LMP Auburn Landscape

2. The Auburn Landscape CHAPTER CONTENTS REGIONAL CONTEXT / PHYSIOGRAPHY

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CAMPUS LANDSCAPE

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HISTORIC GROWTH AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

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INTEGRATING URBAN AND NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

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DEFINING THE AUBURN IMAGE AND CHARACTER

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REGIONAL CONTEXT / PHYSIOGRAPHY Auburn University is located in the City of Auburn, an east-central Alabama city situated within Lee County. The City obtained its charter in 1839 and a commercial district, churches and schools soon developed. In 1872, Auburn University, known at the time as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, became the first public land grant university in the south. Today Auburn is the largest city within Lee County with historic growth primarily attributed to its educational institutions. Auburn University now operates over 400 buildings and its main campus stretches over 1,870 acres.

Atlanta Birmingham

Auburn University lies adjacent to Alabama’s “fall line”, a geographic delineation separating the Piedmont Upland and East Gulf Coastal Plains Physiographic regions. Typically, the fall line descriptor represents a unique geographical feature in which harder rocks of the Piedmont meet softer rocks of the plains. In this case, the Alabama fall line also represents a drastic change in topography and slope. An interesting characteristic of the Alabama fall line landscape is that plant species are typically found on one side of the line or the other, but not both.

Auburn University Montgomery

Columbus

In the 1900’s, several of eastern Alabama’s small towns took shape along this corridor due to another added benefit typical of a fall line; hydro-power. Today the I-85 corridor, the primary regional access route to the University, generally follows the Alabama fall line between Montgomery and Auburn. (Source: The Encyclopedia of Alabama Organization, www.encyclopediaofalabama.org) The physiographic conditions at Auburn University have directly informed the development patterns which have shaped today’s campus. An inventory of some of the campuses key underlying features, including additional descriptions for each, can be found in the Campus Master Plan Update 2013. The following diagrams are also included here for reference: Topography (Figure 2-2) Steep Slopes (Figure 2-3) Existing Hydrology and Flood Plains (Figure (2-4) Existing Heat Island Contributors (Figure 2-5)

Figure 2-1. From the CCMP, this regional map locates Auburn in the context of its neighboring cities and states

Wooded Areas and Urban Forest (Figure 2-6) Existing Soils (Figure 2-7) Sun Path (Figure 2-8) Campus Walking Diagram - 10-minute radius (Figure 2-9)

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Auburn University Landscape Master Plan, Comprehensive Campus Master Plan Update 2014

TO PO G RA PH Y

ST E E P SLOPE S

EXISTING HYDROLOGY AND FLOOD PLAINS

HEAT ISLAND

Figure 2-2. Existing Topography Diagram

Figure 2-3. Existing Steep Slopes Diagram

Figure 2-4. Existing Hydrology and Flood Plains Diagram

Figure 2-5. Existing Heat Island Diagram

WOODED AREAS AND URBAN FOREST

SOILS

SUN PATH

TEN M INUTE WALK C IRC L E

Figure 2-6. Existing Wooded Areas and Urban Forest Diagram

Figure 2-7. Existing Soils Diagram

Figure 2-8. Existing Sun Path Diagram

Figure 2-9. Existing Ten Minute Walk Circle Diagram

Figure 2-2 through 2-9. As seen in the CCMP, these various diagrams highlight key components of the campus physiography

The Auburn Landscape

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CAMPUS LANDSCAPE Campus Trees Auburn University, in 2009, was the first college or university in the state of Alabama to receive designation as a Tree Campus USA campus. Each year, the University seeks to maintain this recognition and has placed a focused importance on tree preservation, analysis and education. A major step forward in understanding the impact trees have on the University was taken in 2011, when a campus wide tree inventory was completed.

Utilizing the i-Tree Eco protocol developed by the USDA Forest Service 7,345 trees across campus were inventoried. The inventory included such data as species, size, condition and carbon sequestration.

A total of 139 different tree species occur across campus - with crape myrtles being the most abundant species at 1,639 trees. Coupled with crape myrtles, four oak species help make up over 40% of the trees on campus. (Source: A 100% Tree Inventory Using i-Tree Eco Protocol: A Case Study at Auburn University, Alabama, U.S. , Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 37(5): September 2011) Campus Plant Materials Native plants are generally described as species which occurred in the region prior to human intervention. The University has done a good job of preserving the native landscape and minimizing the invasion of exotic species - which is the largest threat to biodiversity on campus. Native species are best suited for local environmental conditions and this characteristic makes them a key component of a sustainable campus. They require less maintenance, less irrigation water and less need for chemical applications.

The continued preservation of and expansion of native plant species across the Auburn campus is encouraged.

