NYC Butterfly Spreadsheet

According to the a Natural Resources Defense Council press release, more than 27 billion gallons of raw sewage and polluted storm water discharge out of 460 combined sewer overflows into New York Harbor annually. New York City’s outdated sewer system can overload with as little as one-tenth of an inch of rain, causing combined sewage from buildings with dirty storm water from streets to overflow in the harbor (2008). Sustainable urban infrastructure design can help alleviate our rivers from pollution of this magnitude. A study by Moran et al. (2005) states that green roofing can relieve up to 60% of all rainwater leaving the roof (as cited in Snodgrass & Snodgrass, 2006, p. 21).

In addition to helping clean our waterways and allowing animals to re-inhabit the rivers, green roofs can also promote biodiversity inside our otherwise concrete jungle. With carefully selected plants, green roofs create habitat for the city’s native fauna which go well beyond the expected list of squirrels, rats, and pigeons. For example, New York City is on the migratory route for nearly 90 different species of butterflies (Zirlin & Ingraham, 1997). By planting specifically for their reproductive and dietary needs, we can show a little hospitality to our yearly guests and encourage the butterflies to take a break on their long journeys up and down the East Coast.

 butterfly spreadsheet

Powers, J. (2008, January 30). New York City to Clean Up Waterways by Greening Roadways and Roofs. Natural Resources Defense Council Media Center Press Release. Retrieved March 6, 2008, from http://www.nrdc.org/media/2008/080130.asp.

Snodgrass, E.C., & Snodgrass, L.L. (2006). Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide. Portland, OR: Timber Press Inc.

Zirlin, H., & Ingraham, J. (1997). Not Rotten to the Core: Butterflies of the Big Apple. Retrieved January 15, 2008 from http://www.naba.org/pubs/ab97c/p4.html

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