How nature can help us prepare for weather challenges

While we may not have had a Blizzard of ‘93 situation in Dalton in the past few years, we have had our fair share of weather problems arise. In the past couple of years our issues have typically been in the form of significant flash flooding, droughts and extreme heat. Luckily, there are things we can do to build up our resiliency so we can better handle these weather events.

You can get ready for these things by joining me this Thursday to attend a talk by Todd Bridges at 7 p.m. in the Goodroe Auditorium at Dalton State College. Bridges is a professor of practice for the University of Georgia’s Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems. His presentation will focus on how nature-based solutions can address weather-related issues and offer practical benefits to individuals and communities.

Nature-based solutions involve using natural occurrences and resources to handle environmental challenges. For example, if you are dealing with a lot of flooding every time it rains you can choose to plant trees or create a wetland to handle the stormwater. All of these things — rain, trees and wetlands — are natural occurrences, but they have to deal with human structures such as parking lots, buildings, logging and more that make the natural systems imperfect. We can choose to use nature-based solutions to work with nature instead of against it while protecting ourselves and our assets. Choosing these actions also comes with added benefits like improving our air quality or creating habitats for wildlife.

One of the key aspects of Bridges’ talk will be the exploration of how these solutions can be tailored to fit the unique needs of our local environment. Each community faces its own set of challenges, and what works in one region may need to be adapted for another. By understanding local conditions and specific environmental issues we can implement nature-based solutions that address our unique needs effectively. This localized approach ensures that the strategies adopted will be both practical and impactful.

Nature-based solutions can be taken by whole towns and completed by corporations and government organizations, but they can also be taken by an individual like you. This talk is going to cover a multitude of ways that we can reduce the risk of flooding in homes, improve local green spaces and enhance the quality of our air and water.

Bridges will offer practical advice on how to apply these concepts in everyday settings. By translating complex scientific ideas into actionable steps he makes it possible for individuals to contribute directly to environmental improvement. This approach not only makes the information accessible but also empowers people to make a real impact.

Flooding and air and water quality are key topics of discussion along with many other typical issues communities face. Nature-based solutions can help address pollution in water and air by filtering pollutants and supporting ecosystems that maintain clean air and water. Wetlands and riparian zones can help filter contaminants from water before it reaches larger bodies of water. Plants and trees can act as natural air filters, capturing pollutants and releasing oxygen and providing a barrier against strong winds. Natural methods for managing stormwater include restoring wetlands and creating green roofs. These approaches help absorb and slow down rainwater, reducing the volume and speed of runoff.

The talk is open to the public and free of charge. It provides an opportunity for residents to learn about practical solutions that can be applied in their own life and communities. Engaging with these ideas can lead to meaningful improvements in environmental quality and personal well-being.

This event is part of the Rooting for the Ridge program, which is supported by the Thrive Regional Partnership’s Resilient Communities program and administered by Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful. The program is a collaborative effort involving local residents dedicated to enhancing environmental resilience and stewardship. Because the group is made up solely of local members, they are well aware of issues that we are facing with increasing regularity such as flash flooding and high heat, which is why they have brought Bridges here to speak. For more information about the event, visit KeepDaltonWhitfieldBeautiful.org or give me a call.

Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority and executive director of Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful. Have a question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.