From Concept to Reality – WARD’s Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System Sponsored by the Michigan Stormwater- Floodplain Association and Marketed by WARD’S Natural Science Developed by: Mark Walton, CFM, Weather Forecast Office Grand Rapids, Michigan, and David Chapman, Okemos High School Science Teacher, Okemos, Michigan

What got us started? “our aha moment”  I was approached by a high school science teacher to come to his class and discuss basic hydrology, flood risk, and flood forecasting.  When I was done…the high school science teacher kindly remarked that while my presentation was good (death by PowerPoint)…it was not very interactive…nor did it engage his students very well. He asked a very probing question… “Doesn’t the Weather Service have some sort of hands on, interactive hydrologic model that would engage my students and highlight the importance of what you do?”  We all know, that in spite of past efforts, flood damages (and risks) are increasing. If we can reach the students, (future decision makers) maybe we can reverse this trend of increasing flood damages (and risks). A more informed public would in turn be more likely to support public policies that reduce flood risks and take personal actions which would reduce the risks of flooding to themselves and to others. And thus our journey begins…

Now What? Concept to Reality… …as a floodplain manager I have a great idea…but how do I get it out to the market place??  Reach out to other interested parties  Develop proposal  How am I going to pay for this? Funding sources.  Developed prototypes  Take it on the road/provide workshops  Approach national vendors  Negotiate a contract  Marketing/Promos

Original Prototype WARD’s System

WARD’s Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System 46.5”L X 16.5”W X 9.25”D

WARD’s Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System  Simple, easy to use  Portable  Hands on 3 Different “Plug and Play” Headwaters 3 Different “Plug and Play” Headwaters Can add a levee to modify floodplain Can add a levee to modify floodplain Can change the slope Can change the slope Can modify rainfall intensity and amount over headwater Can modify rainfall intensity and amount over headwater Staff gage used to measure river levels Staff gage used to measure river levels  Comes with setup and curriculum guide with defined activities and procedures

Curriculum Includes…  Introduction/Case Study of a flood prone community  Fate of Rain  Modeling Flood Risk Factors Experiments Experiments Wetland HeadwaterWetland Headwater Parking Lot HeadwaterParking Lot Headwater  Manmade attempts to minimize flooding Experiments Experiments Parking Lot HeadwaterParking Lot Headwater Floodplain with Levee Floodplain with Levee Retention Pond HeadwaterRetention Pond Headwater  Factors affecting flood forecasting  No Adverse Impact  Turn Around Don’t Drown  Creating a Flood Safe Community

Results from Experiments… There are a variety of ways this floodplain simulation system can be used. One effective use is to run a series of trials with the same rainfall, but alter the characteristics of the watershed. Recording the stream stage every 5 seconds and graphing the data clearly demonstrates the impacts on the river system with land use changes within the watershed. The hydrographs to the left were produced in this way using the model.

What’s next?  Development continues on additional headwater types that demonstrate such things as: Porous Pavement Porous Pavement Stormwater Best Management Practices Stormwater Best Management Practices BioswalesBioswales Rain GardensRain Gardens Green roofsGreen roofs  Development continues on additional curriculum for such things as: No Adverse Impact (NAI) No Adverse Impact (NAI) Ice Jams Flooding Ice Jams Flooding Sediment transport Sediment transport

Reserve your System today!  The WARD’S Stormwater Floodplain Simulation System is available for immediate shipment.  Act now to take advantage of special savings! Place your order at the ASFPM Conference and SAVE 10% on the introductory price of $1,  For ordering instructions, please use the flyer provided at the ASFPM Conference…make sure to use the special coupon code ASFPM10 when ordering your model.  10 % of the proceeds from every model sold goes to the Michigan Stormwater – Floodplain Association Scholarship fund! Serious About Science Since 1862! WARD’S Natural Science WARD’S Natural Science wardsci.com wardsci.com phone: phone: fax: fax: