Field Notes

Recapturing the Urgency of Earth Day
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

Recapturing the Urgency of Earth Day

This Earth Day, instead of dreaming of “planet B” or just planning for resilience in the face of environmental change, let’s dream of restoring habitat, celebrating pollinators, replanting forests, and eliminating pollution! 

Read More
The Health Benefits of Nature
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

The Health Benefits of Nature

In the following article from their quarterly publication, The SALT Line, contributor Colette Boehm recognizes the importance of meeting the current watershed moment head-on with responsible conservation and construction practices across South Alabama.

Read More
A Decade of Firsts
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

A Decade of Firsts

I can’t believe I’m marking the end of Watershed’s first decade! It feels like yesterday that we launched this new, experimental business, hoping to prove that green building could be pragmatic, affordable, beautiful, and accessible, in south Alabama.

Read More
Removing Barriers to Civic Engagement
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

Removing Barriers to Civic Engagement

To encourage civic engagement, we need to understand who is missing from the room, to reach out, and to remove barriers to participation. Meetings held during work hours can be challenging for people in many professions, and after hours meeting can be even more challenging for young parents.

Read More
Energy Retrofitting: Go Green, Save Green
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

Energy Retrofitting: Go Green, Save Green

The advantages of energy retrofitting existing spaces can be compelling: In addition to immediate tax benefits, a well- planned renovation can lower operating costs, resulting in significant savings over the life cycle of the building.

Read More
No EPA for Indoor Environmental Quality
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

No EPA for Indoor Environmental Quality

We spend 90% of our time indoors, but we have no way of knowing the material ingredients in the walls, flooring, insulation, paint, and furnishings that surround us. Green cleaning practices use simple alternatives to toxic cleaning products that can trigger asthma attacks.

Read More
Edible Landscapes
Catherine Dorrough Catherine Dorrough

Edible Landscapes

Whether you want to attract birds, butterflies, or the neighborhood kids, an edible design will add life to your landscape. Gardening for wildlife focuses on providing food, cover, and water for birds, butterflies and other creatures. Certified wildlife habitats can range for acres, or fit in a tiny office courtyard.

Read More