Swales are the rectangular grassy areas between the sections of our parking lot.

• They are designed to capture the rain that flows off the pavement.
• During heavy downpours, water is slowed, minimizing the risk of flooding.
• Swales increase water infiltration, filter pollution, and increase ground water.
• Less rainwater runoff means a cleaner and healthier Chesapeake Bay.

Click here to watch the Chesapeake Bay video on runoff & NASA’s role in monitoring.