Leaping Frog Farm: an ecologically minded homestead by Aitan Mizrahi

Leaping Frog Farm An Ecologically Minded Homestead

A Design for Mark Benjamin and Nellie

Index Guiding Principle, Goals, and Criteria ......... 1 Context .........................................................2 Existing Conditions ......................................3 Sun/Shade . .................................................. 4 Soils . .............................................................5 Hydrology..................................................... 6 Slopes............................................................7 Circulation, Access and Zones of Use ........ 8 Summary Analysis . ..................................... 9 Design Alternatives.................................... 10 Final Design..................................................11 Home Zone.................................................. 12 Edible Forest Garden.................................. 13 Coppice Forest............................................ 14 Wetland Meadow and Pond....................... 15

Guiding Principle

Goals and Criteria 1. Increase Ecological Diversity

Renew Our Days Like the Days of Old This verse, from the Jewish faith, invites the community to be active participants in the manifestation of a harmonious and healthy future while using the lessons of the past as a guide. Eicha (Lamentations) 5:21 is the source of this beautiful prayer recited during Torah service, a reminder of times past when life was more connected to the rhythms of the land.

Support and Add To Ecosystem Diversity

Mature woods (existing) Wetlands (existing) Meadows (existing)

Build Soil Fertility

2. Designate/Identify Spaces for Food

Informed by this guiding principle, Mark’s goals for this project are consistent with his long-term vision for ecological stewardship of the land. Fulfillment of these goals will enhance the ecological, spiritual, and social vibrancy of the local community and its foodshed. NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

When Mark, an experienced farmer, arrived on the property in March of 2014 he identified three key opportunities for manifesting a healthy, vibrant, and sensitive lifestyle: 1) increase the diversity of ecosystems to serve as a “nature bank” for local flora and fauna, 2) engage in ecologically sensitive agriculture (to include no-till, perennial polyculture plantings, and various soil building techniques) for personal and commericial purposes, and 3) share the house and land with another family to help bring in additional income and assist in the farm work. Mark brings a wealth of experience, a positive reputation, tools and some mature perennial plants with him to his new home. He has an existing stock of berries (blueberries, currants, and gooseberries) that will be planted in the spring of 2105. He also has a few hoop houses to be erected this coming year. The hoop houses will be used to grow crops during the colder months. Extending the growing season will increase the available yield for private and public consumption. Currently the main home can accommodate another family. Mark and Nellie are using the entire space while various rooms are being remodeled. Once remodeling is complete (maybe sometime in 2015) each floor will be its own independent living quarters with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room and bedrooms. Sharing the house with others will be a source of additional income, will increase access to community, and will allow Mark to share the work of cultivating the land.

Personal and Commercial Production

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

Residential

House 2 separate living quarters Parking for at least 3 cars 2 separate entrances south side 1st floor north side 2nd floor Production Firewood storage 4 cords Outdoor kitchen Sink Drainage (greywater treatment) Stovetop Seating Outdoor shower (greywater treatment)

Winter CSA 20-30 members Hoop houses 30' x72' 21' x 96' 12' x 24' 18' x 48' Livestock Chickens (eggs, meat, and manure) Turkeys (meat) Sheep (wool, meat, manure, and grazing) Bees (honey and pollination) Perennials 100 berry bushes (currants, gooseberries, and blueberries) Rhubarb Horseradish Annuals 2 acres on a 5-year rotation Mulch Hay .5 acre Farm Stand and CSA pickup area 10' x 20'

Commercial

Barn Farm equipment Woodworking equipment Animal housing

Community

Ritual/gathering space Fire pit Benches

Leaping Frog Farm

Guiding Principle, Goals, & Criteria

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

3. Improve Access and Flow

1/15

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.â&#x20AC;? (Ethics of the Fathers 2:21) Leaping Frog Farm is located on the northern edge of the rural town of Conway. The property is nestled in a patch of residences and farms amongst a matrix of a traditional New England woods. It is located only two-and-a-half miles to Shelburne Falls, six miles to either Ashfield center or Conway center, and 13 miles to the large town of Greenfield. The neighboring towns will provide opportunity for Mark to build and increase his customer base for the farm-business, and provide friends to help Mark build a greater socially engaged community. The agricultural activity in the neighborhood also affords opportunity for ample resource sharing (e.g., tools, storage, equipment, labor, knowledge) with other nearby farmers.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Nearby town centers

Leaping Frog Farm is in an early succession stage as it returns to a working family farm (see photo in upper right). Facilitating this evolution will require careful attention to detail, patience, and respect for the land, people, and wildlife that call this land home.

Farmhouse circa 1900

The rectangular property is bounded by Shelburne Falls Road to the east, woods to the west, hay field to the north, and a manicured lawn to the south. Approximately 14.5 acres, the property is split between woods and meadows. The western half of the property is a mature mixed woodlot with a steep slope of greater than 25%. At the base of the slope a wetland corridor bisects the property from north to south. The eastern half (focus area) is mostly meadow.

