The Great Plains Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Atlas is a tool developed to support the implementation and management of green stormwater infrastructure across the Great Plains region. The atlas helps track and analyze green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and constructed wetlands, which are designed to manage stormwater by mimicking the natural hydrologic process. This approach reduces urban flooding, improves water quality by filtering pollutants, and enhances ecosystem resilience.
The Atlas is part of a broader initiative, led by the University of Oklahoma and partner institutions, focusing on advancing stormwater solutions tailored to the region’s climate challenges, like drought and flooding. It supports research into the effectiveness and climate adaptability of green stormwater systems while engaging local communities, governments, and stakeholders in sustainable stormwater management practices. The goal is to shift from traditional gray infrastructure toward innovative, cost-effective, and nature-based solutions for urban and regional water challenges in the Great Plains.