Stormwater Wetlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Guest Speaker: Kate Barnes

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has faced several major flooding events over the past two decades, prompting the city to take a proactive approach to flood resilience and stormwater management through the development of a comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan. Additionally, HR Green, Inc. has been deeply involved in the design of the city’s west-side flood control system, gaining firsthand experience with the costs and challenges of large-scale pumping and flood mitigation.
Building on the city’s master plan, our team reimagined a proposed detention basin project in a residential area, transforming it into a multi-benefit site that integrates flood storage, habitat restoration, and community amenities. The redesigned project features five oxbow wetlands that enhance water quality and ecological diversity while lowering flows to the city’s flood control system. Additional design elements promote neighborhood safety and connect the area through new trail links.
This presentation will explore how stormwater management in Iowa has evolved—from a focus on detention only to a broader vision that embraces ecological uplift and community value—and how this project exemplifies that shift in mindset.

Our Guest Speaker: Kate Barnes
Kate Barnes is a Water Resources Engineer with HR Green, Inc., based in central Iowa. With 10 years of experience in the field, she focuses on stormwater design and modeling, developing innovative solutions that enhance water quality and resilience. Kate specializes in designing and implementing best management practices (BMPs) and stream stabilization projects, as well as working on permitting, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and storm sewer design. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master’s degree in Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State University.