Tour.
