Porter County Nature Preserve: A Habitat Study

porter county nature

preserveRebecca McKevitz

october 2014

LA401

Page 1..............................................Goals and Objectives

Page 2................................................Project Introduction

Page 3.....................................................Poverty Analysis

Page 4................................................Population Analysis

Page 5.................................................Education Analysis

Page 6.................................................Final Site Selection

Page 7..........................................................Site Analysis

Page 8.................................................Site Analysis Maps

Page 9...........................................................Master Plan

Page 10...........................................................Detail Plan

Page 11.....................................Sections and Perspectives

Page 12.........................................................Works Cited

Table of Contents

1. Design a functional and accessible nature preserve in Porter County, Indiana -use ArcGIS data to choose a suitable site location -design interesting and comfortable circulation that ensures access to the entire site

2. Implement educational opportunities throughout the site -utilize nature center as a museum, library and classroom venue -include educational signage, an outdoor classroom, boardwalks and a greenhouse

3. Create an interactive space that can act as an asset to the surrounding community and will provide a cultural center for individuals and families -the space should act as more than a nature center, and should attract residents to use the site in a multitude of ways -include picnic areas, a playground, open lawn for recreation, walking paths and gathering spaces

4. Plant the site with native vegetation and create a rich ecosystem that will encourage increased habitat area and biodiversity

Goals and objectives

As Landscape Architects, it is our job to educate ourselves about every aspect of a project and our site location before beginning any sort of design process. Through studying and becoming familiar with ArcGIS, important analytical data is much more available and accurate. Utilizing ArcGIS is important for landscape design because it not only provides ecological and spacial data, but can also educate us on socio-economic information that can assist in making design decisions and will greatly improve the success of the final project.

In Vector 1, the main objective was to utilize ArcGIS in order to choose an ideal site for a nature preserve based on the habitat of the Northern Leopard Frog. With improved knowledge of the capabilities of ArcGIS, the research was taken one step further and considered factors like poverty, population density and education levels. From here, a conceptual design for the nature preserve was formulated and developed. The following explains in detail what this process looked like and the proposed design for the nature preserve.

project introduction

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !

!!

!

In Vector 1, the maps below were created based on different criteria related to the needs of the Northern Leopard Frog. These maps are highlighted below and show the research process that led to the final site selection. The final site was chosen from Map 2 below because it met both the ecological and socio-economic needs of the project.

MAP 1:-Roads-Streams-Standing Water-Grasslands-Schools

MAP 2:-Woody Wetlands-Standing Water-Grasslands

MAP 3:-Roads-Grasslands-Standing Water

Three sites from Map 2 were studied and after comparing and contrasting the socio-economic conditions of the three sites, the final site was chosen and designed.

Poverty Analysis

Legendpoverty_revisedpoverty

0%- 3%

3% - 6%

6% - 9%

9% -12%

Greater than 12%

Analyzing poverty had less of an impact on my final site decision than the other two socio-economic analysis categories but contributed to the decision, nonetheless. In the map on the left, the site is shown in an area that has a 6%-9% poverty level. This falls right in the middle of the spectrum on this map. I think this is a fitting area for a nature preserve because it won’t be located in unsafe or rundown conditions, but instead will be in an area that is safe, comfortable and accessible for the majority of the population. I also think that the nature preserve could provide jobs for neighboring areas with higher poverty rates. Overall, placing the nature preserve in an average area where poverty is concerned seems like the most fitting and universal option.

#

#

#

#

#

#

##

#

###

#

##

#

#

##

#

#

##

##

###

#

#

##

#

#

## #

#

#

#

#

###

#

##

#

##

#

#

#

# #

##

#

"

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

Population Analysis

Legendeducation_censuseducation

0% - 2%

2% - 4%

4% - 6%

6% - 8%

Greater than 8%

When taking population density into consideration, there was a lot to think about. The first idea was that placing a nature preserve in a dense urban area wouldn’t be feasible or productive for wildlife. With that said, being sure to choose a location that is easily accessible to the people in these dense areas was very important and the chosen site is located between three dense urban centers that would attract many visitors from all across the county. Choosing a less dense area of the county also meant that there was more open space and existing natural areas that could be utilized for the nature preserve.

#

#

#

#

#

#

##

#

###

#

##

#

#

##

#

#

##

##

###

#

#

##

#

#

## #

#

#

#

#

###

#

##

#

##

#

#

#

# #

##

#

"

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

0%-0.5%

0.6%-1%

1.1%-1.5%

1.6%-2%

Greater than 2%

Education Analysis

Legendeducation_censuseducation

0% - 2%

2% - 4%

4% - 6%

6% - 8%

Greater than 8%

Since education is one of the main goals of the nature preserve project, the education analysis for Porter county was seriously considered when choosing a site for the project. Locating the site in a less educated area of the county will provide an opportunity to reach people that may not otherwise get an opportunity to learn about all of the interesting ecological processes and biological aspects that the nature preserve has to offer. With the combination of the other two

#

#

#

#

#

#

##

#

###

#

##

#

#

##

#

#

##

##

###

#

#

##

#

#

## #

#

#

#

#

###

#

##

#

##

#

#

#

# #

##

#

"

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

Final site selection

Woody Wetlands

Grasslands Standing Water

The final site was taken from Map 2 in the Vector 1 study. This map included the widest variety of ecosystems like woody wetlands, grasslands and standing water. Combining these important habitats with the previously discussed socio-economic data narrowed down the options and led to this specific site. Using a combination of the ecological and sociological data ensured the most suitable location for a successful nature preserve.

