Middlebury College Master Plan by Andropogon Associates, Ltd

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN 2008 middlebury college

May 2008

Campus Master Planning Committee Planning Team Michael Dennis & Associates Andropogon Associates, Ltd. Consultants Arup Cosentini Associates, Inc. EarthTech Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates Kessler McGuinness & Associates, LLC Paulien & Associates, Inc. Phelps Engineering, Inc. Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott

contents

Acknowledgments Letter from the President Mission, Global Context, and Place The Strategic Plan and the Campus Plan

VIII IX X XI

1. Executive Summary

5. Sustainability Introduction

Analysis

Evaluation and Prognosis

Guidelines

Recommendations

Introduction

Middleburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission and Context

6. Built Systems

The Planning Process

Campus Spatial Structure

Planning Assumptions

Proposed Campus Spatial Structure

The Goals of the Plan

The Architectural Plan

Organization of the Master Plan

Circulation

The Contemporary Campus

Parking

The Long-Range Vision

Universal Accessibility

Concept

Infrastructure Systems

Major Components of the Plan

Systems of the Plan

7. Natural Systems

Implementation of the Plan

Introduction

Assessment and Analysis

2. Background

Landscape Plan and Principles

103

Regional Context

Town and College Context

8. Social and Academic Programs

The Campus Context

Academic Space Planning

110

Campus Planning at Middlebury

Athletics

120

Campus Growth: 1816â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2006

Residential Life

124

The Arts

128

Student Activities and Social Life

134

3. The Campus Today Contemporary Campus Issues

Contemorary Campus Problems

4. The Campus Plan

9. College Policies Introduction

136

Policies

136

Concept and Principles

The Long-Range Plan

10. Implementation

Major Components

Introduction

138

Bicentennial Park and Battell Field

Three Levels of Planning and Plans

138

Le Chateau Quad

Process

138

College Street

Phasing

139

Main Quad

Old Chapel Walk

Hillcrest Residential

Library Park

Centeno Plaza

South Main Street

Arts Quad

Athletics

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

VIII

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Officers of the Corporation Frederick M. Fritz, Chair Ronald D. Liebowitz, President Roxanne M. Leighton, Vice Chair Kendrick R. Wilson III, Vice Chair Betsy M. Etchells, Secretary F. Robert Huth, Treasurer Buildings & Grounds Committee of the Board of Trustees Steven Peterson, Chair Robin Graham, Former Chair Pamela Tanner Boll Charles M. Gately Olivier P. L. Halley Jane Rosenthal Horvitz James R. Keyes Patrick McConathy John Tormondsen Marna Whittington Linda Foster Whitton Will Jackson, Emeritus C. Irving Meeker, Emeritus Milton Peterson, Emeritus David Thompson, Emeritus President’s Staff Alison Byerly, Provost and Executive Vice President; Professor of English and American Literatures Susan Campbell, Dean of Faculty; Associate Professor of Psychology Robert S. Clagett, Dean of Admissions David Donahue, Associate Vice President College Advancement Operations Barbara Doyle-Wilch, Dean of Library and Information Services John Emerson, Secretary of the College; Dean of Planning; Dana Professor of Mathematics Betsy Etchells, Executive Assistant to the President Michael Geisler, Dean of Language Schools and Schools Abroad; Professor of German; Language Schools Administration F. Robert Huth, Executive Vice President and Treasurer Nan Jenks-Jay, Dean of Environmental Affairs Michael McKenna, Vice President for Communications Patrick Norton, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer Cathryn Pridal, American Council on Education Fellow Sunder Ramaswamy, Dean of Faculty Development and Research; Dirks Professor of Economics; Director of Middlebury-Monterey Integration Task Force Shirley Ramirez, Vice President for Institutional Planning and Diversity; Assistant Professor of Psychology Mike Schoenfeld, Vice President for College Advancement Tim Spears, Dean of the College; Professor of American Studies Master Planning Committee Steven Peterson, Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee of Board of Trustees Robin Graham, Former Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee of Board of Trustees Glenn Andres, Christian A. Johnson Professor of Art; Director of the Arts Jennifer Bleich, Project Manager, Office of Facilities Services Pieter Broucke, Associate Professor of History of Art and Architecture Jack Byrne, Campus Sustainability Coordinator, Environmental Affairs Bob Cluss, Dean of Curriculum; Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Barbara Doyle-Wilch, Dean of Library and Information Services Tafadzwa Irvine Dube ’08 John Emerson, Secretary of the College; Dean of Planning; Dana Professor of Mathematics Macky Gaines, Operations Manager, Language Schools Administration Michael Geisler, Dean of Language Schools and Schools Abroad; Professor of German; Language Schools Administration Nan Jenks-Jay, Dean of Environmental Affairs Nick McClintock ’08 Susan Personette, Associate Vice President for Facilities

Tim Spears, Dean of the College; Professor of American Studies Charlotte Tate, Assistant Director, Rohatyn Center for International Affairs Devyn Young ’07 Additional Faculty and Staff Contributors Matthew Biette, Director of Dining Services Lisa Boudah, Associate Dean of the College, Director of Public Safety Rebecca Brodigan, Director of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning Peter Burton, Golf Course Superintendent and Ski Shop Manager Thomas Corbin, Assistant Treasurer and Director of Business Services Jim Dayton, Director of Golf Operations Marc Lapin, Associate in Science Instruction in Environmental Studies Jodi Litchfield, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator Jennifer Nuceder, Former Course Scheduling and AP Credit Specialist Erin Quinn, Director of Athletics Carol Rifelj, Jean Thomson Fulton Professor of French Stephen Trombulak, Mead Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Additional Student and Alumni Contributors Eli Berman ’07 Kelly Blynn ’07 Caitlin Brome ’07 Chester Harvey ’09 Jason Kowalski ’07 Benjamin Buxton Morris ’03 Philip Picotte ’08 Dan Stone ’05 Nathaniel E. Vandal ’07 Town of Middlebury and Addison County Regional Planning Officials John Barstow, Chair of Planning Commission Fred Dunnington, Town Planner Adam Lougee, Director of Addison County Regional Planning Commission Natalie Peters, Chair of Design Advisory Committee John Tenny, Chair of Selectboard Office of Facilities Services Contributors Melissa Beckwith, Waste Management/General Services Supervisor Norm Cushman, Director of Facilities Services Mark Gleason, Project Manager, Planning, Design and Construction Alden Harwood, MEP Manager Thomas McGinn, Project Manager, Planning, Design and Construction George McPhail, Engineering and Energy Manager Mike Moser, Assistant Director of Facilities Services Tim Parsons, Horticulturalist Linda Ross, Assistant Director of Custodial Services Mary Stanley, Space Manager Luther Tenny, Assistant Director of Facilities Services Mike Wakefield, Maintenance Electrician A Support Cathy Bilodeau, Assistant to AVP and Director of Facilities Services; Office Manager; Budget Analyst Barbara McBride, Assistant to the President Stephanie Neil, Assistant to the Executive Vice President and Treasurer Planning Team Michael Dennis & Associates Andropogon Associates, Ltd. Consultants Arup Cosentini Associates, Inc. EarthTech Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates Kessler McGuinness & Associates, LLC Paulien & Associates, Inc. Phelps Engineering, Inc. Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

and the planning. The Plan includes a civic structure plan that defines outdoor spaces large and small, as well as

Dear Members of the Middlebury College family,

long-range building opportunities; architectural principles and guidelines; landscape principles and guidelines; and

When Knowledge without Boundaries: The Middlebury

analyses of, and recommendations for, sustainability,

College Strategic Plan was approved by the Trustees in the

utilities, accessibility, academic space planning, and

spring of 2006, it became apparent that the College was

parking. It is a tightly woven document that addresses all

in need of a new Campus Master Plan to support that

aspects of our physical facilities.

vision. The key underpinning of the Strategic Plan is a new commitment to the human dimension of the Middlebury

This document also defines a process to ensure that future

experience.

decisions regarding campus change and growth conform to the concepts of the Campus Master Plan. The urgency

In April 2006, I appointed a Master Plan Committee to

of the moment sometimes causes us to deviate from our

develop a new master plan. The College invited master

goals and principles for the sake of expediency. As we move

planner Michael Dennis & Associates to guide us through

ahead with the implementation of this Master Plan, it will

this process. In addition to the Committee and the planners,

be important to resist the tendency to locate and design

hundreds of campus constituents have contributed to the

facilities to satisfy an immediate short-term requirement

design of this new plan. I am grateful to all of them for

at the expense of the long-term quality of the campus.

their commitment of time and energy to this important

Following the framework of this Plan will allow us to

endeavor. Developed by and for the Middlebury College

respond thoughtfully, effectively, and creatively to the needs

and Town community, this Campus Master Plan will guide

of the future, while also ensuring that the Middlebury

the development of our campus for at least the next half-

campus’s most beloved characteristics and qualities are

century. I am pleased to share it with you now.

preserved for generations to come.

A campus is space and buildings, but it is the people—the

The recommendations of the Master Plan form a strong

human dimension—that make the College great. Its

and essential vision that will guide our planning efforts.

built environment—from buildings and structures to

They serve as guidelines, however, rather than as blueprints.

the landscape that surrounds and contains them—must

Implementing these principles over time will require the

support and sustain that excellence. Our culture of

ongoing and informed judgment of faculty, students, and

excellence requires an infrastructure of excellence.

staff who are committed to the common good of the College community. I look forward to working alongside

As the place where students, staff, and faculty come

you in the effort to further shape our campus to reflect our

together, the campus is an integral and essential tool for

vision, mission, and strategic plans.

accomplishing our academic mission. It is our shared responsibility to continue to create a campus environment

Ronald D. Liebowitz

which supports that mission and enhances the quality of

President, Middlebury College

life for generations of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. With one eye toward the future, and one eye toward our rich academic and architectural heritage, the Master Plan will help us do just that. It provides a framework to guide the development of the College and ensure that future development decisions reflect academic purposes and priorities for the next 30 to 50 years. This is the first time Middlebury has had a Campus Master Plan as comprehensive and long-range as this. An overall theme of sustainability is woven throughout the thinking

Ronald D. Liebowitz, President

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

MISSION, GLOBAL CONTEXT, & PLACE It is difficult to imagine that for almost a century Middlebury College was the “Town’s College,” with a student enrollment that was never much more than 100. But during the twentieth century, both enrollment and campus facilities increased exponentially, and the College’s mission was completely transformed. The Strategic Plan states: “Middlebury’s borders extend far beyond Addison County. Middlebury’s Language Schools, Schools Abroad, Bread Loaf School of English, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and the Monterey Institute for International Studies provide top-quality specialized education, 1

including graduate education, in selected areas of critical importance to a rapidly changing world community.” This reality is reflected in the following mission statement adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 2, 2006. Middlebury College Mission Statement At Middlebury College we challenge students to participate fully in a vibrant and diverse academic community. The College’s Vermont location offers an inspirational setting for learning and reflection, reinforcing our commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into both our curriculum and our practices on campus. Yet the College also reaches far beyond the Green Mountains, offering a rich array of undergraduate and graduate programs that connect our community to other places, countries, and cultures. We strive to engage students’ capacity for rigorous analysis and independent thought within a wide range of disciplines and endeavors, and to cultivate the

intellectual, creative, physical, ethical, and social qualities essential for leadership in a rapidly changing global community. Through the pursuit of knowledge unconstrained by national or disciplinary boundaries, students who come to Middlebury learn to engage the world. The quest for “knowledge without boundaries” is tethered to the specialness of place, however. The Strategic Plan also states: “Our natural setting in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, with the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west, is also crucial to our identity, providing refreshment and inspiration as well as a natural laboratory for research. The beauty of our well-maintained campus provides a sense of permanence, stability, tradition, and stewardship. Middlebury has established itself as a leader in campus environmental initiatives, with an accompanying educational

focus on environmental issues around the globe.”

