A Perennial-Focused Farm Design
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA
Designer: Chris Hendershot Conway School of Landscape Design Fall 2014
Introduction Project Summary Environmental Context Cultural Context Existing Conditions
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Analyses Views Wildlife Vegetation Soils & Sun Drainage Access & Circulation Legal Summary Analysis
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The Perennial Farm System Precedents Final Design Design Details #1 Design Details #2 Design Details #3 Design Details #4
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Additional Resources Sustainable Sites Initiative Evaluation
View north across the farm’s agricultural field with Mt. Sugarloaf in the background
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Project Summary Scott Reed and Ferdene Chin-Yee have lived at 197 River Road since 1997. Their 10-acre property comprises a 7-acre agricultural area and a 3-acre residential area. The property lies on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River in the town of Sunderland, Massachusetts. When Scott and Ferdene purchased this property they founded Riverland Farm and started organically cultivating a diverse array of annual vegetables. Riverland Farm was one of the early farms to adopt the now widely popular Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, business model. Scott and Ferdene managed Riverland Farm for a number of years before deciding to sell the business to its current owners, who now operate the farm on the agricultural fields directly adjacent to the site. As of 2014, Scott and Ferdene have completely planted their field with a cover crop. Over the last couple of years, they have seen perennial, regenerative agricultural systems elsewhere and they are now interested in pursuing the development of these strategies on their land.
Riverland Farm Riverland Farm
Connecticut River
Riverland Farm
New Forest Farm in Wisconsin is one of North America’s leading perennial agriculture research sites. (www.newforestfarm.net) Scott and Ferdene’s property on Google Earth. The straight rows and open space in the field indicate the annual agricultural practices of 2014. (Google Earth)
Project Goals • • • •
Determine what types of perennial agricultural practices are best suited to the land Design a perennial-based agricultural ecosystem for the farm Design a farm system that facilitates the development and sharing of agricultural knowledge Design a farm system that can be implemented and maintained on a modest budget
Perennial Agriculture Paradise Lot in Holyoke, Massachusetts is a well know example of perennial polyculture.
D Acres in Dorchester, New Hampshire is a perennial based farm that focus on community outreach and education.
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Project Summary Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Industrial agriculture is primarily focused on the monoculture cultivation of a handful of annual crops (such as corn, wheat, and soy beans). These monocultures are dependent upon massive amounts of energy inputs to produce and apply the fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides they require. Organic agriculture tries to mitigate these negative environmental impacts by growing crops without the use of these synthetic chemicals. However, both industrial and organic agriculture are primarily focused on the monoculture cultivation of annual crops. Annual crops are early succession species that complete their cycle in one growing season. They need to be replanted every year, and require some sort of soil tillage or soil disturbance to hold back the force of ecological succession that, in New England,
will turn open farm fields into dense forests. An agricultural system based on perennial plants works with and directs ecological succession instead of battling it. This approach could help restore environmental health and contribute to the development of a truly sustainable human presence on this planet. There are many different agricultural practices that can be defined as perennial agriculture. Scott and Ferdene’s first goal for this project is to determine what kinds of perennial agriculture are suitable for the farm’s varying environments. Understanding the contextual and environmental conditions found within the site and surrounding region will inform the specifics of the perennial agricultural system proposed for the farm.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Environmental Context General Overview Scott and Ferdene’s property is situated along the bank of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts’s Pioneer Valley. The region is part of the North American temperate deciduous forest biome with a humid continental climate of year-round precipitation, hot summers, and cold, snowy winters. This relatively wet region experiences approximately 45 inches of rain and 50 inches of snow per year. Temperature extremes range considerably in the region, from close to 100°F in the summer to -20 °F in the winter, though the region’s
New England (Google Earth)
temperature averages are much milder with an annual high temperature of 59°F and an average annual low temperature of 36°F. The site is located on the northern edge of USDA plant hardiness zone 6a and generally experiences a growing season of 140 days. The average first frost date is September 28 and the average last frost date is May 10. In general, the region’s climate and environmental conditions are favorable for the establishment of a perennial agricultural system.
