An interdisciplinary team planned the site restoration and landscaping,
to retain and enhance the oak-hickory woods, plant native wet prairie around
the 1.25 acre storm water pond, design a natural vegetated drainage outlet
to the existing creek and planting prairie vegetation in the open spaces.
Stormwater runoff was reduced due to the compact site design of the building
and parking areas and the water-absorbing capability of deep rooted prairie
plants. Fire access lanes were constructed with modular concrete units
around the building which still allow a grass cover over them.
Site management includes removing buckthorn and honeysuckle in the woods
and eventual burn maintenance of the prairies. Corrective stabilization
work was necessary to repair some erosion and slumpage damage at a steep
slope by the pond. The pond was planted with emergent and floating aquatic
plants, aerated and treated with a bacterial enzyme supplement to control
algal growth. A large spoil pile was re-graded and seeded with prairie
species and a settling basin added to control its runoff. After starting
with a native landscaping approach, changes were made for more traditional
sod and annuals landscaping, combined with an irrigation system, to provide
a welcoming front entrance to the building. Maintence programs are being
developed as has an educational booklet for employees.
Safety-Kleen estimates a long-term management cost savings due to less
maintence, mowing, watering and fertilizing. Installation costs compare
very favorably to sodding. A compact sites means dealing with a lesser
volume of storm water. Employees appreciate close-in, covered parking and
a beautiful view as they work.