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

THE STRATEGIC PLAN & THE CAMPUS PLAN

Strategic Plan Recommendations

FIGURE 1

The Strategic Plan provides 82 recommendations for

Aerial view of the Green Mountains

A strategic plan articulates an institution’s mission, and

achieving the goals, 18 of which relate directly to the Cam-

provides a vision and recommendations for achieving it. A

pus Master Plan. These are described in “Chapter 5: Cam-

campus master plan should reinforce the strategic plan by

pus, Infrastructure, and Environment,” and are as follows:

FIGURE 2

Aerial view of Middlebury College

promoting a supportive physical environment that embodies and facilitates the institutional mission.

#63 Revise and expand the Campus Master Plan to reflect the Strategic Plan

Middlebury College’s May 11, 2006 strategic plan, Knowl-

#64 Complete the Commons physical infrastructure

edge without Boundaries: The Middlebury College Strategic

#65 Equalize housing opportunities for seniors

Plan, defined the College’s mission, and outlined three

#66 Improve space for departments and programs

strategic goals:

#67 Create more space for the arts #68 Strengthen our environmental leadership and reputation

Strategic Goal # 1

#69 Pursue alternative environmentally friendly energy sources

Strengthen support for a diverse student community.

#70 Design energy efficient buildings and operations

The Master Plan has an indirect relationship with this goal,

#71 Consider the various impacts of development on the Col-

but it helps promote it by encouraging a variety of envi-

lege campus and the natural environment

ronmental experiences, and promoting a greater sense of

#73 Continue to manage College lands responsibly

community.

#74 Continue making alterations to facilities that improve their accessibility for those with disabilities, and work

Strategic Goal # 2 Strengthen the academic program and foster intensive student-faculty interaction.

toward universal access #75 Better utilize existing facilities through efficient scheduling and management

The Master Plan seeks to consolidate academic departmen-

#76 Increase availability of alternate forms of transportation

tal space, and bring the physical form of the Commons sys-

#77 Search for creative ways to reduce reliance on private vehicles

tem into alignment with the College’s socio-academic goal

#78 Convert Old Chapel Road into a pedestrian-friendly

of more integrated student-faculty interaction.

campus artery #80 Cultivate open dialogue with the Town

Strategic Goal # 3

#81 Limit the use of community housing by students

Reinforce the role of the Commons as a place to bring

#82 Address traffic and commuting concerns

together academic and residential life. The Master Plan proposes a long-range strategy for

The Campus Master Plan endorses all of these recom-

completion of the Commons system in accordance with

mendations, and addresses each in the appropriate parts

the general goals for the Commons, as well as the more

of the Plan. Recommendation #73, “Continue to manage

particular recommendations.

College lands responsibly,” is broader than the scope of the Plan—which is limited to the main campus—but is addressed within the environs of the main campus. Just as the Strategic Plan contains issues that are not directly germane to the Master Plan, however, the Master Plan addresses issues not specifically referred to in the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan relates to the quality of the institution as a whole, while the Campus Master Plan relates specifically to the quality of the built environment. Thus, the two plans should be regarded as complementary documents.

FIGURE 3

Map of the world showing locations of Middlebury College programs abroad

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE

FIGURE 1

View of the surrounding landscape from Middlebury College FIGURE 2

View of Old Chapel Hall and Library Park

E XECUTIVE SUMM ARY

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Finally, there is a relationship between the physical form of a campus and its academic mission, and this is especially

Why a Master Plan? Middlebury College has one of the most

true at Middlebury College. Thus, the linkage between

unforgettable and stunningly beautiful campuses in America.

mission, strategic plan, and master plan is at once funda-

Further, after a period of rapid facilities growth, the College’s

mental and elusive. It is a linkage that must be continually

focus has shifted from building the campus to increasing

reexamined.

academic excellence. So, why a plan? One answer is simple: planning is important, and the best planning happens in the

MIDDLEBURY’S MISSION AND CONTEXT

lulls between periods of building activity. The other answer is related, but less obvious: in a time of limited resources, the

Within the last fifty years Middlebury College has risen

College has expanded far, rapidly, and sometimes on an ad

from a small, regional liberal arts college to an internation-

hoc basis, thus putting a strain on infrastructure, resources,

ally recognized institution at the top of its class. It is an

and landscape. There are also major energy and accessibility

intellectually and physically mobile institution, with global

issues that should be addressed. Finally, other facilities will be

programs tethered to rural Vermont by technology. During

needed; thus a plan is not a luxury, but a necessity.

this period, enrollment increased and the Middlebury campus expanded significantly. Culturally in America, this was

Middlebury College has an incomparable setting that is re-

a period in which unbridled optimism was fueled by belief

vered; the campus has generally had good stewardship; and

in limitless resources and continuous technological innova-

it has had some good campus planning. But it has never

tion. Oil appeared abundant; suburban life flourished; and

had a master plan that deals holistically with the entire

movement replaced stasis as a fundamental characteristic

campus as a physical and social environment.

of our society. The United States was a world leader on all fronts. With 4.6% of the world’s population, we consume

To be successful a master plan should comprise a vision, a plan,

almost one-third of the world’s oil. Also during this period,

and a process. It should be an organic, or dynamic, instru-

world population doubled, from 3 billion to 6 billion, and

ment that lends itself to reinterpretation—not a static design

almost unnoticed, the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide

that aims to solve all problems for all times (i.e., one that will

and other greenhouse gasses rose to levels not seen for

become quickly obsolete because its details become quickly ob-

125,000 years, increasingly warming our planet.

solete). The key to achieving this is the idea that good campus design is the design of space—not buildings. In other words,

Now, as we enter the twenty-first century, most

campus design is primarily about designing the pattern of cam-

environmental projections are not optimistic. World

pus open spaces: quadrangles, courts, streets, and walks. It is these

population is predicted to increase by another 3 billion

spaces that endure and form our most poignant memories of

in the next half-century; carbon emissions threaten

campus life. Buildings shape these spaces, but their uses should

inexorable climate change; and the end of oil will be part

be free to change over time. The Plan addresses these issues.

of the twentieth century’s many legacies. Thus, despite Middlebury College’s ecological leadership to date,

The Middlebury College Campus Master Plan is intended as

global environmental issues may likely challenge the very

a flexible instrument to guide the physical development of

foundations of Middlebury College’s current mission.

the campus over the next half-century. In addition to its long-

Carefully balanced, incremental decisions will have to

range strategic intentions, however, it also contains near-term

be made—within a long-term vision—if Middlebury

and mid-term recommendations for capital improvements.

College’s mission is to evolve and be sustainable.

Naturally, near-term capital projects are clearer in their details; those further out in time are less predictable. Nevertheless, the

The Campus Master Plan is intended as a framework within

Plan’s strategic recommendations—those regarding the pat-

which those decisions can be judiciously made. The Plan is

tern of open spaces that form the public realm of the campus,

not prescriptive in most of its details—especially building

its civic structure—should be precise enough to sustain the

use—but it is highly prescriptive in its larger ideas. It is in-

Plan over time.

tended as a broad framework that will guide development of the campus over the next fifty years. It addresses issues

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

of College planning policies, open-space structure, land use, density of development, primary circulation systems, infrastructure, and relationship to the surrounding community. The goal is to provide a stable but precise framework that enables near-term decisions regarding physical development to contribute to a sustained long-range vision of the campus—one that conserves campus resources and produces a beautiful, efficient, and coherent campus environment through the twenty-first century. Indeed, environmental considerations are the foundations of the Plan.

The Commons System will continue in some form; and The collaborative relationship between the College and the Town will continue. THE GOALS OF THE PLAN During the early phase of the planning process described above, ten campus planning goals were developed with the Master Planning Committee in a series of workshops:

Goal #1 THE PLANNING PROCESS

Promote Sustainability in all College Operations This goal is intended to build on Middlebury’s long-stand-

The campus planning process began with a diagnostic

ing commitment to sustainability (see definition on p. 43),

phase—primarily in the summer of 2006—during which

and to make it more comprehensive and measurable so as

briefings were held with members of the College admin-

to assure continuous improvements.

istration, staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The master

Goal #2

planning team also conducted a reconnaissance of the

Enhance Middlebury’s Relationship to the Landscape

campus and gathered the basic documentation required

Middlebury’s most unique and revered environmental

for the planning effort. At the end of this phase, the team

characteristic should be not only preserved, but enhanced.

presented the results of the briefings, which were outlined as goals; the results of the reconnaissance, which were outlined as building and landscape evaluations; and a schedule and work plan to accomplish the master planning goals. During the 2006–2007 academic year, the team developed the Campus Master Plan in collaboration with representa-

Goal #3 Reinforce the Campus’s Architectural Character and Scale The architectural character and scale of Middlebury’s historic core buildings is highly valued, and should again be the basis for future development.

tives of the College and the Town, and continued to meet

Goal #4

with stakeholder groups for information and presenta-

Promote an Accessible Pedestrian-friendly Campus

tions. Status presentations were made in public forums,

Universal accessibility is both desirable and necessary;

and to the President’s Staff, the President, and the Board

the desire for a pedestrian-friendly campus was virtually

of Trustees.

unanimous.

Goal #5 Middlebury College is a unique institution. Engagement with

Improve the Relationship between Town and College

the College and Town not only enriched the plan, but ensured

This goal is promoted and supported by both the College

that ideals were adapted to the circumstance of the place.

and the Town.

PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS The major planning assumptions underpinning the Campus Master Plan are that: The size of the student body will not increase;

Goal #6 Increase the Variety of Campus Open Spaces There is widespread support for increasing the number of small-size to medium-size campus spaces.

Goal #7 Optimize Campus Circulation

The size of the faculty will increase by 25—almost 10%—

The intent of this goal is to rationalize the campus’s circula-

thus positively modifying the student-faculty ratio;

tion systems: from paths, to walks, to streets.

Junior year abroad will continue;

E XECUTIVE SUMM ARY

Goal #8 Foster the Twelve-month Campus

There is a mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationship between the nine-month academic year and the summer language programs.

Goal #9 Clarify the Distribution of Campus Functions

The intent of this goal is to consolidate academic units and promote a more coherent use structure.

Goal #10 Establish Connectivity between Campus Areas

The College has become extended and disconnected; greater continuity between parts will reestablish the whole. ORGANIZATION OF THE MASTER PLAN The Campus Master Plan can be described either holistically—as an overall composition and set of components, for example—or as a series of independent, but interrelated, systems or disciplines, such as circulation, parking, etc. Both types of description are useful, and are the basis for the organization of the Plan. For Example, Chapter 4, “The Campus Plan,” describes the overall conceptual characteristics and major components of the Plan, whereas Chapters 5–8 describe the various systems that comprise the Plan: “Sustainability,” “Built Systems,” “Natural Systems,” and “Social and Academic Programs.” The Executive Summary is an abbreviated version of the

complete Campus Master Plan.

FIGURE 1

THE CONTEMPORARY CAMPUS

Contemporary plan of the Middlebury College campus with Town buildings shown in gray

Until 1945 Le Chateau stood apart in the open landscape,

FIGURE 2

but the main part of the Middlebury College campus was

Plan of Middlebury College in 1945

compact and clear. Between 1945 and 2006, student enrollment more than doubled, from 1,000 to 2,350, and the building area increased from 650,000 gross square feet to more than 2,000,000—an increase of more than 300%. Not only did the campus increase in building area, it increased in campus area and distance. This enormous expansion was not guided by a plan, but occurred as a series of individual buildings, some quite large. The proposed Plan aims to emphasize the campus’s positive qualities, and make appropriate adjustments for the future.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

6 8

10 11

E XECUTIVE SUMM ARY

THE LONG-RANGE VISION

of the campus, but with significant restructuring of the

FIGURE 1

landscape. Indeed, the campus open space plan is the most

Proposed long-range plan of the Middlebury College campus

The Middlebury Campus Master Plan is a hierarchical, com-

important element of the Plan. It emphasizes, clarifies, and

prehensive plan that proposes a reorientation of develop-

augments the existing pattern of open spaces, and enhances

ment policy to bring the physical environment into sustain-

the campus’s contribution to regional ecosystems.

FIGURE 2

of the place. It does this by acupuncture rather than invasive

The campus comprises three major areas: Arts and Ath-

surgery, ie: by small scale improvements, rather than an ex-

letics, the Main Quad and its surrounds, and the “Battell

Aerial perspective view of the proposed long-range plan of the Middlebury College campus

tensive reconfiguration of the campus, and by emphasizing

Beach” area north of College Street. These areas or campus

the College’s existing characteristics rather than by advocat-

districts are referred to in the Plan as: the South Campus,

ing radical change.

the Central Campus, and the North Campus. Currently,

able alignment with the academic mission and the ecology

these areas are disconnected, which heightens the psycho-

LEGEND

The Plan makes a series of interrelated, but independent, rec-

logical distance between them. The plan seeks to bind these

ommendations that may be accomplished over a long period

areas together through a safer, more continuous network

Bicentennial Park

of time. Some may be opportunistic; some may be precipi-

of spaces.

Battell Field

Le Chateau Quad

College Street

Main Quad

tated by necessity or other projects; and some may require imagination and will. Some recommendations are more MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN

important than others, but all contribute to the whole. The Campus Master Plan consists of a long-range Master Plan,

Old Chapel Walk

The Plan is composed of sub-parts, or components. Some

Hillcrest Residential

of these components—such as the Main Quad—are fa-

Library Park

miliar in form and terminology; others—such as the Arts

Campus Entry/Centeno Plaza

Quad—are proposed new components with new names.

10. South Main Street

These components are indicated on the adjacent plan and

11. Arts Quad

The Plan proposes careful, limited, internal building de-

the aerial view below, and are described more fully in the

12. Athletics

velopment, rather than continued outward expansion

following pages and in Chapter 4: The Campus Plan.

and plans for the natural and built systems that support it.

CONCEPT

1 2 3

7 4 5

9 10 11 12 2

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

It is important to remember that the proposed projects and

Le Chateau Quad and Walk

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Bicentennial Park and Battell Field

recommendations outlined here are a framework of possibili-

Replace Battell Hall with new buildings

ties that may be accomplished over a long period of time.

Develop new quadrangle Provide orthogonal and diagonal walks

It is also important to notice that this will require a differ-

Replace service drive with tree-lined promenade

FIGURE 2

ent—planned—way of thinking and budgeting for campus

Develop new Atwater courtyard north of Le Chateau

Perspective view of the proposed Battell Field

development. Traditionally, buildings are seen as “capital projects,” whereas landscape is seen as “maintenance.” This Plan proposes that all projects be seen as “capital projects,” with ap-

FIGURE 3

propriate budgets, schedules, design review, etc. Library Park

Perspective view of the proposed Le Chateau Quad

is a beautiful example of this kind of initiative. Old Chapel

FIGURE 4

Perspective view of the proposed College Street FIGURE 5

Perspective view of the proposed Main Quad

Walk could be another. In addition to a different way of thinking and budgeting, a new way of planning is also required. This will involve project initi-

ation and monitoring, and design review and control. Recom-

College Street

mendations for the establishment of a Master Plan Committee

Reduce width of street to two lanes

to achieve this are included in Chapter 10: Implementation.

Line street with trees and sidewalks Provide bicycle path on north side

Campus Plan Projects

Put power lines underground

Bicentennial Park

Reduce number of pedestrian crossings and relocate

Revise path system to be more curvilinear and picturesque

Provide new roundabouts at Storrs Park and Bicentennial Way

Plant more (groved) trees Grassy meadow to replace lawn

1 Battell Field Rejuvenate soil and provide drainage system Define the space by trees Replace sloped lawn with ground cover Improve Forest courtyard

4 Main Quad Selectively remove trees and plant new ones appropriately Thin the upper slope trees and limb them up Replace shrubs on upper slope with ground cover Rejuvenate soil and provide drainage Revise walks as illustrated

Improve Ross courtyard Develop new Ross courtyard

E XECUTIVE SUMM ARY

Old Chapel Walk

Centeno Plaza

FIGURE 6

Replace Old Chapel Road with tree-lined, pedestrian-

Remove and relocate service parking at Service Building

oriented promenade

Provide new entry plaza at Centeno Hall

Perspective view of the proposed Old Chapel Walk

Provide new connection to Old Chapel Walk Widen Stewart Hill Road for two-way traffic if necessary

FIGURE 7

South Main Street

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Hillcrest Residential area

Provide new roundabout at Stewart Hill Road Provide street trees and parallel parking on southeast side Arts Quad Provide new entry drive to the Mahaney Center for the Arts parking lot at Stewart Hill Road Develop new Arts Quad behind Munford and Meeker 6

Transform CFA into a Center for the Performing Arts with additions for theater, music, and dance

Hillcrest Residential Redesign Hepburn Road as pedestrian-oriented promenade Replace Proctor with new court or quadrangle Provide new residential buildings around courtyards Redesign/renovate Hillcrest Road

Library Park

Athletics

Selectively replace trees as required

Provide a new field house on the site of the “Bubble”

Restore the “Garden of the Seasons”

Expand the fitness center Provide new outdoor tennis courts Rejuvenate soil and provide drainage for the practice fields Golf Course Renovate the existing golf course to improve its playability and sustainability Replace non-fairway areas with meadow and trees

FIGURE 8

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Library Park FIGURE 9

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Centeno–Arts Quad Area

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

SYSTEMS OF THE PLAN

institution. It also compares very favorably with its peer institutions. The Plan recommends some reorganization and

The various systems that compose the Plan are summarized

redistribution of parking according to the principle that no

here, and are covered in more detail later in this report.

one should have to walk more than about five minutes to their office or class. Other recommendations address de-

Sustainability

mand management.

Middlebury College has been an environmental leader for over forty years. The sustainability part of the Master Plan

Universal Accessibility

aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current

An assessment of primary campus walkways and some

environmental status of the campus and suggest levels of

thirty representative campus buildings revealed that

improvement and measuring. The College does extremely

Middlebury College can improve its accessibility. The Plan

well in some categories, for example fuel source and waste

recommends a college-wide, universal access initiative to

management, but major improvements need to be achieved

address this issue. (See Chapter 6.)

in building energy use, in transportation, and in monitoring and measuring. (See Chapter 5.)

Infrastructure The College has an effective, well-maintained Central Plant

Campus Open Space

that will soon be expanded to include a biomass gasifica-

The College has a beautiful historic core, consisting of the

tion boiler, and an extensive steam distribution system.

Main Quad and Library Park. The principles of this core

The Master Plan recommends planning within the existing

need to be expanded and extended to the North and South

infrastructure for the foreseeable future, choosing energy

Campuses to create a greater variety of more legible open

sources with low carbon emissions and using alternative

spaces. Further, the circulation network of streets, walks,

building systems to reduce energy consumption. As future

and paths should be more developed in order to connect

buildings are brought on-line, the use of of alternative en-

the parts of the campus. (See Chapter 6.)

ergy sources should be explored. (See Chapter 6.)

Architecture

Landscape

The College also has a tradition of dignified heritage build-

The landscape of Middlebury College is beautiful and well

ings. These buildings are civic buildings in that they are

maintained. The campus has expanded, however, and this,

both individually unique, and also part of a larger, more

coupled with the heavy use it receives and the natural con-

communal order. As larger, more idiosyncratic buildings

ditions of the site, has contributed to some degradation of

have been built farther and farther out from the core of the

soil and landscape. Maintenance requirements are exten-

campus, however, some coherence has been lost. The Plan

sive. The Plan proposes a series of initiatives to rejuvenate

suggests a return to the language of the heritage buildings,

and improve the landscape, reduce maintenance, and make

and careful placement within the current campus rather

the landscape more complementary to the campus open

than continuing outward. (See Chapter 6.)

space structure. (See Chapter 7: Natural Systems.)