Massachusetts (Google Earth)
Project Site
Project Site
Neighborhood suburban residential and agricultural landscape matrix (Google Earth)
Connecticut River Valley View (Google Earth)
Project Site
Project Site
15,000 to 12,000 years ago: Glacial Lake Hitchcock formed as the Laurentide Ice Sheet melted. It covered the project site for 3,000 years. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Hitchcock)
12,000 years ago to present : The modern Connecticut River valley formed after Glacial Lake Hitchcock drained. (nh.water.usgs.gov/projects/ct_atlas)
The Connecticut River & Glacial Lake Hitchcock The farm property is within the Connecticut River watershed and the river has played a major role in the ecological development of this area. During the most recent glaciation, the Laurentide Ice Sheet extended across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere for approximately 75,000 years, and completely covered the region. When the ice sheet melted approximately 15,000 years ago, a large lake, known as Glacial Lake Hitchcock, was formed when a natural dam blocked the outlet of what is now the Connecticut River. For over 3,000 years glacial alluvium sediments settled in the waters of the lake. This rich material formed the
primary components of the soils found at the site today. These soils are exceptionally rich in minerals, silts, and clays. The modern Connecticut River formed when Glacial Lake Hitchcock drained. The river has repeatedly flooded the property about every 100 years, depositing minerals and organic matter from upstream. The property is now within the central part of the Connecticut River Watershed, which extends for over 400 miles across four states. The soils found within the Connecticut River Valley are some of the world’s best, due to the region’s recent and dynamic glacial history.
Southern view of the Connecitcut River from Mt. Sugarloaf. The project site is circled. (commons.wikimedia.org)
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
2/19
Environmental Context Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Cultural Context General Overview The farm sits along the eastern side of the Connecticut River, in the southernmost part of the town of Sunderland. The culturally diverse city of Springfield is 30 miles south of the farm. The smaller cities of Amherst and Northampton are 9 miles south and 14 miles southwest respectively. The diverse, strong local economies found within the area may offer opportunities within local markets for the farm’s future produce. Regional cities & highways (Google Maps)
There are five nearby colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College and Smith College. The area in general is socially, economically, and politically liberal and there is a very strong local agricultural economy with numerous small-scale, diversified, organically managed farms.
Mono-cropped annual agriculture dominates the region’s cultivated acreage. Corn, potatoes, hay, cranberries and tobacco are among the state’s top cash crops. Most of New England’s food is imported and there are many large-scale farming operations throughout the region. Local agriculture, environmental health, and sustainability receive widespread support in Massachusetts. The state has a strong agricultural culture and there are more CSAs per capita here than in any other state in the nation. Indian Line Farm, an hour and a half west of the site, is widely regarded as being the first CSA in the United States. The progressive local culture and strong regional economies indicate that this area may be a supportive place to develop a new type of agricultural enterprise.
Project Site
Sunderland, Massachusetts (Google Maps)
The Oxbow - Thomas Cole 1836 This painting illustrates the dramatic impact that agricultural development had on the Connecticut River Valley’s landscape. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northampton,_Massachusetts)
Historical Context Intermittent Stream
Humans have occupied this region for thousands of years. The Pocumtuck people are known to have had settlements along the Connecticut River in what is now the town of Sunderland. Mt. Sugarloaf, which can easily be seen from the land, played a significant role in the folklore of the Pocumtuck people. This section of the Connecticut River valley was a transportation and trade crossroads for Native peoples, as settlements in the area attracted goods and travelers from both southern coastal and northern inland peoples. European settlement began in the 1630s and
the region’s excellent agricultural lands attracted settlers to the area. With European settlement, increasing amounts of the area’s forests and swamps were converted to agricultural areas. After periods of conflict between the European settlers and Pocumtuck people, the settlers eventually took complete control of the land and the area developed into one of New England’s most important agricultural and industrial areas. This historical context reminds us that change is a constant element in the evolution of this landscape.
The Intermittent Stream
The intermittent stream has a major impact on the site’s topography, drainage, vegetation, and circulation patterns. (Google Earth)
Sunderland was originally known as Swampfield, due to the numerous swamps along the banks of the Connecticut River. In the early 1900s, the town of Sunderland converted many of these swamps into agricultural fields by installing a series of drainage channels throughout the town. These channels are now intermittent streams that drain water away from the agricultural areas and into the Connecticut River. Over the decades, these intermittent streams have become thickly vegetated and filled in with sediments. These channels no longer function as efficiently as they
used to and their future is a source of debate within the community. One channel originates a third of a mile north of the property, runs south through the site, and connects with the Connecticut River approximately 600 feet to the south. The intermittent stream has a major impact on the property; it collects most of the farm’s runoff, and separates the residential area from the agricultural area. It also creates a narrow band of wildlife habitat through the site.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
3/19
Cultural Context Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Existing Conditions R I V E R
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Riverland Farm Intermittent Stream
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Riverland Farm CSA Barn
Farm Access Road Overgrown River Access
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Culvert Stream Crossing Wooden Footbridge
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Irrigation Pumps
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A steep, wooded strip leads up from the Connecticut River to the agricultural field. The river’s water level changes seasonally in response to rain events and water control structures upriver. There is an elevation change of about 25 feet from the riverbank to the field’s edge. Densely vegetated, this zone contains the site’s most mature deciduous trees. The steep vegetated slopes make accessing the riverbank particularly difficult. An old, overgrown trail leads down to the river. This trail has been previously used to access a gas-powered water pump to irrigate the agricultural field.
