Paving the Way to a Cleaner Environment

From time to time, we receive inquiries from Arboretum members and other visitors about the unique main parking lot of The Morton Arboretum. Some have asked us if it would be possible to construct the same environmentally friendly parking lot for their home driveways.

The Morton Arboretum’s environmentally friendly main parking lot reduces pollution, erosion, and flooding because it absorbs stormwater rather than allowing it to run directly into storm drains, detention facilities or streams. Its design slows, cleans and cools rainwater run-off before it enters Meadow Lake and the DuPage River.

The surface of the parking lot is composed of an interlocking concrete paver system that includes one-inch square holes filled with gravel through which water flows, rather than rushing off the parking lot surface. A four-foot deep layer of gravel beneath the pavers filters the water and traps pollutants as the rainwater passes through.

Compared to a traditional parking lot, this system is more expensive to install but ultimately saves money because it requires less regular maintenance. The brick surface stays cooler than blacktop, slows and cleans run-off, and is more attractive. It does, however, require some maintenance in order to function properly.

You’ll want to check out additional details and other important components of our main parking lot at our website.

The special construction of the lot also requires specialized maintenance. Periodic (once every five years or so) vacuuming of the paving removes sediment buildup in the voids of the pavement and keeps water flowing. Grit and sand cannot be used for traction during winter weather because it can plug holes. Rather, a rubber tip, metal blade or sweeper can be used to keep the walking/driving surface safe. De-icing chemicals are safe to use on construction materials, but need to be used conservatively to protect plant and water quality.

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