Woodland matrix, agricultural neighborhood patch

Farmhouse circa 2014

Shneck Brook Shelburne Falls

Conway Center

Leaping Frog Farm

Deerfield River

Full property (14.5 acres) and focus area (highlighted in yellow)

Section of region: Shelburne Falls to Conway

Context

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

2/15

It’s All Here

Neighbor’s Hay Fields

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Transitioning from the woods and wetlands, a gently sloped meadow leads to the main road. The primary residence and barn are nestled into the southeastern corner. Apples Japanese Knotweed Pears

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Almost six acres of open fields. A hedgrerow along the northern edge blocks the view from the neighbor’s property. The view to the southern neighbor’s property is wide open. Long, majestic views to Rowe Lot Hill and the rises east of the Deerfield River.

Birch Home

Pine

Shallow well

Until five years ago the fields were in hay production. Before that there is evidence of previous farming activity based on soil sampling. Distinct mowed paths have been present for over 12 years. The fields are filled primarily with upland meadow and remnant pasture vegetation such as goldenrod, asters and, bunching grasses. A patch of Japanese knotweed is used for medicinal purposes.

Apple

Barn

feet

Neighbor’s Manicured Lawn Neighbor’s Barn

Existing Conditions: Section View

1 Mowed Path

Woods

Mowed Path

Apple Tree

Open Field • Blue line beneath ground level indicates a high water table

House

Birch Tree

Shelburne Falls Road

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

Six old apple and pear trees remain in what once could have been part of the family’s orchard.

The two-story multi-residence home and barn are located in the southeastern corner. The current gravel driveway and parking area can accommodate two cars comfortably. The house is 61' x 40' and the barn is 32' x 37'. The house is an old farmhouse that has been added onto over the years. Currently it has vinyl siding but there is concern there may be lead in the soil surrounding the house due to the age of the structure.

Leaping Frog Farm

Existing Conditions

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

Mark Benjamin and nellie Road | MA

Shagbark Hickory

Apple

Spruce

332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

More than eight acres of mature, mixed hardwood forest fills the western portion of the property. Steeply sloped from west to east. At the base of the slope a wetland corridor stretches from north to south. The vegetation changes to more of a coniferious woodlot with a dense groundcover of ferns. Included in the wetland corridor is an intermittent stream and the shallow well that is gravity-fed to the main house. There is evidence of an old sugaring set-up in the southeastern corner of the wooded zone.

Septic System

North

3/15

Here Comes the Sun

Aspect

SUN AND SHADE ANALYSIS

Observations

• Most of the focus area receives full sun, six hours, between 9am and 3pm for a large part of the year. • The eastern forest edge and steep hill in the western half of the property casts long shadows along the western half of the meadow beginning in the afternoon hours during the winter months. • The southern face of the house receives full sun from spring through fall. • Three distinct solar aspects, east, southeast, and south, occupy the focus area.

East-Facing Slope

Implications

• Opportunities abound for cultivating food crops given the vast amounts of exposure to sunlight for a most of the year and beneficial aspects. • The southern and southeastern aspects create warmer microclimates ideal for crop growth during the colder months. • South-facing walls take full advantage of the sun’s warmth in the winter, reducing heating costs. It is important to provide shade along the southern face of the house in summer to keep the interior cool.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

South-Facing Slope Southeast-Facing Slope

feet

Sunlight cast upon the focus area, between the hours of 9am and 3pm, at both equinoxes and solstices.

Winter Solstice

Spring and Fall Equinox

Summer Solstice

A small pocket of sun during the winter.

Sun and Shade

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

4/15

Digging Deep: What is Underground?