Riverland Farm
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Secondary Residential Driveway (Unpaved)
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Scott and Ferdene’s property is in a terraced riverbank agricultural area.
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The 7-acre agricultural field covers more than half of the farm. This field has been farmed historically, most recently by Riverland Farm for organic vegetable cultivation. The slopes are less than 3% mostly east-facing, and therefore very conducive to agriculture. An underground pipe connects the water pump at the river with three outlets in the center of this area. During winter there are often strong northerly winds across the field.
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The intermittent stream runs north to south through the property, separating the agricultural area from the residential area. The stream corridor is covered by mixed deciduous trees, noticeably younger than those of the riverfront forest. Many of the deciduous trees are multi-trunked, which indicates that they were cut and resprouted. Most of the field’s water drains into this stream. Its water level fluctuates seasonally in response to heavy rain events, from a few inches of water in the spring and fall, to often drying out during the summer months.
The residential area extends eastward from the bank of the intermittent stream to River Road, which marks the property’s eastern border. It is the interface between the farmland and the community, and its layout significantly impacts the site’s circulation patterns. A small barn to the north is currently used by Riverland Farm as its CSA distribution center. Scott and Ferdene’s house, a garage, and a large barn are to the south. Water is supplied to the house by a well, which is located in the lawn to the east of the garage. The septic tank is buried in the area just north of the house.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
4/19
Existing Conditions Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Views 2. The agricultural zone, looking south from the northern edge of the field; this area is the primary focus of this project.
2 1. Looking north from the western edge of the agricultural field along the farm access road. The sorghum-Sudangrass seen on the right is over 6 feet tall.
3. Looking westward across the agricultural field, the riverfront area is seen in the background
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6. The site’s steep, densely vegetated riverbank is very hard to traverse in some spots.
4. This road over the culverted intermittent stream is the primary access to the agricultural field.
Design Implications
5. The prominent view of Mt. Sugarloaf and the sloping topography of the southeastern corner of the agricultural field.
These photos, taken in September 2014, show the farm’s varied environments. They also show the site’s beauty and large open space. No paved roads, houses, or cars are seen in these pictures.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
5/19
Views Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Wildlife Large forest to the north
The properties riverbank
North American river otter tracks were spotted on the riverbank.
Small forests to the south The riverbank area is connected to a narrow, but continuous, strip of forest. (Google Earth)
Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects use the Connecticut River and its banks as a travel corridor. The riverbank corridor on the farm connects smaller wooded areas to the south with larger patches of forest to the north. Because it facilitates species movement and interaction, the riverbank corridor is very important for the ecological health of the smaller forested areas to the south, as they are much closer to urban development areas than the forests to the north.
The farm contains valuable wildlife habitat and is part of a regional wildlife corridor.
Flower gardens provide praying mantises with a habitat to hunt in.
On a September site visit, numerous monarch butterflies were observed migrating south along the Connecticut River. Monarchs are facing extreme pressure from habitat loss and pollution. North American river otter tracks were also found on the river bank.
Blackberries provide a habitat for American robins to nest in. Swiss chard plants give orb weaver spiders a habitat to build a web in.
Design Implications
High-bush blueberries provide bumblebees with food in exchange for pollination.
All future designs should take care to preserve and enhance the site’s role within a regional wildlife corridor. The farm’s geographic location along the Connecticut River’s, dense vegetation, and wet environment, creates a range of habitats that support the land’s biodiversity. When assessing the potential impact perennial agriculture will have on the site’s wildlife and habitat structure, it is important to acknowledge the ecological relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Both annual and perennial plants provide wildlife habitat. The habitat structure
found in an annual agricultural area has to be rebuilt every time the fields are plowed, while the habitat structure in a perennial agriculture system is allowed to evolve over many seasons without major disturbances, like plowing. An undisturbed habitat contains more biodiversity and habitat structure, because it’s ecosystem has time to develop and fill a wider array of ecological niche’s. In this way, perennial agriculture works with the area’s ecosystem by increasing it’s diversity and resilience.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
6/19
Wildlife Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Vegetation The property has three primary vegetation zones; two wildlife habitat zones, and one agricultural zone.
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A green ash, the site’s largest and oldest tree.
