We are thrilled to announce the installation of a new environmentally friendly initiative, the installation of a Bioswale outside Stax Music Academy on McLemore Avenue. 

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What is a Bioswale?

A bioswale is a type of green infrastructure designed to filter pollutants and debris from our stormwater. After it rains, part of the stormwater runs along the street surface and into the bioswale. It might look like simple planted areas on top, but this infrastructure contains several layers to keep our water clean before it goes into the ground and into our streams and rivers, such as the Wolf River and Mississippi River. 

Why create a Bioswale?

The Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive plan identifies green infrastructure as a priority for the City of Memphis. Our drinking water comes from an underground aquifer, so, preventing pollution of our underground drinking water source is key to two of the goals of Memphis 3.0: Sustainable and Resilient Communities, and High Performing Infrastructure. 

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Key Features of the Bioswale:

1. Stormwater Management: Our bioswale is strategically designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff, helping to reduce the impact on our local drainage system and preventing pollution in nearby water bodies.

2. Native Plant Selection: We have carefully chosen a variety of native plants to populate the bioswale. These plants not only contribute to the aesthetics of our community but also support our local wildlife and insects by offering food and shelter.