The Dirt Worth Knowing

As sidewalk prep and construction continues south of the tracks, crews are preparing to add ‘structured soil’ prior to concrete being poured. Here’s why this is worth knowing:

Structured soil lets ground be compacted while preserving treescapes. Developed by Cornell University, this patented growing medium replaces regular soil because it  preserves pockets of air and water to guide and nourish root systems. Structured soil contains a blend of porous limestone or quartz pieces that won’t collapse with compacting, while preserving voids filled with a nutrient-dense clay loam that allows tree roots to safely penetrate, breathe and drink. Root systems develop outward and downward, versus pushing up toward paved surfaces. Structured soil also boosts water infiltration to reduce stormwater runoff.

Back to school time. Please be extra cautious with construction-area driving this coming week: Oak Park and River Forest High School freshmen start classes Monday, Aug. 24. They’ll be joined by the rest of the high school Tuesday, Aug. 25. And Oak Park District 97 elementary and middle-school students head back to school Wednesday, Aug. 26. That means nearly 9,000 more kids will be out and about in the Village.

Did you know? The Hemingway District’s location just west of the high school meant that its namesake, young Ernest, frequented Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street on his way to and from school. Ernest graduated from OPRF in 1917, with 139 other seniors – including his older sister, Marcelline.