The Hall County Board of Commissioners recognized the public works department for its work with the Elachee Nature Science Center at Thursday’s commission meeting.

Hall County received the 2008 Chicopee Woods Watershed Partner Award from the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission.

Hall County contributed to a parking lot and rain garden project at the Elachee Nature Science Center hiking trails.

"It’s a parking lot that allows the water to sink into the ground rather than run off," said county engineer Kevin McInturff.

"It basically filters the water as it seeps into the ground rather than run off," McInturff said. "It helps the water quality and the water quantity."

The public works department contributed funding, technical advice and oversight for the project. Hall County also works with Chicopee by funding storm water and watershed education.

McInturff said public education is required for the county to keep its state storm water permit. Elachee Nature Science Center provides education about the importance of keeping pollutants out of water.

"It’s kind of a win-win situation for both of us," McInturff said.