Circulation

Space Needs

In pursuit of a more pedestrian-friendly campus, the Plan

After a major period of expansion, the College is focusing

proposes traffic-calming improvements for both College

on improving academic excellence and strengthening the

Street and South Main Street, including roundabouts at ap-

human dimensions of the College community. Indeed,

propriate locations. The Plan also recommends transform-

the College compares favorably with its peer institutions

ing several internal streets and service drives into tree-lined

in most categories of social and academic space. There are

pedestrian walks. Finally, it recommends the rationaliza-

some areas where Middlebury is short, however, most nota-

tion of the system of campus walks and paths.

bly: the Arts and Student Life. In addition, there appears to be some semi-immediate academic need. Near-term capital

Parking

project needs include: two residence halls to facilitate the

Middlebury College has adequate parking for the size of the

Commons and provide surge space (for major renova-

E XECUTIVE SUMM ARY

tions), an office/classroom building, Proctor renovations

Future Building Projects

to extend its life, and McCullough renovations to improve student life. Longer-term projects include facilities for the

Student Activities

arts, for athletics, and a new student center.

Renovate McCullough Renovate Proctor (for 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15-year life span)

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN Residential Life A Master Plan without a process will not succeedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;espe-

Build one new dorm for Wonnacott Commons

cially if the Plan is a framework plan. Therefore, a Master

Build one new dorm for swing space

Plan Committee is proposed to monitor and manage the implementation of the Campus Master Plan. This com-

Academic Space

mittee should meet regularly to encourage consistent and

Build one new office/classroom building

appropriate development of the Plan. Residential Life

Future Landscape Projects

Renovate Forest, Hepburn, and Stewart

The Campus Master Plan identifies a series of landscape improvement projects. These have been grouped by

Accessibility

possible phase as follows:

Renovate buildings to meet appropriate federal standards

Group 1: Main Quad rejuvenation

Building Envelopes

Old Chapel Walk

Upgrade poor building envelopes to be energy efficient

Centeno/Parking Wonnacott Court (w/building)

Athletics Replace Bubble with new field house

Group 2: College Street redesign

Expand fitness center

College Street roundabouts Le Chateau Walk

Arts

Hepburn Walk

Add to and renovate Johnson Add to CFA for theater, music, and dance

Group 3: Battell Quad

Build art museum/art history building

Bicentennial Park Atwater Court

Service and Maintenance Remove Service Building and replace near Recycling Center

Group 4: South Main Street improvements

TBD:

Arts Quad

Student Activities

Stewart Hill Road

Consider a new student center at Le Chateau Quad

South Main Street roundabout

Proctor replacement dining

Le Chateau Quad

Residential Life

Athletic Fields renovation

Build new dorms to consolidate Commons system

Other Commons Courts Hillcrest improvements

Arts Replace Wright Theatre

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

THE C A MPUS PL AN

4. the campus plan

CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLES

MAJOR COMPONENTS

decisions may be judiciously made within a long-term

The Plan proposes careful, limited, internal building develop-

The major components of the Plan

vision. It is not prescriptive in most of its details—

ment, rather than continued outward expansion of the campus,

are described by district—from

especially building use—but it is highly prescriptive in

and recommends significant restructuring of the landscape.

the North Campus, to the Central

its larger ideas. It is intended as a broad framework that

Indeed, the landscape plan is the most important element of

Campus, to the South Campus—

will guide development of the campus over the next fifty

the Plan. It emphasizes, clarifies, and augments the existing

beginning with the central space of

years. It addresses issues of college planning policies, open-

pattern of open spaces, and rejuvenates the campus ecology.

each area. The major components

The Middlebury Campus Master Plan is intended as a framework within which carefully balanced, incremental

space structure, land use, density of development, primary

are:

circulation systems, infrastructure, and relationship to the

The campus comprises three major parts: the South

surrounding community.

Campus (Athletics and Art); the Central Campus; and the

1. Bicentennial Park

North Campus. These areas are disconnected, separated by

2. Battell Field

The goal is to provide a stable but precise framework

two state highways, which exacerbates the psychological

3. Le Chateau Quad

that enables near-term decisions regarding physical

distance between them. The Plan seeks to enhance each of

4. College Street

development to contribute to a sustained long-range

these “campuses” and bind them together through a safer,

5. Main Quad

vision of the campus—a vision that conserves campus

more continuous network of spaces.

6. Old Chapel Walk 7. Library Park

resources and produces an efficient and coherent campus environment throughout the twenty-first century while

THE LONG-RANGE PLAN

8. Hillcrest Residential 9. Centeno Plaza/Campus Entry

maintaining and enhancing the beauty of the campus. Environmental considerations are the foundations of

The essential concept of a long-range plan is that spaces

10. South Main Street

the Plan, and will become more important as resources

are more important than buildings. As long as buildings

11. Arts Quad

diminish.

help define the spaces, then building use, character, and

12. Athletic Complex and Fields

form may vary as changing circumstances require. Thus, the most important part of a long-range plan is the Civic Structure—the pattern of quadrangles, courts, streets, and walks around which the buildings are organized. As such,

FIGURE 1

Proposed Campus Plan

the civic structure is inversely analogous to the skeleton and major organs of the human body. Another important, related concept is that larger campuses may comprise distinct precincts, or neighborhoods. These precincts, like the larger campus, may have one or more of three characteristics: a clear center (quadrangle, walk, etc.), consistent fabric (similar stone buildings), and a clear edge. Of these three, the least important, and least prevalent, is a clear edge. If the three major parts of the Middlebury campus may be considered as precincts, or neighborhoods, the idea of the Long-Range Plan is to provide each neighborhood with at least one major quadrangle, related courtyards, and a consistent fabric of landscape and buildings. Streets and walks help form both centers and edges, and bind the neighborhoods together into a continuous network. The three Middlebury districts, in turn, comprise components, which are described in detail below. 2

FIGURE 2

Existing Campus Plan

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

5 6

2 6

4 3

2 FIGURE 1

Existing plan of the Battell Field area FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of the Battell Field area

THE C A MPUS PL AN

Bicentennial Park and Battell Field

Recommendations

FIGURE 3

The area to the north of Forest Hall is vast, ill-defined, and

1. Bicentennial Park

poorly drained. The plan proposes articulating this area

2. Proposed Battell Field

Aerial perspective view of Bicentennial Park and Battell Field

into more perceivable and defined components.

3. Renovated Forest Court 4. Renovated Ross Court

The area between McCardell Bicentennial Hall and Coffrin

5. Proposed Ross Court

Hall is proposed as a more picturesque park similar to the

6. Proposed building

recently renovated Library Park. In contrast to the more structured quadrangles and courts, Bicentennial Park would be characterized by rolling topography, curving paths, and picturesque groupings of trees. The area now referred to as Battell Beach should be defined and reinforced by buildings, trees, and tree-lined walks. It should remain a very large space, suitable for soccer, informal activities, and reception tents. The soil should be rejuvenated for drainage, and the sloped lawn area on the west side should be replaced with diverse groundcover and canopy trees, carefully located so as to preserve views. A new north-south path should be added at the east edge of the slope.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Existing plan of the Battell Hall area FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of the Le Chateau Quad area

4 1

2 6

Le Chateau Quad When Le Chateau was built it stood alone in the open

Recommendations

landscapeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like a French chateau. Over the years its siting

1. Proposed Le Chateau Quadrangle

has been compromised by other, poorly sited buildings.

2. Tree-lined walk to replace service road

The resulting space to the south is not a quadrangle, but

3. Proposed Atwater Court

an illegible no-manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land. Pedestrian paths are random

4. New buildings to replace Battell Hall

and chaotic. Battell Hall is the biggest problem because

5. New building

of its siting. In the long run, Battell Hall should be

6. Addition to Johnson

replaced to facilitate a real quadrangle with orthogonal

7. New building (possible future Campus Center)

and diagonal paths, and tree-lined walks. The topography and the roadways also mar the current area. The current service road to Le Chateau should be replaced by a treelined, pedestrian-oriented walk, similar to the proposed Old Chapel Walk. The diagonal path that connects to McCardell Bicentennial Hall should accommodate bicycles and service vehicles.

THE C A MPUS PL AN

FIGURE 3

Perspective view of the proposed Le Chateau Quad FIGURE 4

View of the Battell Hall area from the same viewpoint as the above perspective

FIGURE 5

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Le Chateau Quad area

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Existing plan of College Street FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of College Street

College Street

Recommendations

College Street is a key element in the integration of the campus.

1. Reconfigured College Street

The presence of parallel parking on College Street has the

2. Underground power lines

positive effect of calming traffic on what is technically a state

3. Reduced number of pedestrian crossings

highway. There are too many hidden pedestrian crossings,

4. New roundabouts

however; the street is too wide; and there is no sidewalk on the south side. The street functions as a divisive element between the Central Campus and the North Campus, rather than as a zipper that unites. The proposed plan narrows the curb-to-curb dimension of College Street to two twelve-foot lanes by removing bike lanes to a new pedestrian promenade on the north side, and by limiting parking to the east and west ends of the street as it passes through the campus. Street trees are proposed, as are sidewalks on both the north and south sides of the street. Pedestrian crossings are rationalized and reduced in number from eight to five. Pedestrian paths leading to crosswalks are moved and strengthened to guide pedestrians to the crosswalks. Proposed roundabouts near the Materials Recycling Facility, and at Storrs Park, will help calm traffic and signal a change to a more urban character. The plan also recommends putting the power lines underground along the south side of the street.

THE C A MPUS PL AN

FIGURE 3

Cross-section of proposed College Street FIGURE 4

View of College Street from same viewpoint as perspective below FIGURE 5

Perspective view of proposed College Street

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Existing plan of the Main Quad FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of the Main Quad

Main Quad

Recommendations

The Main Quad is the core of the Middlebury College

1. Selectively remove trees, and plant others

campus. It is one of America’s most uniquely beautiful

2. Thin the trees on the upper slope and limb them up

spaces, but it needs serious landscape rejuvenation.

3. Replace low shrubs on upper slope with ground cover 4. Rejuvenate the soil to improve growth and drainage

The tree pattern in particular obscures the perception of

5. Re-grade the lower parts for better drainage

the space. Thinning the existing trees by selective removal,

6. Replace Old Chapel Road with a tree-lined walk

and clearing vistas by limbing-up trees, will greatly enhance the space and make it more functional for ceremonial events, such as Commencement. Shrubs on the hillside below Mead Chapel should also be removed. Drainage is poor, and the soil should be rejuvenated. The replacement of Old Chapel Road with a pedestrianoriented

promenade—Old

Chapel Walk—will

also

significantly improve the quality of the space by increasing its definition.