The campus also contains many non-native species which are commonly associated with southeastern landscapes. A few examples include live oaks, crape myrtles, azaleas and Bermuda turf grass. Despite being non-natives, these species offer cultural benefits which help define the Auburn character. The use of non-native species which have been introduced into the landscape should be minimized across campus and continually monitored to ensure they do not pose a threat to the native landscape.

A common tool used as a guide for appropriate plant material selection is the USDA plant hardiness zones map. This map helps determine whether a plant is suitable for growth in a region based on average extreme minimum temperatures. The Auburn University campus lies in zone 7b. However, the campus is close to the divide between zones 7b and 8a which means some overlap in suitability may be acceptable when overall site growing conditions are considered. For reference there is also a heat zone map: http:// www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/gardening-maps/heat-zone-map

Campus Stormwater Management

Campus Wetlands

The University is currently working toward achieving compliance with the conditions of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II General Permit. This is a permit, issued through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Water Act, which requires small local “municipalities” to preserve, protect, and improve the Nation’s water resources from polluted stormwater runoff. The Phase II program requires operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas to implement programs and practices to control polluted stormwater runoff. The Phase II permit is intended to further reduce adverse impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat by instituting the use of controls on the unregulated sources of stormwater discharges that have the greatest likelihood of causing continued environmental degradation.

As an element of this campus landscape planning effort, a preliminary wetland assessment was conducted on a portion of the campus. The study area included approximately 1,166 acres south and west of the Campus Core area. It is therefore referred to as the “External Use Land Units” portion of the campus.

Based on the field reconnaissance, a determination has been made that the relative functional capacity of wetlands on AU’s campus is low. This is due to the prevalence of disturbance, adjacent land use and its effects on the watershed, stream down cutting and channel erosion, and the invasion of extremely aggressive nonnative species such as chinese privet. In light of these conditions, the planning team reviewed several options for enhancement and/or restoration of wetlands and other waters of the U.S.. The report indicates that there are opportunities for wetland restoration and/or enhancement efforts on the campus and these are identified on the External Use Land Units Bio-Assessment Map.

As a general observation, the stormwater management system (SWM) at Auburn University represents the evolution of SWM best practice and standards as the practice has evolved over the past 50 years. Beginning with its significant expansion in the 1960’s up to the present day, the campus has addressed SWM using a variety of means and methods. The predominant approach is to “collect, convey and discharge”. In this approach, stormwater from roofs, walkways, open spaces, parking areas and roadways is collected via roof leaders, trench drains, curb inlets and catch basins then directed to a piped conveyance network. The conveyance system then discharges to various points along Parkerson Mill Creek (PMC) (see Figure 1-10). The pipe network is sized to accommodate a 50-year storm event so that a large volume of runoff (largely untreated) flows at a high rate to and through PMC, contributing to a degraded and impaired system.

While the predominant approach is to “collect, convey, discharge”, there are other SWM approaches evident on campus. For example, in the west portion of campus, a large detention basin has been constructed along the west side of Hemlock Drive, north of the electric substation to the Linden Drive parking access road. This provides some control and treatment of runoff from the expansive parking area upland of the basin. Further west in the same general parking area north of West Thach, an effort has been made to install rain gardens within parking medians. On the east side of campus, the Davis Arboretum offers “pilot installations” of contemporary SWM approaches such as porous pavement (concrete), rain gardens and water recycling. Past attempts at introducing porous pavers and/or pavement on campus have met with limited success due to design, installation or maintenance issues. More recently, an infiltration and drought-tolerant landscape approach has been employed in the development of the “South Quad” area to include the OIT and parking deck.

It is evident that as the campus has grown and evolved over decades, the approach to SWM has also grown and evolved with the consequent lack of an integrated, comprehensive SWM plan that supports the campus landscape and ecology. The LMP together with the Post-construction Stormwater Management Manual, completed in 2013, establishes principles, guidelines and standards for SWM planning and design and puts in place a comprehensive, best practices stormwater management plan for the campus.

Figure 2-10. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map of Alabama shows Auburn located within zone 7b, yet close to the divide for zone 8a.

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Auburn University Landscape Master Plan, Comprehensive Campus Master Plan Update 2014

ORGANIZATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE CAMPUS HISTORIC GROWTH + FUTURE DEVELOPMENT The Auburn campus has evolved dramatically since its founding and it is useful to examine the campus’ growth pattern in fifty year increments. Auburn University’s development, and the evolving place of landscape within the campus, serves as a guide for envisioning how the University may evolve over the next 50 years.

From its establishment in 1856 up until 1900 the campus remained primarily agricultural in character, dominated by the natural land form, true to the land grant heritage, and more farm-stead or village-like.

From 1900 to 1950 the campus remained primarily agricultural and natural with the borders of development in the core being well defined in their relationship to the landscape.

Development was concentrated in the northeast holdings of the university.

