Prior to his death in 2006, Gilbert F. White was Gustafson Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Colorado and widely recognized as a leader in the world environmental movement. Because of his life-long interest in the problem of flooding, he was known as the “Father of Floodplain Management.” Gilbert recognized that flexible human adaptation to flood hazards, such as removing structures from floodways and opening up floodplains, was potentially a more effective approach to flood disaster reduction than rigid “structural” solutions, such as constructing dams and levees.

Gilbert held and demonstrated a profound Quaker faith. The underlying notion that humans should live in harmony with their environment, coupled with a deep commitment to improving human welfare through social policy, guided his work. His career encompassed not only floods and other natural hazards, but water quality and resource management in developing countries, global environmental change, preservation of arid lands, geographic education, and international cooperation regarding water resources in areas such as the Middle East and the Mekong and Nile river basins.

Gilbert was highly regarded by all who knew him, not only because of his extraordinary work, but also because of his kindness, his respect for each individual he met, and his remarkable integrity.

In the broadest sense, Gilbert promoted understanding of, respect for, and protection of the natural order, which includes inevitable extremes such as floods and other natural hazards. In a word, he championed stewardship—preserving nature and promoting sustainable use and husbandry of the natural resources of the earth.

The Gilbert F. White Memorial Committee was established in 2006, at the request of the Boulder City Council and City Manager, to design and implement a memorial to Gilbert. The committee is made up of friends, family, colleagues, and students of Gilbert, as well as City staff.

Early on, the committee agreed that Gilbert himself would have wanted a memorial that had some practical and educational use, and the committee decided that a memorial promoting flood hazard education in Boulder would be most appropriate.

A flood level marker is a vivid reminder of the powerful force of rushing flood waters. The marker’s size will startle both a viewer standing next to it and someone driving across the Broadway Bridge who will be able to see the top of the marker from their car.

This flood marker was designed by Mary White, an eco-artist and Gilbert’s daughter, and Christian Muller, a local artisan who created Boulder’s Sister-City Plaza. It is made of sculpted granite and smoothed recycled transparent jade float glass, which was chosen for the top part of the marker because it reflects light and movement, like water. The stone base is an excellent surface for engraved text and discourages climbing and vandalism.The marker will be very stable: supported by a central metal column and concrete foundation. LED lights, powered by water or solar energy, will illuminate the core of the glass obelisk.

The area selected by the Committee is at the nexus of a major transportation corridor, and the major floodway in Boulder. It is also at the apex of the area where the greatest flood damage will occur in Boulder. This high traffic area provides an excellent opportunity to educate large numbers of people.

Approximate Cost: $100,000
(Monument, Interpretive Signs, Landscaping & Seating)

To learn more about Gilbert F. White, visit www.colorado.edu/hazards/gfw.