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This riverbank has a dense canopy of deciduous trees and a thickly vegetated understory. Vegetation includes shagbark hickory, green ash, silver maple, cottonwood, American sycamore, staghorn sumac, fox grape, and Japanese knotweed. This area could be suitable for growing shade-tolerant crops and plants that contribute to soil stabilization.
Design Implications The vegetation found in the different areas of the farm indicate what form of perennial agriculture may be appropriate for each area. The multi-layered and dense vegetation found on the riverbank and along the intermittent stream provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. The understory of these two areas does not receive much sunlight, which suggests that agricultural crops in these areas would have to be shade-tolerant. The agricultural
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The field is currently cover-cropped with sorghum-Sudangrass, a hybrid cover crop that protects the soil from erosion and builds fertility. Other early successional plant species that are commonly found in routinely disturbed agricultural areas are also present, including common galinzoga, white clover, purslane, amaranth, and lamb’s quarter. The fields existing vegetation poses no obstacles to implementing a number of perennial agricultural techniques.
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The intermittent stream and it’s banks are densely vegetated, with a very thick understory; many of the deciduous trees are stump sprouts. Species include white pine, Eastern hemlock, black willow, pin oak, staghorn sumac, silver maple, and Japanese knotweed. The southeastern edge has a cleared slope down to the intermittent stream. These conditions are suitable for a series of water storing, erosion preventing on-contour swales inter-planted with perennial species.
field is dominated by annual plants, which indicates that the area is not very shady and that the soil has been recently disturbed. With no perennial competition, a managed perennial polyculture would eventually be able to overtake the annual plants. Overall, any alterations to these zones should preserve and enhance their habitat structure and ecological functionality.
The residential zone is primarily mowed, with two patches of Norway spruce. There are a number of ornamental plantings around the house.
A staghorn sumac is surrounded by the riverbank area’s dense understory.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
7/19
Vegetation Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Soils & Sunlight
The site’s varying soil and sunlight patterns present a range of possibilities for perennial agriculture.
3 6+ Hours of Sun in Summer
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Winooski Silt Loam
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Soil Series 1
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Udorthents is a steeply sloped, frequently
Winooski Silt Loam is characteristic of
Limerick Silt Loam is glacially deposited
Agricultural Field Soil Test
Sunlight
Conclusions
Soil data was collected from the NRCS web soil survey and from samples sent to the UMass soils lab. Potassium was the only nutrient that the soil is deficient in. Low potassium levels can easily be remedied in perennial agricultural systems by amending the soil with wood ash, compost, mulch, or manure.
There is a large, centrally located band of land within the agricultural field that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day throughout the year. This sunlight pattern makes the agricultural field an excellent area for the establishment of most types of perennial agriculture. The residential area receives at least four hours of sunlight all year. The shaded riverbank area is the farm’s most suitable location for the cultivation of certain crops that require shade.
The site’s varying soil and sunlight conditions present a range of opportunities for perennial agriculture. Perennial polycultures are beneficial to soils because they increase its organic matter, while developing a large, stabilizing, root system. Implementing appropriate agricultural soil conservation techniques for each of the farm’s soil’s will help to increase organic matter and nutrient content, while developing the soil’s structure.
flooded, terraced, floodplain soil series found on the banks of the Connecticut River. The upper section of this soil series that is outside the yearly floodplain is rich with minerals and nutrients. It could be suitable for cultivating shade-tolerant crops and other plants that contribute to soil stabilization.
Umass Soil Lab test results for the mineral content of the agricultural field. (Umass Soil Lab)
terraced floodplains along the Connecticut River. Its parent material is silty alluvium deposited by the draining of Lake Hitchcock. This soil covers most of the field and is rated amongst the world’s best agricultural soils. This soil is in the USDA capability class IIw, and cultivation in this area faces moderate limitations due to the soil’s high water content. Despite these wet conditions, most types of perennial agriculture would do very well in this soil.
silty alluvium soil that is commonly found in the Connecticut River’s floodplains. It is mainly found in the residential area of the property. This soil is in the Vle USDA capability class, meaning that agriculture faces very severe limitations, due to the high risk of erosion. Although this series is poorly rated for agriculture it still has the capability for perennial vegetation to become established and over time reduce it’s erosion potential while improving the soil’s quality.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
8/19
Soils & Sun Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Drainage
The agricultural field and residential area drain into the intermittent stream, while the riverbank drains directly into the Connecticut River.
