The Neal Middle School Bioretention Pond Project: Combining Stormwater Management with Educational Opportunities

Educating the public and even middle school students is nothing new to stormwater programs across the country. Durham County is taking that one step further with the Neal Middle School Bioretention Project. Designed as part of the County’s compliance with a state mandated nutrient management strategy, the bioretention pond at Neal Middle School can also be used as a teaching tool for the school’s 6th through 8th grade students. This case study will share how the pond is not only treating the school’s runoff but also enhancing school curriculum and community outreach.

Full Abstract: Located in in both the Neuse and Cape Fear watersheds, Durham County is subject to the Falls and Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategies. As it seeks to meet the requirements of these Strategies, the County adopted a set of guiding principles for its Stormwater Program, including Compliance, Efficiency, Resiliency, and Environmental Justice. The County identified a project at Neal Middle School, in the Falls Lake Watershed, that addresses all four.

The Neal Middle School Bioretention Project would direct almost five acres of previously untreated runoff to a new stormwater control measure at the back of the school as well as remedy bank erosion at a nearby outfall. The bioretention pond would provide nutrient reduction in line with the requirements of the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy. Perhaps most importantly, Durham County Stormwater is partnering with the Durham Public Schools and Neal Middle School faculty and staff to develop curriculum and outreach opportunities around the bioretention pond. Initial installation was completed in the summer of 2024 while school was out. Because summer is not an ideal planting season for many of the plants selected and as a way to invest the school community in this new school amenity, in the fall students and their families will be invited to assist in planting activities in the bioretention area. This new stormwater control measure also adds additional outdoor learning space throughout the year as students learn about the water cycle, plants, and soils, as part of middle school curriculum.

This case study will discuss not only the selection, design, and construction of the bioretention pond at Neal Middle School, it will also highlight the educational and outreach opportunities it provides for the students and community. Attendees will learn about the partnership between Durham County Stormwater staff and the faculty and staff of the school to develop curriculum and support for the stormwater control measure on school property.