When MSD bought 212 acres from conservationist William F. Miles, he made preserving the land a part of the business deal. MSD promised to make the acreage not need for the Floyds Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant
(FFWTP) into a public park. MSD also promised to continue good stewardship of that land.

Working with the Metro Parks Department, the front acreage was turned into a park, named after now deceased Mr Miles. MSD built not just FFWTP, but also the Ellen Swallow Richards Learning Center (ESRELC), on the back 75 acres. The ESRELC is home for MSD's After We Flush educational program for 5th graders.

After reviewing the initial design plans, MSD moved buildings and tanks to limit the footprint of construction; then, only one tree had to be
removed. After construction, MSD restored the disturbed zone with
native vegetation. Except for the grass in the amphitheater, the grasses, shrubs and trees are native to the site. Wildflowers bloom during most of the year, attracting colorful butterflies and moths.

Visitors often judge the site to be beautiful, especially for a wastewater treatment plant, but the real judge is nature. To date, the Beckham Bird Club has identified 101 species of birds in the park and ESRELC/FFWTP. One species, Bewick's Wren, has never been sighted in Jefferson County in living memory. Beckham credits MSD's restoration of the ecosystem for attracting so many birds.

Linda Arnold, daughter of William Miles, is the technology teacher at Middletown Elementary School. She wanted a real-world project for her students to contribute to her father's memory at ESRELC. MSD suggested they build this section of MSD's web site, so others could learn more about all the birds that live or visit there. The students found suitable photos, got permission to use them and researched information about each species.

This section of MSD's web site is not complete, but students will continue to build it in the coming school year. MSD thanks Ms Arnold and her Middletown Elementary School students for their contributions to environmental education.

back to Miles Park / ESRELC bird page