Soil Sample Zones

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SOILS

Observations • • • • • • • • • • •

2 1 Septic System

House

Isolated Wetland

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Implications

Potential Lead Zone

• The soil within the focus area is suitable to grow food and pasture animals. • Soil building will increase major nutrient levels and soil fertility of the depleted soil. Barn Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory Soil and Plant Tissue Laboratory • The septic system is off-limits forTesting planting trees whose roots could damage the Soilsystem. Heavy and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratoryvehicular traffic 203 Paige Laboratory 203 Paige Laboratory 203 Paige Laboratory 203 Paige Laboratory 4 161 Holdsworth Way 161 Holdsworth Way 161 Holdsworth Way Isolated Wetland 161 Holdsworth Way can damage the system. University Opportunities to utilize the space could include ranging a flock of chickens and small University of Massachusetts University of Massachusetts of Massachusetts University of Massachusetts feet Amherst, MA 01003 Amherst, MA 01003 Amherst, MA 01003 Amherst, MA 01003 Phone: (413) 545-2311 Phone: (413) 545-2311 Phone: (413) 545-2311 Phone: (413) 545-2311 livestock. e-mail: soiltest@umass.edu e-mail: soiltest@umass.edu e-mail: soiltest@umass.edu e-mail: soiltest@umass.edu website: soiltest.umass.edu website: soiltest.umass.edu website: soiltest.umass.edu website: soiltest.umass.edu • Given the acidic nature of the soil an appropriate strategy could be to either increase the pH to suit a wider variety Sample Information: Sample Information: Sample Information: Sample Information: Soil Test Report Test Report Soil Test Report of Soil crops or to plant crops that thrive in acidic Sample ID: 1B Sample ID: 3 Sample ID: 2 environments. Sample ID: 1A Prepared For: Prepared For: Prepared For: • It is important to avoid tilling or construction in the wetlands. Aitan Mizrahi Aitan Mizrahi Order Number: 10767 Order Number: 10767 Aitan Mizrahi Order Number: 10767 Soil Sample Conway Results Order Number: 10767 School of Landscape Design Conway School of Landscape Design Conway School of Landscape Design Lab Number: S141024-120 • Increase Lab Number: Number: by S141024-122 S141024-121 biodiversity and availability of Lab food planting wet-loving varieties of edibles along wetland, i.e. highLab Number: S141024-119 PO Box 179 PO Box 179 PO Box 179 Area Sampled: 0.5 acres Area Sampled: 3.1 acres Area Sampled: 2 acres Area Sampled: 0.5 acres 332 S Deerfieldlab Rd 332 S Deerfield Rd from10/24/2014 UMASS Soil Received: 10/24/2014 332 S Deerfield Rd Received: Received: 10/24/2014 Received: 10/24/2014 bush blueberries. Conway, MA 01341 Conway, MA 01341 Reported: 10/30/2014 Reported: Conway, MA 01341 Reported: 10/30/2014 10/30/2014 Reported: 10/30/2014

Woodbridge

Soil Test Report

Paxton

Prepared For: Aitan Mizrahi Conway School of Landscape Design PO Box 179 332 S Deerfield Rd Conway, MA 01341

Soil Types

mizrahi15@csld.edu 510-691-0290

Results

Results Value Optimum Range Found

Analysis

5.3

Soil pH (1:1, H2O) Modified Morgan extractable, ppm Macronutrients Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulfur (S) Micronutrients * Boron Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Aluminum (Al) Lead (Pb)

The two main types of soil are Woodbridge Loam and Paxton Fine Sandy Loam. Both soils are well drained and moderately deep to a dense impermeable layer. Estimated high water table is between 20'' and 24''. According to the USDA Soil Survey, typical agricultural uses are cultivated crops, hay, and pasture. The septic system is to the north of the house. There is a high likelihood of lead (due to the age of the buildings) around the house and barn. All soils are depleted of major nutrients. Average pH of 5.6 (acidic) soil organic matter is at mid-range. Worm activity was observed in soil pit. Two isolated wetlands are found in the focus area, one in the southeastern corner and the other in the southwestern corner.

1.1 4-14 21 100-160 230 1000-1500 18 50-120 26.4 >10 0.1 7.1 1.0 0.5 19.8 260 1.3

0.1-0.5 1.1-6.3 1.0-7.6 0.3-0.6 2.7-9.4 <75 <22

Value Optimum Range Found

Analysis Cation Exch. Capacity, meq/100g Exch. Acidity, meq/100g Base Saturation, % Calcium Base Saturation Magnesium Base Saturation Potassium Base Saturation Scoop Density, g/cc Optional tests Soil Organic Matter (LOI), %

7.7 6.4 15 2 1 0.88

50-80 10-30 2.0-7.0

5.6

mizrahi15@csld.edu 510-691-0290

Results Value Optimum Range Found

Analysis Soil pH (1:1, H2O) Modified Morgan extractable, ppm Macronutrients Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulfur (S) Micronutrients * Boron Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Aluminum (Al) Lead (Pb)

5.3

1.1 4-14 31 100-160 324 1000-1500 32 50-120 20.4 >10 0.1 9.8 1.3 0.4 17.1 253 1.4

0.1-0.5 1.1-6.3 1.0-7.6 0.3-0.6 2.7-9.4 <75 <22

Value Optimum Range Found

8.3 6.4 19 3 1 0.92

50-80 10-30 2.0-7.0

6.3

Results Value Optimum Range Found

5.4

2.2 4-14 47 100-160 640 1000-1500 48 50-120 18.3 >10 0.2 9.8 4.8 0.6 15.3 169 4.7

0.1-0.5 1.1-6.3 1.0-7.6 0.3-0.6 2.7-9.4 <75 <22

Value Optimum Range Found

9.7 6.0 33 4 1 0.90

50-80 10-30 2.0-7.0

6.0

Value Optimum Range Found

5.4

1.3 4-14 30 100-160 413 1000-1500 47 50-120 20.3 >10 0.1 14.6 1.5 0.5 22.7 202 1.5

0.1-0.5 1.1-6.3 1.0-7.6 0.3-0.6 2.7-9.4 <75 <22

Value Optimum Range Found

9.7 7.1 21 4 1 0.84

50-80 10-30 2.0-7.0

6.0

* Micronutrient deficiencies rarely occur in New England soils; therefore, an Optimum Range has never been defined. Values provided represent the normal

Soil Test Interpretation

range found in soils and are for reference only.