THE C A MPUS PL AN

FIGURE 3

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Main Quad FIGURE 4

Perspective view of the proposed Main Quad

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Existing plan of Old Chapel Road FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of Old Chapel Walk

FIGURE 3

Cross-section of proposed Old Chapel Walk

THE C A MPUS PL AN

Old Chapel Walk

Recommendations

FIGURE 4

Currently, Old Chapel Road is an unfriendly vehicular

1. Proposed pedestrian-oriented walk

street with no continuous sidewalks on either side.

2. Proposed Old Chapel Plaza

Perspective view of proposed Old Chapel Walk

Recommendation #78 in the Strategic Plan is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Convert

3. Parking

Old Chapel Road into a pedestrian-friendly campus artery.â&#x20AC;?

4. Axinn Center Plaza 5. Possible future buildings

A tree-lined promenade with special parking would greatly enhance this area of the campus, by making it more pedestrian-friendly. Pocket parking areas are located at the ends of Old Chapel Walk.

FIGURE 5

View of Old Chapel Road

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Existing plan of Hillcrest residential area FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of Hillcrest residential area

3 2

2 3

3 5 1

3 2 3

4 3

2 3

Hillcrest Residential

3. Hepburn Road and Hillcrest Road should be redesigned—

The two-block area bounded by College Street, Hepburn

Hepburn as a tree-lined walk, and Hillcrest Road as an

Road, Stewart Hill Road, and Adirondack View Road is a

intimate residential street.

long-term reservoir for completion of residential life at Middlebury—the Commons System. Because this area

Proctor Hall has few redeeming features, and ultimately,

slopes down to the west from the crest of the hill at Mead

will probably be removed, but at this time it is unclear

Chapel, it feels like the “back side” of the hill. Currently,

whether it will be replaced by a dining facility or not. The

this area is small grain, rather than institutional, and both

area currently occupied by Proctor should be designed as a

Hepburn Road and, especially, Hillcrest Road are somewhat

courtyard or small quad behind Mead Chapel. As a public

tattered and shabby. Thick vegetation begins about halfway

space opening to the western view, this is a major new

between Hillcrest Road and Adirondack View Road, while

feature of the campus.

spectacular views are possible to the west.

Recommendations Three ideas should guide the development of this area:

1. Proposed court or quadrangle

1. Buildings should be small, or of small increments, and

2. Proposed Commons courts

should align on Hepburn Road and Hillcrest Road, with

3. New residential buildings

wings running east-west to define courtyards.

4. Redesigned Hepburn Road as pedestrian-oriented walk

2. Groups should form Commons courtyards.

5. Redesigned Hillcrest Road

THE C A MPUS PL AN

3 FIGURE 3

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Hillcrest Residential area

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

2 FIGURE 1

Existing plan of Library Park

Library Park Library Park has recently been renovated and is a beautiful front lawn for the campus, but it needs minor

FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of Library Park

improvements. Trees should be added to replace those that are dead or dying, but the vista of Old Stone Row should be preserved. The meadow installation should be completed around the Garden of the Seasons.

Recommendations 1. Library Park with tree replacement 2. Restored landscaping at Garden of the Seasons

THE C A MPUS PL AN

3 FIGURE 3

Aerial perspective view of proposed Library Park FIGURE 4

View of Library Park

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

2 4 1

3 5

10 9

10 1

2 FIGURE 1

Existing plan of the Centeno/Arts area FIGURE 2

Proposed plan of the Centeno/Arts area

Centeno Plaza One of the major vehicular entries to the Middlebury

South Main Street

College campus has long been through the parking lot of

Street trees and parallel parking are proposed for South

the Service Building via Old Chapel Road. The Biomass

Main Street, as well as a roundabout and new entrance to

addition to the Service Building and the proposed

the Arts campus at the intersection of South Main Street

transformation of Old Chapel Road into a pedestrian-

and Stewart Hill Road. All of these elements contribute to a

oriented walk provide the opportunity to reorganize

more organized civic face for the College along South Main

this area into a vehicular drop-off and a new pedestrian

Street, and a safer, more legible connection to the town

entrance to the campus. The long-range plan proposes

and the rest of the Middlebury campus. The plan proposes

relocating the Service Building and its parking near the

widening Stewart Hill Road if necessary to accommodate

Materials Recycling Center. The development of a paved

two-way traffic as well as a sidewalk.

plaza related to Centeno House provides short-term parking for health services and a drop-off linked to the proposed Old Chapel Walk.

THE C A MPUS PL AN

5 6 7 9

10 8

Arts Quad

Recommendations

FIGURE 3

The existing Mahaney Center for the Arts is an isolated

Centeno Plaza

object that is remote from the other arts facilities at

New connection to Old Chapel Walk

Aerial perspective view of the proposed Centeno/Arts area

Middlebury. It is also inadequate in program area, and

Widen Stewart Hill Road if necessary for two-way traffic

faces a dangerous intersection that connects it to the main campus. The proposed plan for the arts recommends

Proposed building adjacent to Centeno House

removing the museum from the Mahaney CFA and

New roundabout at Stewart Hill Road and South Main Street

transforming the Mahaney CFA into a Center for the Performing Arts by expanding the theater functions, as well

South Main Street with street trees and parallel parking

as facilities for music and dance. A new museum, including art history, is proposed to the northeast of Meeker House.

New entrance to Mahaney CFA parking

A proposed new quadrangle behind Meeker House and

New Arts Quadrangle

Munford House, the Arts Quad, forms the center of the

Mahaney Center for the Performing Arts

expanded arts area.

10. Additions for theater, music, and dance 11. New Museum and Art History

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Proposed plan of athletics area

2 1

3 4

Athletics

Recommendations

Middlebury’s athletics campus is extensive and beautiful.

1. New Field House on the site of the “Bubble”

Like the academic campus, it enjoys a spectacular

2. Expansion of the Fitness Center

relationship to the surrounding landscape. Alumni

3. Addition of new outdoor tennis courts

Stadium, especially, enjoys an unforgettable relationship

4. Soil reconstruction of practice fields

with its setting. Nevertheless, some areas are a bit ad hoc,

5. Renovated, sustainable golf course

and would benefit from reorganization and rejuvenation.

6. New all-weather surface at Youngman Field

The practice fields are badly in need of soil reconstruction, an underground drain system, and expansion to the east. The golf course is especially in need of a major renovation.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

NATURAL SYSTEMS

7. natural systems

INTRODUCTION

ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS

FIGURE 1

The natural systems of the Middlebury campus consist of

One is always aware at Middlebury that one is at the center

its geology, hydrology, soils, plant and animal life, and the

of the grand landscape framed by the Green Mountains

Middlebury College, the surrounding woods and farmland, and the Green Mountains

ecological interrelationships among them. These systems

and the Adirondacks, that one is on a ridge of rock raised

are part of the ecological underpinnings for life on campus

above a mosaic of forest patches, agricultural lands, and

and link the campus to the region. They are the product

small villages: the Champlain lowlands to the west, to the

both of natural processes and human activity. Their form

east the broad valley of Otter Creek’s eastern watershed ex-

and arrangement contribute to the spatial structure of the

tending to the Green Mountains. The sense of exposure, the

campus and to the way the campus serves Middelbury’s

awareness of the regional scale and of the sky and weather

educational mission.

are often moving, even thrilling, and are fundamental parts of the Middlebury experience. The visual connection to the

The goals of the Landscape Plan, developed by the Master

region is also a reminder of other, less immediately obvious,

Planning team, are to:

but equally important connections between Middlebury’s

•

Strengthen the campus’s relationship to the Vermont

campus environment and the ecological systems of the

landscape, both in terms of its visual and spatial

region.

connections to its surroundings, and in terms of its • • •

contribution to regional ecosystems

The following analyses focus on particular aspects of

Reduce the impact of the campus on the local and

the campus’s natural systems: its geology and soils, its

global environment

hydrology, its plant communities, its place in the regional

Improve the campus’s outdoor spaces for multi-

ecosystems, the maintenance it receives, and the ways it is

functional year-round use

used to further Middlebury’s educational mission.

Enhance the civic structure of the campus

� � � � � � � •� � � � � the � �educational � � � � � � �mission � � � � �of�the � �College � Serve

Physiographic Regions

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��

Physiographic Regions Middlebury College ��

��

� ��

��

�

��

�

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FIGURE 2

Physiographic Regions of the Lake Champlain Basin Source: Lake Champlain Basin Program, map by Northern Cartographic

FIGURE 3

Regional Ecological Context: the Champlain Basin is a matrix of lowland agriculture, forest, and swamps

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Middlebury’s Topography LEGEND

Buildings 480.1–490 feet 470.1–480 feet 460.1–470 feet 450.1–460 feet 440.1–450 feet 430.1–440 feet 420.1–430 feet 410.1–420 feet 400.1–410 feet 390.1–400 feet 380.1–390 feet 370.1–380 feet 360.1–370 feet 350.1–360 feet 340.1–350 feet 330.1–340 feet 320.1–330 feet

1 316.7–320 feet

Soils and Drainage

The glaciers scraped the length of the ridges at Mead

Five hundred million years ago, a warm, shallow sea covered

Chapel and Old Stone Row. In places, bedrock is still

what is now the Champlain Basin. Seafloor deposits from

exposed today. After the glaciers retreated, soils gradually

the continental shelf became sedimentary rocks such

built up from erosion, deposition in post-glacial lakes,

as shale, dolostone, and limestone. As the Appalachian

and biological activity. Although these fine-particle soils

Mountain Chain uplifted, the shallow sea closed, and the

are famous for their agricultural productivity, on most

Green Mountains formed. Limestone in the valley floor

of Middlebury’s campus they are shallow and have been

was transformed by heat and pressure into marble, and

disturbed by human activities.

the valley’s bedrock was faulted and folded. A minor ridge of this rock, subsequently worn and eroded by glaciers,

About half of the core campus, notably the gently sloping

became the site of Middlebury College.

and level terrain where Battell Field and Main Quad are located, is composed of fine-particle, hydric soils. These

NATURAL SYSTEMS

FIGURE 2

Hydric Classification of Middlebury Soils LEGEND

Buildings Hydric Soils Non-Hydric Soils Unclassified Soils

2 are soils that are wet for several weeks of the growing

all of these spaces receive, soil compaction is a problem.

season, either because they are composed of fine-grained

These spaces tend to remain wet, to become churned up

particles that retain a large amount of moisture, or because

and muddy. Durable turf grass requires fast-draining (i.e.

of seasonally perched water tables, or both. Other soils on

high sand content) soil so that its root system is oxygenated

the academic campus are generally some form of rocky silt

and develops a strong fabric-like structure. Grass growing

loam. On the ridges, soils are shallow and prone to drying

in clay soil is easily damaged and recovers slowly.

