The Greening of Gilfillan Mary Lynne Spazok “Please, no more asphalt!” was the cry heard ’round the Township when public tours of the Gilfillan Homestead were first proposed. Nearby homeowners wanted to maintain a pristine quality of life that embraced neighborhood serenity. Who could blame them? When it comes to parking lots, asphalt smells and is gooey in the summer, icy in the winter, and, frankly, bleak and just plain ugly anytime. Gilfillan’s Jean Brown and the USC Historic Society value their neighbors. In 2004, after extensive inquiries and debate, a viable alternative to unsightly asphalt was chosen to accommodate vehicle and pedestrian traffic: the “grassy paver porous paving system.” It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood! On USC Community Day, enter Gilfillan Farm through the lower parking area, off Orr Road. Look down at your feet and you should notice the non-biodegradable plastic polygon grids of the grassy paver system. This is one time when plastic rises to prominence to maintain the esthetics of the acreage. Buses, cars, and farm equipment can drive on this surface without creating damage. It will not chip, crack, or deform with this region’s various atmospheric conditions. The grassy paver maintains a minimum compression strength of 80,000 pounds per square foot (40 tons) regardless of fill material. Native grasses grow between the grids. The grids are laid in a leveling layer of angular sand or sandy loom topsoil 1.75 inches deep. Beneath that are two to eight inches of compacted sandy gravel of “class 2” road base. Varying thickness of the base depends on loading requirements, loading frequencies, and subsoil conditions. The paver itself has both horizontal and vertical drainage ports for fluid percolation, which enhances grass root growth. While asphalt can be laid down in minutes, the grid system is much more labor intensive. However, in the long run, this system is remarkably cost effective. Ecologically-sound storm water management is a prime reason for installing grassy pavers. With a 93% opening at the top and 46% at the base, the hexagon (six-sided) pavers unite green space and storm water requirements, while allowing for maximum
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purposeful space. As storm water percolates, immediate replenishment of groundwater into the aquifer occurs because of the open polygon design. Talk about recycling! The product is composed of a minimum of 98% HDPE, a high density polyethylene thermoplastic commodity. Pricey drainage systems, retention ponds, and complicated filtering systems Raising of the American flag are eliminated while maintaining green areas and sensitive wetlands. RK Manufacturing, Inc. located in Jackson, Mississippi, guarantees “the optimum synthesis of ecology and technology.” Continuing on from the parking lot, look to the native wild scrub trees that border Route 19. Not only do they define the homestead’s perimeter, but they also help to reduce highway noise. Along both sides of the front drive are inviting oak and maple trees that afford a shady, elegant entrance. Walking towards the Gilfillan Homestead notice a group of Larch pines that provide cool, serene summer shade, as well as wind deflection during blustery winter days. The genus Larix (europaea), to which the Larch belongs, is distinguishable among firs because of its deciduous foliage. This tree drops its needles and then replenishes them during the next growing season, all the while naturally reducing toxic emissions. Like cedars, light-green needles appear in tufts on the old wood of its slender branches. Then, “dwarf shoots” gradually lengthen out until each needle stands alone as a spiral. The joy of spring is heralded in the emerald glory of its heady scent. Along Gilfillan’s side yard, gnarly branches of established apple trees provide shade for picnics and fruit for pies, jam, jellies, and snacks. Wildflowers grow happily beneath many of the trees, thus keeping the weed population in check. Fallen trees or those removed purposefully for cultivation are split for cord wood. Volunteer Brian McGuire not only tends the hefty herd of Herefords found at Gilfillan, but he also splits logs the old fashioned way: by hand. Gilfillan’s meandering front stream offers wildlife and the herd of grazers cool water, especially in the heat of summer. Natural water supplies are not polluted because toxic fertilizers are not used. The Spring House stream offers a refreshing Hats galore! respite from the summer sun
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2008