Beginning in the 1950s and continuing through present day, the development of the automobile and its associated infrastructure coupled with rapid growth has resulted in a sprawling campus and erosion, subversion or destruction of natural and agricultural ecosystems. The result is a fragmented landscape and natural systems like Parkerson Mill Creek which have been disregarded and/or diverted over the years.

Figure 2-11. Pre 1900: land grant, primarily agricultural/natural, village quality

Figure 2-12. 1900-1949: development of core campus, primarily agricultural/natural

Figure 2-13. 1949-2005: age of the automobile, rapid expansion + sprawl, fragmented ;landscapes, natural systems ignored + diverted

Figure 2-14. 2013-future: 21st century landscape, densify core campus, preserve + conserve natural resources

The Auburn Landscape

The 21st century landscape will continue to densify the campus core, it will preserve and conserve natural resources, and it will establish a landscape framework, utilizing a landscape zone structure, to guide future growth and development. Future development will be focused within development growth zones identified in the Campus Master Plan Update. This focus will eliminate a continued sprawl into the green field, undeveloped portions of campus - protecting them for the Auburn Family’s future generations.

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AUBURN ECOSYSTEMS INTEGRATING URBAN AND NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS Auburn’s unique cultural traditions are evidenced in its landscapes as the places of athletics, agriculture and academics all have specific qualities of scale, material and use. Yet all are connected by the hydrological infrastructure of Parkerson Mill Creek, sharing a place in the same watershed, and providing the opportunity to exemplify a sustainable 21st century landscape.

Across the campus, there are different methods for establishing healthy ecosystems, these vary and are dependent on each site’s unique physiographic and ecological characteristics. The goal is to find an appropriate balance between creating vibrant places for people and conserving natural resources. In the highly developed urban and academic core, an urban ecology can be established to layer spaces for student life with sustainable landscapes that conserve water resources, reduce runoff into the campus streams and reflect the plant communities of the eco-region.

In the south western quadrant of the core campus, currently characterized by big landscapes and forest remnants, there are opportunities to restore and conserve forest, meadow and agricultural ecosystems. Throughout the campus, Parkerson Mill Creek can be restored to a healthy stream corridor and opened to pedestrians as an integral part of the campus transportation network. This goal is underscored in the Master Plan with the creation of the Parkerson Mill Creek Natural Resource Management Area.

In combination, these approaches improve the health of the entire ecosystem of the Auburn campus which includes humans, hydrology, soils, plants and animals and enhances the specific qualities of place that distinguish the University as an exemplar of the land grant university system.

Figure 2-15. Campus Landscapes dictate whether an urban ecology or a preservation/restoration approach is best utilized in establishing healthy campus ecosystems

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Auburn University Landscape Master Plan, Comprehensive Campus Master Plan Update 2014

DEFINING THE AUBURN IMAGE AND CHARACTER Auburn’s landscape character is defined by a combination of elements which blend to create a harmonious campus landscape. First, the land grant heritage (agriculture, forestry, horticulture, etc.) plays a significant role in defining the campus landscape. Auburn’s character has been formed over time by an emphasis on the land and its ties to the education and research mission of the University. The campus is large and incorporates a transect from rural, agricultural landscape to urban center, town grid. In addition, Auburn’s landscape has been defined by the physiography of its location and therefore its local soils, geology, plant communities, hydrology and rolling topography. Finally, cultural influences have played a role in shaping the campus landscape, including the university’s ties to athletic tradition in particular Game Day (parking & tailgating), Toomer’s Corner, Tiger Walk, Campus Green and the Recreation and Wellness Center. This combination of influences should be celebrated, embraced and reclaimed by appropriate preservation, adaptive re-use and, in select cases, focused efforts to reinstate “lost” landscapes where appropriate.

Furthermore, as displayed through the traditional architectural styling prevalent on campus, Auburn’s character is generally one of unity. Although building styles may have strayed slightly from the various period architectural movements, campus buildings are generally of human scale in size and siting, and consist of brick with limestone detailing and pitched roofs. Building siting generally follows the urban grid closer to the campus core, but shifts to a more informal arrangement as it spreads out into the more rural, extended areas of campus. This consistent sense of scale and materiality helps to create a unified campus image.

Figure 2-16. Both Hargis Hall and Samford Hall represent traditional campus architecture materiality

An increased emphasis on urban ecology should be an essential part of the evolution of Auburn’s campus landscape. Urban ecology includes integration of climatology, geomorphology and soils, hydrology, plant and animal communities, and ecological engineering and restoration. Urban ecology involves designing landscapes that reflect increased urbanization while incorporating components of lost or redefined ecological systems.

This approach will allow the further blending of the cultural and natural landscapes that reinforce the Auburn character.

Figure 2-17. Today’s Auburn character is intrinsically tied to its cultural past

The Auburn Landscape

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Auburn University Landscape Master Plan, Comprehensive Campus Master Plan Update 2014