out. While some of the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propensity for wetness and Only two of the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open spaces, Battell Field and

muddiness can be attributed to its soil composition,

Main Quad, are generally used for formal or informal

topography plays a role. The ridges at Mead Chapel, Old

events. The soils of these spaces, and of the athletic fields,

Stone Row, and Pearsons Hall pitch rain and meltwater

are composed mostly of clays. Due to the heavy use that

toward Battell Field and the Main Quad; the wet areas

PIPED DIRECTLY TO OTTER CREEK OR SEWER FACILITY

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

STORMWATER RUNOFF AND DRAINAGE DIAGRAM 96 PIPED DIRECTLY TO OTTER CREEK OR SEWER FACILITY

ULTIMATELY TO WETLAND VIA SWALES ULTIMATELY TO WETLAND VIA SWALES ULTIMATELY TO WETLAND VIA SWALES

FIGURE 1

STORMWATER RUNOFF AND DRAINAGE DIAGRAM

Campus Subwatersheds PIPED DIRECTLY TO OTTER CREEK OR SEWER FACILITY PIPED DIRECTLY TO OTTER CREEK OR SEWER FACILITY PIPED DIRECTLY TO OTTER CREEK OR SEWER FACILITY

STORMWATER RUNOFF AND DRAINAGE DIAGRAM

LEGEND

Subwatershed A Subwatershed B Subwatershed C Subwatershed D Subwatershed E Wetland

Ridge Line

Ridge PipedLine Below Ground

Piped Below Ground

Ridge Line Below Piped

Piped Below Ground Ridge Line Unchannelized Surface Flow

Piped Below Ground

Unchannelized Surface Flow Piped Below High PointGround

Unchannelized Surface Flow High Point Low Point

Unchannelized Surface Flow

High Unchannelized LowPoint Point Surface Flow

Unchannelized Surface Flow

Low Point High Point Subwatershed A

High Point

Subwatershed AB Low Point Subwatershed

Subwatershed Subwatershed AB C Subwatershed

Low PointPoint Low

Subwatershed Subwatershed B CD Subwatershed Subwatershed Subwatershed CDE Subwatershed

Subwatershed A

SubwatershedDE Subwatershed

Subwatershed B

Subwatershed E

Subwatershed B

S & ASSOCIATES

mpus Planning

& ASSOCIATES

us Planning

& ASSOCIATES

Planning

Ground

landscape architecture ecological planning & design landscape architecture ecological planning & design

landscape architecture ecological planning & design

Subwatershed C

Subwatershed Subwatershed D

Subwatershed E Subwatershed

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE master plan LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE master plan LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE master plan LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS

Subwatershed E

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE master plan LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS

landscape architecture ecological planning & design

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE m LANDSCAPE ASSESSMEN

landscape architecture ecological planning & design

NATURAL SYSTEMS

north of McCullough Hall and on the west side of Battell

and in the athletics area—raingardens and bioswales

FIGURE 2

Field result. McCullough and the bermlike condition at the

(low areas with carefully selected plants) detain and filter

southern end of Old Chapel Road block the Main Quad’s

stormwater before it enters the sewer system. In the rest of

natural surface drainage pattern; in spite of numerous

the academic campus, stormwater has no opportunity to

Middlebury College and Otter Creek, with Lake Champlain in the far distance

storm drains, the area is still prone to puddles. Le Chateau

drop its sediment and nutrients, or to reduce its velocity

Quad drains south toward College Street. The low spot

and temperature before entering Otter Creek.

just north of College Street often temporarily detains stormwater or meltwater. On the other hand, soils on the

In other parts of campus, grass swales and wetlands filter

campus’s ridges, particularly at Mead Chapel and Pearsons

sediments and nutrients and attenuate temperature and

Hall, are shallow and tend to dry out, affecting the resident

velocity. The athletics area east of South Main Street (Route

plant species composition and rates of plant growth.

30) is drained almost entirely by a network of grassy swales. Stormwater from this portion of the campus is further

Water Quality

filtered by a retention pond and habitat buffer strips before

Middlebury is located beside Vermont’s longest river, Otter

entering Otter Creek. West of campus there are extensive

Creek. The falls at Middlebury mark an abrupt change both

agricultural fields. These fields have been ditched and tiled

in fluvial and watershed characteristics of Otter Creek. After

to speed drainage. They are buffered from campus by a

Middlebury, the river passes through agricultural lands and

very narrow wetland and a ditched and straightened stream

its catchment area and streambed both widen. Almost all

draining northward. South of College Street (Route 125),

of Middlebury’s academic campus is drained by a sewer

this stream corridor is maintained as meadow. Portions

network directly into Otter Creek. In a few places—at the

of it north of College Street are cultivated: it is regularly

Atwater Residence Halls and Dining Hall, by the Library,

disturbed and planted for hay.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

FIGURE 1

Trees of the Clayplain Forest FIGURE 2

Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants of the Clayplain Forest

Red Oak Quercus rubra

White Oak Quercus alba

Red Maple Acer rubrum

Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata

Basswood Tilia Americana

White Ash Fraxinus Americana

American Elm Ulmus Americana

Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum

American Beech Fagus grandifolia

Musclewood Carpinus caroliniana

Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis

White Pine Pinus strobus

Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa

Broad Beech Fern Thelypteris hexagonoptera

Carolina Rose Rosa carolina

Large Enchanterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana

Maple-leaf Viburnum Viburnum acerifolium

Winterberry Holly Ilex verticillata

Gray Dogwood Cornus racemosa

Woodland Sedge Carex pennsylvanica

Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana

NATURAL SYSTEMS

Plant Communities

The Clayplain Forest consists of a diverse mixture of

According to the Nature Conservancy’s ecoregion

species. The characteristic canopy species are red maple,

classification system, Middlebury resides in the St.

sugar maple, hemlock, white ash, white pine, swamp

Lawrence-Champlain Valley Ecoregion. This ecoregion is

white oak, bur oak, red oak, white oak, shagbark hickory,

characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

American beech, and American elm. Primary shrubs and

The forests of the region are transitional between Central

herbaceous plants are maple-leaf viburnum, Carolina

Hardwood Forests and Northern Hardwood Forests.

rose, large enchanter’s-nightshade, winterberry holly, and woodland sedge. This assemblage of species and the unique

Just a few miles upstream of Middlebury, Otter Creek passes

soils and warm valley climate create a biologically diverse

through New England’s largest and most biologically diverse

environment with innumerable ecological relationships.

wetland complex, Otter Creek Swamps. The northernmost end of the Otter Creek Swamp Complex is adjacent to

While the Clayplain Forest is the regionally dominant

campus; it extends upstream for 20 miles to Short Swamp

landscape of reference, there is no single palette of plants

at the feet of the northernmost hills of the Taconic Range.

appropriate for the variety of soil and microclimatic

Cornwall Swamp, part of the Otter Creek Swamp Complex,

conditions on the Middlebury campus. On the campus’s

is a National Natural Landmark, recognized by the

dry, rocky ridges, different landscapes of reference are

Department of the Interior for its amazing natural habitat

pertinent: Transition Hardwoods Limestone Forest and Dry

values. The Otter Creek Swamps are extremely important

Oak-Hickory-Hophornbeam Forest. These communities

for the exemplary natural communities and the many rare

share many of the same species as the Clayplain Forest,

and uncommon species that reside there. They are an

including several species of oaks and hickories, but they

important lowland habitat bridge for animals that have

also feature a number of shrubs and herbs not found in the

large ranges, such as bobcat, bear, and moose. Otter Creek

Clayplain Forest.

Swamps (portions of which are protected by Middlebury College, The Nature Conservancy, and the state of

The existing campus vegetation consists of a mix of native

Vermont) is also one of the most important stopover areas

and non-native species. Because of land use history and

for migratory waterfowl in the region.

regular maintenance disturbances, the campus’s soils do not currently host all the species of the landscape of

The primary “landscape of reference” (the landscape type

reference. Some species present on campus are considered

that would occur without human disturbance) of the

to be invasive. These include Norway maple, common

Middlebury campus is the Clayplain Forest. This type of

buckthorn, purple loosestrife, phragmites, Japanese and

forest dominated the clay and silt soils of the Champlain

common barberry, and several honeysuckle species.

Valley prior to European settlement. As the campus lies on a limy ridge, it would also naturally feature Transition Hardwood Limestone Forest and Dry Oak-HickoryHophornbeam Forest. Today, the Clayplain Forest community is extremely rare. It is considered threatened by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. The portions that do remain are fragmented into islands of 100 acres or less. This is significant because, for many species, the size of contiguous areas of habitat is absolutely critical; movement between areas of forest isolated from one another by expanses of agricultural land can be difficult or impossible. Isolated areas of otherwise adequate habitat are of small benefit to these species.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

100

FIGURE 1

Existing Landscape Plan of Campus FIGURE 2

Existing Landscape Plan of Core Campus LEGEND

Forestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Canopy and Groundcover Meadow Wetland / Wet Areas Lawn Buildings Impervious Surface

NATURAL SYSTEMS

101

Existing Campus Landscape

The College’s landscape is in need of significant renovation.

The existing landscape plan shows, in broad terms, the

The natural beauty of the setting tends to mask, or deflect

patterns of campus vegetation as conditioned by planting,

attention from, the gradual degradation of the campus’s

hydrology, and landscape maintenance regimes. This plan

landscape. In many cases the soil needs rejuvenation for

conveys the irresolute form of many of the campus spaces,

better use and drainage; many shrubs are overgrown;

documents the large areas dedicated to lawn, and reveals

trees are often inappropriate types, or are in inappropriate

the degree of habitat fragmentation.

locations; invasive species have infiltrated; and manicured lawn has become too dominant and extensive.

While the campus has a few really grand old trees, including good examples of native American elm, white oak, red oak,

Maintenance

bur oak, Norway spruce, and sugar maple, a comparison

The landscape of the Middlebury campus is constantly

to old photographs reveals that in the last fifty or so years,

shaped and controlled by human intervention. Maintenance

many of the larger trees of the campus have died off—

regimes shape outdoor space and modify its character; they

notably, most of the elms. Not only is their beauty missed,

invite or exclude species by altering habitat. The effort of

but also the definition and shade they once gave to campus

maintenance is, in effect, the expenditure of energy to alter

streets, paths, and spaces. Replacements have not kept pace

the landscape from its natural state to a desired condition.

with these losses. In some cases, plantings interfere with

At Middlebury, the expansiveness of the campus taxes the

or fail to support the spatial coherence of the spaces they

limits of maintenance. As the College strives to reduce its

occupy. Furthermore, many of the remaining large mature

energy-related impact on local and global natural systems,

trees are nearing the end of their lives.

it will need to make deliberate and judicious decisions regarding how its landscape is maintained.