Nutrient

Very Low

Low

Optimum

Above Optimum

range found in soils and are for reference only.

Nutrient

Very Low

Low

Optimum

Above Optimum

range found in soils and are for reference only.

Nutrient

Very Low

Low

Optimum

Above Optimum

range found in soils and are for reference only.

Nutrient

Phosphorus (P):

Potassium (K):

Calcium (Ca):

Magnesium (Mg):

1 of 2

Sample ID: 3

Lab Number S141024-122

1 of 2

Sample ID: 1B

Lab Number S141024-120

1 of 2

Sample ID: 2

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Lab Number S141024-121

1 of 2

Very Low

Low

Sample ID: 1A

Soils

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

Optimum

Above Optimum

Lab Number S141024-119

5/15

Let It Rain

HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS

Observations

Leach Field

• Water drainage on-site is west to east (towards the road) and north to south (towards the neighbor’s property). Water that reaches the road edge begins to pool and then flows into two storm drains, one located on either side of the driveway. • The building has gutters, the barn does not. Water from the downspouts on the northern edge of the house lead to the area where water pools alongside the road. The water from the southern edge of the house travels to the southern storm drain. • Additional pooling occurs along the western, northern, and eastern side of the leach field mound and along the southern edge of the property by the two large trees. • There are two identified wetlands. One wetland is approximately 30'x30' and located between barn and road. The other wetland is located in the southwestern corner in a microtopographical depression alongside the wood edge. • Water flow is generally slow over most of the property. A few underground water channels were identified approximately 2-3'' below the surface.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Implications

• There is no reasonable concern for erosion based on soil type, no exposed soils and minimal and isolated steep slopes. • There are opportunities for capturing water from the rooftops, especially from the northern edge of the house since it contributes to the pooling along the road, and integrating and infiltrating the water into the landscape. • Water loving plants along the eastern edge of the property (Shelburne Falls Road) will help reduce the amount of water entering the storm drains.

3 4

LEGEND Isolated wetland

feet

Pooling Slow flow Fast flow Storm drain

Groundwater rising in soil sample pit

Pooling by the edge of the road

Hydrology

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

Pooling by the edge of the road

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

6/15

Gently Down the Hill SLOPES ANALYSIS

Observations

• More than 90% of the focus area is gently sloped (10% or less). • The steep slopes (10% or more) are isolated on the east side of the leech field and by the three apple trees in the northeastern corner. • The focus area is at the bottom of a steep wooded slope

Implications 4

• Gentle slopes are conducive for agriculture. • Gentle slopes allow for accessibility to people of all levels of ability.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

LEGEND

feet

0 - 10% Slope >10% Slope

Looking west from across the street towards the house Looking west from across the street towards the mounded Looking west from across the street towards the Looking north alongside the western edge of and birch tree. leach field. old apple trees. the mounded leach field.

Slopes

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

7/15

To and Fro: Where are Mark and Nellie going?

To Shelburne Falls

AN ANALYSIS OF CIRCULATION AND ZONES OF USE

Circulation

Observations

• Mark only uses the side door to the home. • Mark’s most frequent trips are to the barn, resource piles around the parking lot, and to the woods. • The next highest frequency of trips take him to the exisiting fruit and nut trees. • Fewest trips are taken to the storage area for the hoophouse infrastructure on the southern edge and to the mailbox. • The existing entrance to the woods enters the forest at a dry area. • Almost all of Mark’s trips around the property occur in a 200’ radius. • Vehicular traffic is isolated to the driveway and small parking area.

Opening into Woods

Fruit trees

1 Shagbark Hickory

Implications

4 Side Door

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Ritual space

• The current driveway cannot accommodate future growth in residency and farm business traffic.

House Mailbox

Zones of use

Observations

LEGEND Storage area of future hoop houses

High Frequency (foot traffic) Mid Frequency (foot traffic)

Barn feet

Low Frequency (foot traffic) Vehicular traffic

• Intensive use is isolated to the area in and around the house and barn. • Occasional activity occurs in the storage area of future greenhouses, fruit trees, and ritual space. • Mark and Nellie spend time in the woods. • No clear destination exists over 2/3 of the focus area. • Intensity of use follows exisiting structures and established fruit trees.

