R A C H E L H A M R I C K
E N V I R O N M E N T A L D E S I G N
For this project, unlike with The Village, all initial site experiences were recorded with a photo. Here, any notes I took—besides being much less numerous than photos--ended up being mostly about zoning. I found that anything I wrote down otherwise was to document the location of interesting finds (we found a GIANT turtle shell).
This project showed me more than anything that a designer must know a little bit about everything. Everything is tied to a system and every system is tied to another system. I had never worked in such a natural place before and my beginner’s knowledge of landscaping and earth-moving made it hard to generate ideas. Luckily, we were provided with excellent feedback from some of the local birders that helped point us in the right direction.
Tools used in the classroom were the following: Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Word, SketchUp
O P E L I K A W O O D D U C K H E R I T A G E P R E S E R V E & S I D D I Q U E N A T U R E P A R K
O P E L I K A , A L A B A M A
O V E R V I E W :
The goal of the Wetland Trail revision is to distinguish a clear, safe, and attractive trail that allows visitors to have a more complete and satisfying preserve experience. Implementation will promote preserve growth by providing activities options that differ from the traditional Wood Duck watching ones, this raising park awareness and funding by broadening the target market.
The plan features a 6’ wide handicap accessible wooden boardwalk that stretches through the woodlands to the northern part of the lagoon. Information on the various plant and animal species in the area will be provided along the trail. Some parts of the trail terminate at 12’ x 12’ observatory/educational spaces and a few rejoin the major Lagoon Loop, where visitors have access to the lagoon boardwalk and new blinds. In comparing the present day map compared with the proposed map, one can see that what is now the trail entrance has been remodeled into a native species garden and moved to a more isolated, higher section of land. With this plan visitors can move through the preserve in a more flowing, less intrusive manner. Ultimately, the bird species in the lagoon will not be disturbed and viewers can observe in peace.
The Native Species Garden will function as a resting area and educational space. The 30’ x 30’ garden will contain benches as well as signs providing visitors with information on each species. Species have been chosen by the number of bird, butterfly, and moth species they support and how successful they will be in the environment.
In the Native Species Garden, visitors can increase their knowledge of native plant species and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature from a new, more comfortable setting. The inspiration for this section of the boardwalk stems directly from the work of Piet Oudolf. In following his technique, the preserve can allow its visitors to experience the delightful and interesting juxtaposition of a New Perennial style garden amid a wide stretch of woodland. This unusual propinquity will prove to further distinguish the OWDHP & SNP from other parks, preserves, and birding trails.
The plan for the garden goes as follows: a central square of blueberry bushes surrounded by the wetland trail surrounded by a border of herbaceous perennials surrounded by native sedges and evergreen ferns. The major entrance and exit points will be flanked with Dogwood. The benches will reside here, in the shade of the Dogwood.
G O A L :
R E S U L T :