#

#

#

#

#

#

##

#

###

#

##

#

#

##

#

#

##

##

###

#

#

##

#

#

## #

#

#

#

#

###

#

##

#

##

#

#

#

# #

##

#

"

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

Grasslands/Herbaceous

Water

Roads

Woody Wetlands

Site Analysis

The above map shows a closer look at the final site chosen for the nature preserve. The site is a 92 acre area that includes existing ponds, wetlands and grasslands. One major road passes through the site which would improve accessibility to the site. With all of these factors considered and the addition of the crucial socio-economic conditions, this site met all of the requirements for the project and seems to provide the best chance for a successful nature preserve.

#

#

#

#

#

#

##

#

###

#

##

#

#

##

#

#

##

##

###

#

#

##

#

#

## #

#

#

#

#

###

#

##

#

##

#

#

#

# #

##

#

"

0 3 6 9 121.5Miles

Grasslands/Herbaceous

Water

Roads

Woody Wetlands

0 .75 1.5 3 4.5 6

Site Analysis Maps

SlopeThis map shows the fairly flat slope of the site as a whole. The most steep slopes can be found at the edges of the ponds and wetlands.

AspectThe aspect map shows the direction at which the slopes are facing. This factor could effect the design of circulation paths as well as having an effect on the growth of certain vegetation.

ContoursIn this map, one foot contours are shown and because of the large spaces between contours it is obvious that the site is relatively flat. The edges of the ponds are the only areas with

significant slopes.

HillshadeThe hillshade map does a good job of clearly showing the high and low points on the site and could impact the placement of certain design elements, especially the nature center that should be placed in a flat area.

Legendaspect_final<VALUE>

Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North

Legendslope_final<VALUE>

0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%

Legendhill_finalValue

High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74Legendaspect_final<VALUE>

Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74


Flat

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

South

Southwest

West

Northwest

North


0% - 1%

1% - 3%

3% - 10%

10% - 25%

25% - 50%


High : 236

Low : 74

Master Plan

Woodland

Pond

Pond

Prairie

Outdoor Classroom

Open Lawn

Entry Plaza

Wetland

Wetland

Boardwalk

Woodland

Gathering Spaces

1”=400’

Besides including a combination of native ecosystems that will encourage biodiversity and species growth, the nature preserve was also designed with an emphasis on education and accessibility. This can be clearly seen through the amenities provided on the site. The nature center itself includes many educational resources and the rest of the site is meant to immerse individuals into nature and encourage them to explore a multitude of habitats. The circulation was carefully planned in order to allow access to the entire site while also making it fairly simple to loop throughout certain, distinct areas. The access to the standing water and wetland areas via the boardwalk provides a unique aesthetic and educational experience for visitors.

Nature Center

Detailed Plan

Picnic Area

Prairie

Gathering Space

Entry Plaza

Open Lawn

Playground

1”=80’

The center of the site is a lively space with a large entry plaza that acts as a public gathering space. Adjacent to that is an open lawn, perfect for recreational activities or hosting community events. The addition of a picnic area and a playground creates an ideal space for families to spend time learning, playing and socializing. This way, the nature preserve can also act as a public park for residents to utilize for many different purposes.

Nature Center Building Program:

-Natural History Museum-Library-Classroom space-Attached greenhouse-Auditorium

Nature Center

Sections and Perspective

This section shows the relationship between three of the different habitats on the southern end of the site. Because the Northern Leopard Frog utilizes all of these ecosystems it is beneficial to have them all in close proximity in order to enhance the conditions for this species. I also think this would be an interesting area for human use. With boardwalks crossing the ponds, there is much opportunity for interaction with these areas. I also think that emerging visitors into these types of spaces will provide a educational opportunity as well as aesthetic value.

The above perspective gives an overall feeling of the extensive site as well as the combination and intersections of the multiple habitats on the site. The boardwalk is shown here and is designed to ensure that the ponds and wetlands are accessible to visitors, especially students and teachers utilizing the site for their studies.

The section below shows the most dense area of the site where the nature center, entry plaza and pathways converge. This area is a very active space that would act as a gathering space for the community and local schools to host events and for individuals to enjoy the amenities provided here.

Bhattacharya, Deepamala. “Northern Leopard Frog.” Animal Spot. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://www.animalspot.net/northern-leopard-frog.html>.

Dewey, Tanya. “Critter Catalog.” BioKIDS. University of Michigan, n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Lithobates_pipiens/>.

Littlehales, Bates. “Northern Leopard Frogs.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/am-phibians/northern-leopard-frog/>.

Living with Wildlife. “Frogs.” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2014. <http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/frogs.html>.

“Northern Leopard Frog.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_leopard_frog>.

Works Cited

Porter County Nature Preserve: A Habitat Study

Documents

site analysispage

nature center

ideal site

landscape design

arcgis data

accessible nature

proposed design

conceptual design