Stevenson Ravine

This ravine behind the Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School in Fridley was discharging sediment into the backwaters of the Mississippi River. The MWMO and its partners restored the 220-ft. long ravine in 2014. The project installed a series of connected stormwater treatments — called a “treatment train” — to capture, absorb and clean stormwater runoff before it can reach the river.

Like most MWMO projects, the Stevenson Ravine restoration has an educational purpose as well. An outdoor classroom seating area allows students to observe lectures and witness the flow of stormwater runoff from the schoolyard into the ravine. The City of Fridley will assist the school in maintaining the site, which will allow students the opportunity to learn about public works and the role it plays in protecting clean water. The restored site also provides wildlife habitat.