Implications

• Opportunities exist to fully use the entire property.

To Conway The majestic woods.

Path to the woods.

Leaping Frog Farm

Circulation, Access, and Zones of use

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

Side door opens to a screened-in porch, laundry room, and kitchen.

Resource piles at the end of the driveway.

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

8/15

feet

Mid-Succession Hedgerow (wild regrowth) Wooded corridor to mature woods Wind break Habitat for beneficial insects

Mid-Succession Hedgerow

Septic System

North of house Sensitive to large tree roots and vehicular traffic

Wetland Meadow and Isolated Wetlands Flat Area

Lower elevation Wet-loving vegetation High water table Not conducive for siting buildings Not appropriate for conventional agricultural tillage and/or heavy grazing

Pooling

Upland Meadow

Congested Area

Existing driveways and parking can accommodate two residential vehicles. Additional parking and driveways needed to accommodate increased residential and farm vehicular traffic.

Septic System

Wetland Meadow

Storm Drain

Flat Area

Flatter Ground

Less than 2% Slope Appropriate for siting hoop houses and gathering spaces

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

House

Congested Area Isolated Wetland

Pooling and Storm Drains where property meets road Storm Drain

Flat Area

Barn

Isolated Wetland

Pooling

feet

An Agricultural Fusion

SUMMARIZING THE ANALYSES

A majority of the focus area is conducive to growing food, raising livestock and capturing sunlight. The existing upland meadow can be used to cultivate annuals and perennial crops. The wood edge and hedgerow can be fostered as zones of wildlife habitat. The area around the house is currently congested and will need attention if and when new residents move on to the land. The current vegetation does not lend itself to blocking views or providing privacy. Flatter areas are ideal for hoop houses and large gatherings.

Pooling may slow down water entering drains yet water entering drains have negative downstream implications. Keeping more water on the land and out of channelized drains. Opportunities to plant wet-loving vegetation

Upland Meadow

Gently sloped, well drained soils, low vegetation and lots of sun Vegetation: Goldenrod = old agricultural land Precedent for cultivating crops Affords long views Soils: Sandy loam drains well. Average organic matter and low fertility. Good for diverse crop plantings Opportunities to increase fertility Aspect: South to East captures maximum sunlight Good for diverse crop plantings Drainage and Hydrology: no surface flow, ground water close to surface Opportunities to capture and keep water on-site. Slopes: Mostly 10% or less Easy access by foot or vehicle Low chance of erosion

Summary Analysis

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

9/15

Turn, Turn, Turn

These two alternatives share many features of the final design: a shortened driveway and additional residential parking, new access and parking for the farm, a berry patch east of the barn with chickens in the yard, the hoop house location, two ritual spaces, the location of the edible forest garden, the annual production space, digging of a new pond, and a coppice forest.

is focused on maximizing annual crop production.

More Meadows, More Manure

is focused on maximizing diverse areas for livestock grazing.

LEGEND Upland Meadow

Driveway

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Berry Patch

Hoop House

Ritual Space

This design comes close to meeting Mark’s request for 2.5 acres of fields in production. The field is divided into five distinct plots. One plot is left fallow every growing season. The fallow plot is planted with forage crops for the livestock (5-6 sheep and 30 broilers). The livestock is housed in a portable hoop house (20' x 10'). The livestock hoop house is surrounded by temporary electric fencing that can be rotated as needed. A pond is located at the keypoint (the location along the landscape where a distinct shift occurs between shallow to steep). Locating the pond at the keypoint maximizes the opportunity to capture the ground water. The pond will be used for irrigation and drinking water for livestock. This design also includes a cranberry bog in the wetland meadow.

Pros:

• More annual beds (2 acres) • Moveable animal shelter (hoop house) • Maintains wetland meadow

In this design the livestock hoop house is connected to the larger cropproduction-focused hoop house. Keeping the two hoop houses connected provides for multiple functions; in the winter animal body heat can help maintain warmer night temperature for the benefit of the plants, old bedding can be used to fertilize and mulch crops, a permanent paddock can be installed to increase the safety of the animals. This design includes multiple ponds to capture water for use on the farm for irrigation. The ponds will also increase habitat for wildlife diversity.

Annual Beds

Ponds

Edible Forest Garden

Cons:

Pros:

• No overflow parking • Less meadow • Pond at lower elevation

• More pasture, more animals (soil fertility, arrest succession) • Overflow parking in meadow • More ponds (irrigation, habitat)

Cons:

• Less annuals

Autumnal Homestead

Design Alternatives

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

10/15

3 Wetland Meadow: This zone will perform as a transitional

ecosystem. A wetland meadow is home to disticnt flora and fauna that help maintain ecological diversity. This zone can be mowed every couple of years or occasionally lightly grazed (by small ruminants) to arrest succession. The edge is an appropriate spot for growing high-bush blueberries.