Of the 161 acres in the core academic campus, 123 acres are lawn, buildings, walks, and parking. Lawn—both open

About half of the campus is currently lawn. This is the single

lawn and lawn with shade trees—predominates, at 76.5

most resource-intensive landscape cover type on campus. It

acres. Lawn is in many ways an appropriate groundcover

requires twenty mowing cycles per year, which take more than

for the campus. It is a relatively durable surface, suitable

9,000 work hours and consume approximately 6,000 gallons

for a wide variety of uses. It is related to the greenery of

of fuel, contributing to Middlebury’s carbon footprint.

the area, but more refined and controlled. It symbolizes the way the natural landscape is adapted for human use:

Irrigation and the use of fertilizer, herbicides, and

as though a huge green carpet has been laid on the land to

pesticides are almost entirely limited to the athletics fields

lay claim to it, make it suitable for outdoor activities, and

and the golf course. Dragone Track and Youngman Field

to gather together the buildings of the campus. However,

are typically irrigated from a well in the athletics area. This

Middlebury’s lawns require nearly continuous mowing

is occasionally supplemented by water drawn from Otter

from spring to fall, and leaf blowers and vacuumers are

Creek. In years with insufficient rainfall, other playing

used in the fall; these activities contribute to Middlebury’s

fields receive some irrigation. No pesticides are used in

carbon footprint.

this area, herbicides are used only in spot locations at the edges of playing fields, and fertilization is very minimal.

The predominance of open lawn and of parkland—lawn

Because of its specialized purpose, the golf course requires

with shade trees—limits the suitability of campus as habitat

a higher level of maintenance than other landscaped

for a variety of plant and animal species. Large expanses of

areas on campus. The golf course is irrigated using water

lawn are akin to desert for many bird and insect species.

drawn from Otter Creek and stored in a pond on the

The rich environment of ecological niches provided by the

course. The golf course staff has practiced “Integrated Pest

variety of plant types and sizes at the transitions between

Management” for the last 30 years to minimize the use

fields and woods are missing from most of campus. Trees

of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides and to maximize

and forested areas exist mostly as isolated patches, which

their effectiveness. The golf course would benefit from

limits the campus’s contribution to the regional habitat of

renovation to improve drainage; this would reduce the

species that require larger territories.

need for chemical applications.

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

102

FIGURE 1

Proposed Landscape Plan of Campus FIGURE 2

Proposed Landscape Plan of Core Campus

LEGEND

Clayplain Forest or Transition Hardwood Forest Trees with Groundcover Trees with lawn—“Park” Trees with lawn—“Park” Meadow Greensward Lawn Wetland, Bioswale, or Raingarden Impervious Surface

NATURAL SYSTEMS

103

LANDSCAPE PLAN AND PRINCIPLES

Soils and Drainage

FIGURE 3

Soils and drainage should be improved so as to make

Cross Section of a Raingarden

The Proposed Landscape Plan strengthens the civic

the campus’s primary open spaces more suitable for the

structure of the campus by adding trees and other

heavy use they experience. Compost, already available

vegetation so as to frame and interconnect spaces. (The

on campus, should be inserted into the hydric soils of

proposed campus spaces are discussed in more detail in

the primary quadrangles and the dry soils of the ridges

Chapter 4: The Campus Plan.) It reduces the amount

through seasonal soil aeration. In addition, those soils

of lawn, substitutes plant communities that require less

should be mixed with sand where better drainage and more

intensive maintenance regimes, and connects the campus

resilience from heavy use is desired. Adding compost and

to its surroundings.

sand to the soil mix will: •

The plan increases the amount and diversity of plant and

Reinvigorate the organic fraction of the soils to the benefit of plants

animal habitat by adding meadow, greensward, and other

•

Reduce or eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizers

alternate groundcovers to the campus, and by increasing

•

Enhance and sustain the soil biota

the area occupied by woods. It preserves existing wetlands,

•

Enable faster percolation of rainwater into the soil

recommends that additional wet areas be protected, and

•

Enhance the ability of the soil to store rainwater, and so

recommends that raingardens and bioswales be added

reduce the susceptibility of lawns and other plantings

to improve water quality and reduce runoff. The plan

to drought

increases the connectivity of habitat for both forest and

Subsurface drain tile should also be added in high-traffic,

transitional species by adding corridors of trees and

heavily used spaces such as the Main Quad, Battell Field,

associated understory to link together isolated wooded

and the athletics fields. At the Main Quad and Battell Field,

areas.

soil augmentation could be linked to raingardens by way of sub-surface drain tile. Battell Field should be regraded

The following principles guided the development of the

to improve drainage. Seasonal turf and soil restoration

landscape plan:

may be needed to compensate for the stresses these spaces experience.

Increase the “Connectivity” of Middlebury’s landscape. This applies to habitats, species selection, hydrology, and campus spaces

Water Quality Middlebury should reduce its impact on Otter Creek and

Minimize the negative impact that the campus has

on Lake Champlain by installing additional bioswales

on the environment—both regionally and globally

and raingardens in appropriate locations to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and to improve water quality.

Make the campus landscape a more suitable

Raingardens temporarily impound water and allow it to

environment for the recreational and ceremonial

soak into the ground and be transpired by plants. They

uses to which it is put

are planted with wetland vegetation such as sedges, rushes, ferns, and shrubs. Bioswales convey water, but use plants,

Enhance the campus landscape’s ability to educate

rocks, and soils to attenuate its velocity and thereby reduce

and inform

its suspended solids.

Raingardens and bioswales can

capture both surface and sub-surface drainage. They will •

Provide focal points within larger spaces

•

Diversify plant life

•

Slow stormwater flow and reduce the water volume discharged to Otter Creek

•

Reduce nutrient and sediment loading to Otter Creek and to Lake Champlain 3

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

104

Lawn

Greensward

Upland or Wet Meadows

Canopy & Groundcover or Early Successional Woodland

Clayplain Forest with Understory Community Total

Vegetation Area Existing

269.6 acres

0 acres

57.5 acres

163.0 acres

0 acres

490.1 acres

Proposed

213.4 acres

4.3 acres

49.3 acres

21.0 acres

190.6 acres

478.6 acres

Increase or Decrease

–56.2 acres

4.3 acres

–8.2 acres

–142.0 acres

190.6 acres

–11.5 acres**

Fuel Use/year Total

per acre

23.05 gallons

2.81 gallons

1.41 gallons

0.30 gallons

Existing

6,213.83 gallons

0 gallons

80.86 gallons

48.90 gallons

0 gallons

6,344 gallons

Master Plan Proposal

4,918.51 gallons

12.09 gallons

69.33 gallons

6.30 gallons

57.18 gallons

5,063 gallons

Increase or Decrease

–1,295.32 gallons

12.09 gallons

–11.53 gallons

–42.60 gallons

57.18 gallons

–1,281 gallons

CO2 Emissions/year Total

per acre

0.2445 MTCDE

0.0298 MTCDE

0.0149 MTCDE

0.0040 MTCDE

Existing

65.92 MTCDE

0 MTCDE

0.86 MTCDE

0.65 MTCDE

0 MTCDE

67.43 MTCDE

Master Plan Proposal

52.18 MTCDE

0.13 MTCDE

0.74 MTCDE

0.08 MTCDE

0.76 MTCDE

53.89 MTCDE

Increase or Decrease

–13.74 MTCDE

0.13 MTCDE

–0.12 MTCDE

–0.56 MTCDE

0.76 MTCDE

–13.54 MTCDE

per acre

0 MTCDE

1.5 MTCDE

Existing

0 MTCDE

244.5 MTCDE

0 MTCDE

244.5 MTCDE

Master Plan Proposal

0 MTCDE

31.5 MTCDE

285.9 MTCDE

317.4 MTCDE

Increase or Decrease

0 MTCDE

–213.0 MTCDE

285.9 MTCDE

72.9 MTCDE

-13.74 MTCDE

0.13 MTCDE

-0.12 MTCDE

-285.14 MTCDE

-86.44 MTCDE

CO2 Sequestration/year

Net Effect on CO2 Emissions

212.44 MTCDE*

Total

Operations & Maintenance/year

per acre

$ 219

$ 53

$ 26

$ 14

Existing

$ 59,042

$1,495

$ 2,282

$ 62,819

Master Plan Proposal

$ 46,735

$ 228

$ 1,282

$ 294

$ 2,668

$ 51,207

Increase or Decrease

–$ 12,307

$ 228

–$ 213

–$ 1,988

$ 2,668

–$11,612

Total

NATURAL SYSTEMS

105

Plant Communities

easy-to-maintain perennials. These alternative planting re-

The diversity of plant species on campus should be

gimes will add variety and seasonal interest, reduce main-

increased. Where possible, native plants from the Clayplain

tenance, and improve habitat.

Forest, the Transition Hardwood Limestone Forest, and the Oak-Hickory-Hophornbeam Forest palettes should be

Existing forest patches should be restored and enhanced

utilized. These should be supplemented with additional

with plants from the Clayplain Forest, the Transition

species as appropriate for specific soil conditions and

Hardwood Limestone Forest, and the Oak-Hickory-

environmental stresses. Invasive introduced species should

Hophornbeam Forest palettes. Invasive species should be

be avoided. To ensure variety and disease resistance, no

selectively removed and native species encouraged. By

more than 30% of trees on the campus should be from one

favoring the Clayplain Forest, the forest seed bank will

family, no more than 20% should be from one genus, and

be replenished, and a more robust and resilient plant

no more than 10% should be from one species.

community created.

