Better Drainage

One of the many benefits of the Lasalle Street Bioswale will be improved drainage. As you can see in this photo, there are many sections of the street that hold water. This was taken the morning after an evening storm. One of the flumes was placed specifically to capture the standing water on the right side. The beauty of a retrofit project like this is that we can solve past mistakes.

Bio-swale landscape

We have decided not to amend the soil for the planting as the native plants we are using thrive in poor soils, and to discourage weed growth and keep maintenance down. We are also going to strike a balance in spacing the plants so they have enough breathing room but the garden will still have a full finished look. We will also put a thick layer of pine-straw mulch down. This will create an incredibly rich habitat for native wildlife including birds, bugs and other micro-organisms as it collects and cleans storm-water.

Creating a Low Impact Development Bioswale, Urban Sustainability

Proposed Lasalle Street Bioswale (Low Impact Development)

Am amazing project is taking shape, thanks to many in the Jacksonville area including; St. Johns River Keeper, Coca-Cola, City of Jacksonville, San Marco Preservation Society, Councilwoman Lori Boyer, Greenscape and others.

Follow our efforts here from the removal of diseased and dying, yet magnificent old live oaks through the design and permitting process, installation and maintenance.  We want to share findings, successes and learning opportunities.

Bob Chabot and Chris Dailey of the Jacksonville Zoo discuss soil preparation

Bob Chabot and Chris Dailey examine the site, strategizing as to the best approach for grading, soil amendments, plant staging and layout, and a host of other issue resolution.

The future bioswale area contains large roots, urban soils and presents challenges

 The bioswale site will collect stormwater from the library roof and site as well as other adjacent impervious areas and provide both attenuation and water quality treatment.

Bioswale construction will incorporate existing utility systems into the layout

Our documentation will hopefully provide a basis for future similar low impact development best management practices for Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

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