4 Annual Beds: These four 1/4-acre plots for annual production are

planted using a keyline strategy which maximizes water catchment from rainfall. Driveable mowed paths surround the field and bisect the beds into four plots.

5 Hoop Houses: Three hoop houses are placed close to each other 4

and within 100' of the barn. The orientation (east-west) in the southern edge of the property maximizes sun exposure. The two larger hoop houses are used to grow fuits and vegetables while the third houses a small flock of sheep and broiler chickens.

6 Ritual Space: This mowed meadow is a centrally-located place to

host larger gatherings. A fire pit is nestled along the western edge of the space. A 10’ x 10’ trellis roof overgrown with grapes to be used in winemaking covers a cob oven used to bake challah and matzah. A patch of ancient wheats hug the northern border of the ritual space. Enter the space either beneath the majestic conifers or through the kitchen garden and two rock walls incoporating the existing boulders.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

9 3

7 Edible Forest Garden: Extending off the hedgerow the 1/2 acre

FEET

garden is planted with perennial polyculture guilds. Multiple patches of fruit and nut trees provide for both personal consumption, filling out members’ weekly shares, and to sell at the market stand. (See sheet 13 for more detail.)

8 Upland Meadow: This minimally maintained space is left intact and used for pasturing the livestock. Kept in its current successional stage, it also provides habitat for local fauna.

A Mature Homestead

Here the magic happens. Food will be grown and harvested. Healthy fresh meals will be cooked and enjoyed. Customers will share in the abundance. Friends will visit and enjoy the comfort of the outdoors. Wildlife will flourish. Soil fertility will increase. Ecological diversity will blossom. Celebration will fill the air.

1 Coppice Forest: Set in the back

northwest corner, this is managed to provide firewood, lumber, biomass, fodder, fencing, and materials for basketmaking and hugelkultur. Included in this corner is a small gathering circle for ceremonies and intention-setting before entering the woods. (See sheet 15 for more detail.)

2 Pond: Creating a pond in a higher elevation creates opportunity to capture runoff from the steep wooded slope. The water stored in the pond can be used for irrigation and as a watering hole for the livestock. A pond also creates a new ecosystem that provides habitat for a diverse array of new flora and fauna.

Mark Benjamin and nellie Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

from private space is essential. A new driveway and parking area along the southern property edge is for farm access and customer and community gathering parking. The mixed berry patch is home for the small flock of laying hens, a u-pick area, and a view barrier to the southern neighbor’s. A small garden and outdoor kitchen round out this private sanctuary. (See sheet 12 for more detail.)

Final Design

Leaping Frog Farm

332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

9 Home Zone: As the farm production increases separating public

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

11/15

Welcome Home

EXPLORING THE HOME ZONE

Mown Lawn or Groundcover

Coming home from a trip to the grocery store first-floor residents pull into a new shortened driveway delineated by large boulders along the top edge. As they walk along the semi-permeable path to the front door and ramp, that bisects a low-maintainence creeping thyme groundcover, they pause to pick some flowers from the pollinator garden and then enter the home to start dinner. Second-floor residents have a separate parking area and entrance through the front door.

RITUAL SPACE Fire Circle

HOUSE

Cob Oven Outdoor Kitchen Area

Hoop House

Mixed Berry Patch

Annual Vegetables and Herbs

Winter Patio

Pollinator Garden

Residential Parking

Pollinator Garden

Shortening the existing driveway also creates a pedestrian-friendly area between the side door and barn. This area takes advantage of the south-facing orientation and the warm microclimate created by the house in the shoulder months, providing a lovely outdoor gathering space near the house. The paths from the driveway to the house and barn are constructed of a crushed aggregate material, allowing for winter snowblowing. Separating farm and customer vehicle traffic enhances the private zone closer to the home.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Mowed Paths

BARN Hoop Houses for Vegetables

Mixed berry patch and outdoor space for a dozen laying hens. Hoop House for Livestock

An outdoor kitchen in the southwestern corner is available for small summertime gatherings. Residents can harvest fresh herbs and veggies from the nearby garden beds to make a healthy meal for themselves and a few friends.

Farm Access Driveway and Parking

“BY WISDOM A HOUSE IS BUILT, AND BY UNDERSTANDING ESTABLISHED”

It’s harvest time. Driving up the new farm access driveway straight to the barn, the farmer can unload bags of potting soil and potato starts and continue to the hoop houses to harvest delicious bunches of kale and collards. CSA members will have seven designated parking spots. Before picking up their shares in the barn, CSA members can stop into the fenced-in mixed berry patch and pick a few quarts of seasonal berries (blueberries, currants, and gooseberries). A small flock of heritage breed laying hens (10-18 birds) will share space with the berries to take advantage of the shared fencing, and to contribute to pest control, fertilizing, and soil scratching. Laying hens close to the house make frequent egg collecting trips more convenient. Community members arriving for a holiday gathering can park in the new farm parking area. Extending from the lot, two separate paths can be used to arrive at the large ritual space.

