American Water Resources Association
Biodiversity in GSI Design
Presented by:
Dr. Dwayne Myers
ABSTRACT:
This presentation explores how water resources engineers and other planning and design professionals working in urban environments can promote improved functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. A worldwide decline in biodiversity and ecosystem functions is ongoing, and some drivers of this decline are specific to urban areas. The decisions of engineers working in urban environments therefore can influence this decline. Engineers designing bioretention basins for management of surface runoff typically have not considered implications of their design configurations, plant choices, and management decisions on terrestrial ecosystem structure and function. This project aimed to bridge a gap and connect existing knowledge from the fields of engineering and ecology to bring ecosystem function into engineering decision making. Specifically, from this existing knowledge base, this study aimed to identify planning and design criteria to improve terrestrial ecological functions in and around bioretention basins, while never losing sight of core water quantity and quality management objectives. A key measure identified is the ability of bioretention basins and their urban surroundings to provide host plants for the larvae of native butterflies and moths. This single measure can serve as a proxy for a range of desirable ecosystem functions.
SPEAKER BIOS:
Dwayne Myers is a Professional Engineer and Board‑Certified Water Resources Engineer with 26 years of experience in the engineering consulting industry. His career has focused on complex stormwater, combined sewer, and water quality challenges facing water utilities in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states, along with international locations. Dwayne recently earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Villanova University. His research, completed in 2025, explored how terrestrial ecosystem functions can be integrated into stormwater management planning and design. This work reflects a long‑standing professional interest in bridging gaps between engineering and ecology, and in connecting academic research with professional engineering practice. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and an M.E. in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of Florida. His presentation highlights key insights and outcomes from his dissertation research at Villanova.
Engineers:
This seminar qualifies for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH). A Certificate of Attendance will be available for AWRA-PMAS members only. The meeting price for non-members who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance for the PDH is $10.00 ($3.00 for meeting + $7.00 for certificate).
Please note:
Thank you!