The Middlebury campus could host a larger number of bird and insect species than it currently does, species that perform important roles in plant propagation. It currently lacks the appropriate habitats. In portions of campus, meadow, greensward, and forest with understory should replace existing lawns. Greenswards are mixtures of grasses, perennials, and annuals that are allowed to grow to a height of about 12 inches. Meadow has a more diverse species mixture of grasses and other herbaceous plants and is allowed to grow taller before mowing (which is done three times per year). Forest with understory consists of canopy trees and a variety of shade-loving perennials and ferns. Groundcovers appropriate for shady slopes vary depending on the specific conditions, but include low evergreen shrubs, a wide variety of ferns, and many shade-loving,

FIGURE 1

Comparison of existing and proposed Landscape Planting Regimes, showing fuel use, cost, and net effect on CO2 emissions. See the plans on pages 100 and 102 * The Master Plan proposes an increase in forested area, transforming much of the existing Canopy & Groundcover into Clayplain Forest. CO2 previously sequestered by Canopy & Groundcover is now sequestered by Clayplain Forest ** Total acreage is reduced due to an increase in impervious surface associated with new construction

FIGURE 2

Representation of alternative ground covers on the west slopes of Battell Field. A mixture of ferns, trees, junipers, and perennials would create a lush garden-like effect

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

106

FIGURE 1

Existing Habitat Connectivity: Forest patches are separated by farmland and campus lawns, significantly reducing their value as habitiat for numerous plant and animal species

FIGURE 2

Proposed Habitat Connectivity: New forested areas link existing forest patches along Otter Creek and on Middlebury Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ridges

LEGEND

Existing Forest Patch Existing Forest Interior (with 150â&#x20AC;˛ forest buffer) Proposed Forest Patch Proposed Forest Corridor Wetlands

NATURAL SYSTEMS

107

Habitat Connectivity

Green Reserve

Habitat fragmentation is one of the primary causes of the

Middlebury College should establish a Green Reserve

ongoing Holocene Mass Extinction. Otherwise suitable

to protect critical open spaces on campus. The spaces

habitat is rendered useless to particular species when it

will vary in character and function, ranging from highly

is divided into small areas, and when these areas are too

maintained and heavily used quadrangles in the center

distant from one another. Because of the interdependency

of campus to natural wooded areas and agricultural

of species within an ecosystem, when one species is lost,

land in the periphery. The Reserve will serve numerous

others can no longer survive. Middlebury should not

purposes: it will reinforce the civic structure of the

only preserve habitat, but also create biologically healthy

campus by designating certain areas as open spaces that

and diverse habitat corridors between otherwise isolated

should be preserved free of buildings indefinitely; it will

areas by enhancing and interconnecting the woodland

protect particularly important or sensitive areas of habitat

patches bordering Otter Creek and those running along

from development or interference, and improve their

Middlebury’s ridgelines. These habitat corridors will consist

interconnectedness; it will conserve the College’s extensive,

of woods and the associated transitional environment at

but finite, land resources; and it will buffer surrounding

the edges of open spaces. A diverse plant palette in these

residential areas from the College.

areas, one emphasizing native species, will strengthen and enrich insect and avian communities. This will help buffer

The primary spaces of the campus’s civic structure form the

Otter Creek from agricultural and other disturbed lands

core of the Green Reserve. In addition, the Green Reserve

and contribute to the linked habitat systems along Otter

incorporates wooded areas and fields that provide valuable

Creek and the Otter Creek Swamps.

ecological services, recreational areas, and preserve the sense that the campus is nestled into the Vermont countryside. The Green Reserve is a fundamental part of the College’s program of preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The College’s open space system should be a living laboratory that illustrates the continuity of and conjunctions between its landscapes and ecosystems. The establishment and protection of native plant habitats and processes should be an essential part of the higher learning experience, as well as part of the College’s societal responsibility. By channeling the growth of facilities, the Green Reserve prevents sprawl. It supports the sense of community by maintaining the campus as a coherent and usable environment. The Green Reserve protects adjoining residential areas from noise and interference, and shields their views. The Green Reserve is differentiated into two zones (see Figure 3). Zone 1 consists of the parks and quadrangles of the central campus. Zone 2 consists of the woods, meadows, and athletics fields that surround the central campus. Zone 1 should be considered as analogous to Central Park in New York City—no buildings may be built there. Zone 2 consists of areas that are rural in character, or consist of athletics open space. Detached buildings may be built in this zone, but they must be related in form and character to the use to which the land is put. Any large buildings in this zone should be subject to Master Plan Committee review (discussed in more detail in Chapter 10: Implementation).

FIGURE 3

Middlebury College Green Reserve

LEGEND

Zone 1 Zone 2

C A MPUS M ASTER PL AN

108

Areas within Zone 2 that require additional protection

usually be removed entirely before a proper meadow can

should be established on the basis of a land value survey (see

be established. Meadow requires a more diverse species

Landscape and Open Space recommendation 9, page 52).

mixture of grasses and other herbaceous plants than a base of lawn will provide. Under certain conditions, meadow

While this Master Plan is focused on the central campus

can be established from seed, but if the existing soil is not

and the surrounding areas indicated on the Green Reserve

treated to prevent the reemergence of old lawn and weed

plan, the farmland to the west of campus, and the land

species, installation from much more expensive, tightly

Middlebury owns between South Street and Otter Creek,

packed plugs is more effective. In the long term, meadow

should also be treated as Zone 2.

is less expensive to maintain than greensward, requiring only half the number of cutting cycles annually. As with

Use, Comfort, and Delight

greensward, a five-foot width of grass on both sides of

Landscape design should be utilized to make indoor and

paths should be mowed.

outdoor spaces more pleasant, usable, and beautiful. Many of the campus’s open spaces would benefit from

Meadow and groundcover options have considerable capital

additional trees at their edges to increase their sense of

cost implications. While meadow can be established for a

enclosure and protect them from wind. Deciduous trees

few dollars per square foot, the installation of herbaceous

should be used to shade buildings from hot summer sun

groundcovers using container-grown plants may cost twice

and allow winter sunshine to warm facades and building

as much. The expense and effort required by alternative

interiors. Evergreens should be used judiciously to shelter

groundcovers will be highest during their first two to five

entries from predominant winds without shading or

years and will decline thereafter.

compromising sight lines. Small-scale spaces, suitable for outdoor classrooms and study, and transitional spaces at

Sixteen acres of lawn are currently “parkland”—areas of

building entrances should be enhanced by planting, site

lawn shaded by canopy trees; some of it is on level ground,

furniture, and site design.

some is on slopes. This is a particularly resource-intensive landscape cover type because mowing around trees is time

Maintenance

consuming, especially on slopes, and because it is difficult

The Master Plan recommends that the amount of lawn on

to establish and maintain lawn in shady conditions. Some

campus be reduced by about fifty-six acres and replaced by

of the existing sixteen acres of shaded lawn can be replaced

various types of groundcover that require less work and

with groundcover that:

expense to maintain. This will not only make the campus

•

Varies more in appearance from season to season

a richer environment, but will reduce its contribution to

•

Offers a more dramatic backdrop to open spaces

global warming by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions

•

Requires less maintenance once established

associated with maintenance. Alternative planting regimes

•

Broadens species diversity

can be grouped into four broad categories: greensward,

•

Guides pedestrian traffic along paths, and thus reduces

meadow, trees with shade-loving groundcover, and forest

soil erosion and compaction

with understory. In addition, the amount of forest with understory on Greensward is the least labor-intensive cover and requires

campus should be increased. The establishment of

very little in capital expense to establish. The grasses grow

Clayplain forest should be encouraged by the removal of

their own seed heads and self-seed every year. With the

competing species. (See Figure 1 on page 104.)

exception of a five-foot width of mown grass on both sides of paths, mowing cycles can be reduced from twenty cycles

The landscape plan should be realized in phases. As soon

to six cycles per year, reducing the consumption of fuel and

as possible, the plantings shown on the proposed landscape

labor by 70%.

plan should be begun, particularly the projects indicated in the Campus Plan chapter of this Master Plan. As time

Meadow is more capital-intensive than greensward.

goes by and existing plantings at odds with the proposed

While lawn can be “let go” to create a greensward, it must

plan grow old and die, their loss should be used as an

NATURAL SYSTEMS

109

opportunity to clarify open spaces by replacing them with

Recommendations

trees located according to the Campus Plan.

1. Improve soils in heavily used areas of campus by adding sand and compost

Some existing vegetation should be removed to improve views. The east face of Mead Chapel ridge is heavily

2. Improve drainage in heavily used areas by regrading and adding sub-surface drain tiles

overgrown in places. Simply removing low-hanging limbs

3. Add raingardens and bioswales to reduce the amount

and selectively removing evergreen trees would help clarify

of and improve the quality of stormwater runoff

the space by allowing the facades of the buildings along the

4. Preferentially utilize native plant species and plants

ridge line to help define the Main Quad and to open views

with native provenances

from the ridge. Similarly, trees on Pearsons Ridge should be

5. Do not use invasive non-native plants

selectively limbed up to preserve views.

6. Where appropriate, remove invasive non-native plants 7. Establish a Green Reserve to protect sensitive areas

Middlebury has an ongoing program to minimize its use of

8. Develop management plans to protect water quality

herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer. Improvement of soils

and preserve natural and semi-natural habitats

by the addition of compost will aid this effort.

9. Use campus landscape design to support the campus’s civic structure

Site Furnishings Site furnishings, such as benches, light and banner poles, bollards, curbs, drains, and signage should be part of a larger “eco-purchasing” plan. Their materials, construction, methods, and maintenance should be reviewed with regard

10. Enhance small scale spaces for outdoor teaching, study, and informal gathering 11. Selectively remove and trim vegetation to preserve views 12. As the campus grows and vegetation is maintained

to sustainability. For example, wooden benches should be

and improved, preserve views from campus out to

made of sustainably and locally harvested timber, lighting

the surrounding landscape

should be “Dark Sky” compliant, and where appropriate, plants should be locally grown and have local genetic provenance.

13. Improve the microclimates of buildings and outdoor spaces by appropriate planting 14. Reduce the amount of lawn to reduce campus landscape maintenance’s contribution to

The Educational Landscape The campus landscape is an educational resource. The

Middlebury’s greenhouse gas footprint 15. Replace lawn with greensward, meadow,

campus should be thought of as a member of the faculty,

groundcover, and forest, to augment the quantity

enabled to teach, to contribute to research, and to inspire.

and diversity of plant and animal habitat

By doing so, the landscape will convey lessons in ecology,

16. Protect existing trees and other plantings from

economy, art, and culture. Where appropriate, engaging issues such as stormwater runoff, soil augmentation, and

damage during construction projects 17. Plant additional trees and create new forested areas

microclimate enhancement in didactic ways will help the

and edge transitional zones to increase the

landscape convey more to its users, and will make the

connectivity of plant and animal habitat

campus more responsive to its climate and physiography.

18. Gradually transform existing forested areas into Clayplain Forest by encouraging appropriate species

Examples of ways the landscape can do this include: •

Utilizing a diversity of plant types, and incorporating a

and selectively removing inappropriate species 19. Continue to reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides,

variety of habitat types

and inorganic fertilizers, with a goal to eliminate

•

Adding informative labels and descriptions

their use

•

Representing and explaining student and faculty

20. Replace synthetic pesticides with biological ones

projects

21. Consider sustainability when selecting site materials

•

Making a variety of ecological processes visibly present on campus

and furnishings 22. Augment the ways the landscape educates and informs its users