Tehillim (Psalms) 24:3

Home Zone

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

12/15

Edible Forest Garden: A Verdant Paradise of Abundance PLANTING PALETTE

An edible forest garden is a densely planted, multi-functional garden that mimics a forest’s tendency to reach a mature successional stage. The vegetation occupies a multitude of layers thus maximizing space and functions. The design uses the benefits of each plant to increase the fertility of the whole ecosystem.

Canopy Layer Common Name Northern Pecan Heartnut American Persimmon Chinese Chestnut Paw Paw Mulberry Plum

Scientific Name Carya illinoinensis Juglans ailantifolia Diospyros virginiana Castanea mollissima Asimina triloba Morus spp. Prunus spp.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Pear, Asian and European Pyrus spp. Apple Malus domestica

Sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full sun to part shade full sun to part shade full sun full sun full sun

H (feet) W (feet) 75–120 75–20 60 60 50–75 50–75 25–35 25–35 20–35 20–35 30–50 30–50 8–35 8–35 6–15 6–15

10–30 10–30

Function edible nut edible nut edible fruit edible nut edible nut edible fruit edible fruit

Notes low-maintenance, smaller nut than commercial variety yet richer flavor durable Early Golden prolific producer plant at least two for pollination, foliage can function as an insecticide native red, black & white, reliable, low-maintenance, ripen over long period plant at least two for pollination, may require attention for pest and disease control

edible fruit edible fruit

low-maintenance, susceptible to fireblight, obtain fireblight-resistant varieties plant for cider

Understory Layer Common Name Black Currant Red and White Currant Gooseberry Goumi Bush Cherry Saskatoon Running Juneberry Siberian Pea Shrub Chinquapin Large-Flowered Comfrey Russian Comfrey

Come among the unsown grasses bearing richly, the oaks heavy with acorns, the sweet roots in unplowed earth... --Ursula K. LeGuin Always Coming Home

Edible Forest Garden

Scientific Name Ribes nigrum Ribes silvestre Ribes uva-crispa Eleagnus multiflora Prunus spp. Amelanchier alnifolia Amelanchier stolonifera Caragana arborescens Castanea pumila Symphytum grandiflorum Symphytum x uplandicum

Sun full sun to part shade full sun to part shade full sun to part shade full sun to part shade full sun full sun full sun full sun full sun full sun to part shade full sun to part shade

Key:

DA = Dynamic Accumulator BH = Beneficial Habitat GC = Groundcover SN = Specialist Nectary NF = Nitrogen Fixer

Common Name

Scientific Name

Sun

H (feet)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Pink Tickseed

Coreopsis rosea

full sun to part shade

8–36

indefinite DA, BH, SN

low-maintenance, drought tolerant, medicinal

full sun

1–2

indefinite SN, native

low-maintenance, blooms July to September, ornamental

Sunchoke

Helianthus tuberosus

full sun to part shade

6–12

indefinite edible roots, native

perennial, can be grown for commercial distribution

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

part sun to full shade

4–6

indefinite edible shoots

steam or boil at least 10 minutes to remove toxins

Mints

Mentha spp.

full sun to part shade

1–3

indefinite edible tea, culinary, aromatic

vigorous, will outcompete other herbs

Giant Solomon’s Seal

Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum

full sun to part shade

3–5

indefinite edible shoots, native

cut and use shoots in the spring, leaf cluster at top a bit bitter

Wood Nettle Stinging Nettle

Laportea canadensis Urtica dioica

full sun to part shade full sun to part shade

1–3 3–4

indefinite edible leaves indefinite edible leaves, DA

will thrive in the understory of old-growth forests compost plant

Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

part sun to full shade

4–8

indefinite edible rooot, native

dense, flavor not as pleasant as cultivated ginger

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

W (feet)

Function

Notes

Edible Forest Garden

Mark Benjamin and nellie Road | MA

Notes multistemmed shrub multistemmed shrub multistemmed shrub ripens in late June hardiest of all fruiting plants multistemmed shrub, native running thicket forming shrub, native, fruits in June hardy, non-invasive, chickens love the beans multistemmed shrub, not suited for commercial production can take over sterile, less aggressive than other varieties

Groundcover Layer

Leaping Frog Farm

332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

H (feet) W (feet) Function 3–5 3–5 edible fruit 3–5 3–5 edible fruit 3–5 3–5 edible fruit 6–8 6–8 edible fruit, NF 3–10 3–8 edible fruit 5–15 5–15 edible fruit 4–6 indefinite edible fruit 8–20 12–18 NF 6–20 6–20 edible nut 8–12 18 DA, BH, GC 1-4 3 DA, BH

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

13/15

Coppice Forest Coppicing is an ancient technique for forest management. Coppicing is cutting back branches to promote new growth, which sprouts from the stump or suckers from the base of the tree.

Proper cutting technique. Stems should be cut near ground level and cut angled outwards to shed water.

A coppice forest is a low-input high-yield perennial forest management technique that can provide fuel, craft and building materials, livestock fodder, fencing, and much more. Managing a coppice forest zone will help keep the area on the edge of the existing woods in a young mid-succession forest while providing additional opportunity to diversify habitat. Maintaining this zone will also increase self-sufficiency, reducing the number of off-site inputs required to live comfortably on the homestead. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-mark-write-a-coppice-agroforestry-book Coppice forest on a foggy day.

A coppice forest can be managed on a 5–25-year cutting cycle depending on the species of trees. The Red Alder, Willow, and the Red Osier Dogwood can be harvested on a more frequent rotation (1–5 years).

Improper cutting technique.

Also in this zone the main trailhead leads into the woods due to the dryness along this wood edge and the Japanese knotweed is harvested for medicinal purposes.

Planting Palette

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

Coppice Forest

Biomass material.

Common Name

Scientific Name

Function

Red Alder North American Beech Willow Red Osier Dogwood American Hophornbeam Chinese Chestnut Honey Locust Oak Red Maple

Alnus rubra Fagus grandifolia Salix spp. Cornus sericea Ostrya virginiana Castanea mollissima Gleditsia triacanthos Quercus spp. Acer rubrum

medicinal, fencing lumber, firewood, edible nuts wattle for fencing, smaller in diameter wattle for fencing, smaller in diameter tool handles, firewood fencing, edible nuts fencing, fodder firewood, posts, edible nuts firewood

2”-4” diameter logs to be used for fencing and/or firewood.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/

myfrenchforest.blogspot.com

Using branches for fencing.

http://ditchfieldcrafts.blogspot.com/

Prolific new shoot growth from a coppiced willow.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ coppiceagroforestry/dave-and-markwrite-a-coppice-agroforestry-book/ posts/49711

Mark Benjamin and nellie Road | MA

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

Bundles of colorful basket willow branches to be used for weaving and decoration.

Multiple stages of a coppice forest.

www.willowworks.co.uk

Coppice Forest

Leaping Frog Farm

332 S. Deerfield Conway, 413-369-4044

A coppiced stool with several years of regrowth.

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

gressenhallfw.wordpress.com

14/15

Wetland Meadow Why is a wetland meadow important? A wetland meadow serves multiple functions in a vibrant landscape, such as habitat, water filtration, and a source for food. Authors Mitsch and Gosselink write that wetlands exist “...at the interface between truly terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic systems, making them inherently different from each other, yet highly dependent on both.”

http://knechts.net/post-343/

wallpaiper.com

Check with local conservation commission before any work is done in this zone. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/

The edge of the meadow is an ideal area for planting highbush bluberry.

imgarcade.com

Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor

caseytrees.org

How to maintain a wetland meadow? Yearly mowing or browsing is advised to maintain the current successional stage. Minimize grazing of large livestock, heavy equipment, and/or frequent foot traffic.

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

What grows in a wetland meadow? • • • • • • •

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamonea) Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica) Violet (Viola spp.) Flat-topped White Aster (Aster umbellatus)

prairiehaven.com Sedge meadow with Joe-Pye Weed purenewzelandhoney.com

Pond

Fern frond

Why is a pond important? A pond serves multiple functions in a vibrant landscape, such as wildlife habitat, water filtration and capture, a reservoir for irrigation and a potential source for food. The ideal site for a pond would be at the edge of the coppice forest and annual beds, not in the wetland meadow. At this upper elevation it can reduce the amount of runoff moving downslope and off-site and still allow for irrigation through gravity. The edge of the pond is a very delicate ecotone. Encouraging differing heights of vegetation allows for optimal habitat for water-loving fauna. A pond is also a benefit for both the birds and other residents of the land.

gressenhallfw.wordpress.com

How to establish a pond?

Pond in a coppice forest

Once the spot is identified dig an observation pit 3'–6' deep. Monitor the water level for one year. The volume of water needed for irrigation will influence the size of the pond. Design the pond to have gently sloped edges to make access easier and to avoid erosion.

Pond

Wetland Meadow

Edible pond plants:

Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica) Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Yellow Pond-Lily (Nuphar advena) White Water-Lily (Nymphaea odorata) High vegetation along pond edge

Wetland Meadow & Pond

Leaping Frog Farm

Mark Benjamin and nellie 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 413-369-4044

Box

179 | 01341 www.csld.edu

3325 Shelburne Falls Road, Conway, MA

ehlt.org

North

Student Designer: Aitan Mizrahi Fall 2014

15/15