HP Drainage Direction Connecticut River Intermittent stream
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Surface drainage
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Implications
Flooding Potential
The farm generally receives precipitation all year. Most of the site drains into the intermittent stream and then into the Connecticut River just south of the property. Environmental pollutants picked up on site will flow into the intermittent stream and then into the Connecticut River. The land should be managed in a way that conserves water by slowing down it’s movement across the site to increase it’s absorption into the ecosystem. A perennial polyculture that is designed to conserve water will help the farm to, reduce erosion, filter pollutants, mitigate drought impact, and buffer against floods.
Most of the property is located within either the 100- or 500-year floodplains. Scott and Ferdene have never witnessed the river rise above it’s bank and flow into the agricultural field. It is thought the last time this occurred at the site was during the hurricane of 1936. Even with the large amount of flood control on the Connecticut River and its tributaries, a flood of this magnitude is still possible. On several occasions Scott and Ferdene have witnessed the intermittent stream back up and flood small portions of the agricultural field after significant rainfall. Although these recent floods have not caused damage, the threat of flooding is real. This region is projected to receive more rainfall and erratic weather patterns as climate change continues to unfold.
Project Site
100-year flood plain covers most of the project site. (FEMA)
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
9/19
Drainage Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Access and Circulation
The agricultural field is accessed by three crossings over the intermittent stream.
River Road Public Road Farm
Vehicular Site Access
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Route 47, also known as River Road, runs northsouth along the eastern edge of the property. The site has two main parking areas, the CSA parking lot to the north and the residential driveway to the south. Access from the residential area to the agricultural field is limited to two main vehicular access points (one near the CSA parking area and one by the residential area) and a seldom-used wooden footbridge that crosses the stream near the CSA barn. The agricultural field is also accessi-
ble from Riverland Farm’s fields to the north and south. All of the agricultural field is accessible by vehicle or on foot. There is an improved dirt farm road around the perimeter of the field. This road crosses the field twice, and the southern crossing runs parallel to the site’s three irrigation pumps. There is one overgrown access path from the agricultural field down to the Connecticut River.
Wooden footbridge
Implications A perennial-based farm will require a more permanent farm road layout, as perennial plants have much longer lifespans than annuals. The site’s road layout should allow for vehicular access to each perennial agriculture area, as this will facilitate access for harvests, pruning, and
other farm work. The circulation plan should help to foster a positive visitor experience by creating interesting and rewarding trail networks that showcase the site’s unique perennial agricultural systems.
Main stream crossing The intermittent stream’s three crossing points (bing.com/maps)
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
10/19
Access & Circulation Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Legal
The Wetland Protection Act agricultural exemption allows agricultural activity to continue unhindered. However, it is still important to protect water resources and wildlife habitat.
Riverfront Resource Area
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The project site is in an agricultural area that has significant ecological resources. A number of regulations govern what type of landscape alterations are permissible under both state and federal conservation laws. A 200-foot Riverfront Resource Area and a 100-foot Intermittent Stream Buffer Zone extend over large portions of the site. These regulations are meant to protect the valuable habitat adjacent to these water bodies. However, since the site has been in active
agricultural use, it qualifies for a state agricultural exemption to many of the conservation regulations that would otherwise apply. According to the Wetlands Protection Act, this exemption applies to “work performed for normal maintenance or improvement of land in agricultural or aquacultural use.� Additionally, significant non-agricultural landscape alteration within these resource areas must first be approved by the Sunderland Conservation Commission.
Design Implications Although the agricultural exemption permits agricultural activities at the farm, activity should still take these Resource Areas into account. Implementation of perennial agriculture in the different areas of the farm should follow the guidance of the conservation restrictions to support the ecological integrity of the area.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
11/19
Legal Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Summary Analysis The agricultural field with its excellent soils, gentle slope, and ample sunlight, is the farm’s most suited area for perennial agriculture. Flowing Water Surface Drainage
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This historic agricultural field is the project’s main focus area. The field has been recently fallowed and is now almost totally covered in sorghum-Sudangrass. This field is excellent for perennial agriculture, as it contains some of the world’s best agricultural soils and most of this area receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily throughout the year. The conditions on this site can support a wide array of perennial agricultural systems.
The intermittent stream separates the residential area from the agricultural and riverfront areas. Most of the open farm field drains into this stream before it enters the Connecticut River, and the area is very wet. It is primarily covered by densely vegetated, mixed deciduous trees, which offer valuable wildlife habitat. The conditions along the stream banks are suitable for perennial plantings that are designed to reduce erosion and increase water infiltration.
Design Implications
The residential area provides the property with its two primary access points from River Road. Surface runoff drains from here into the intermittent stream. Two barns, a residence, and a garage are found in this area. Most of this area is covered by lawn with a few patches of evergreen trees. Visitors to the site must pass through this area to access the agricultural field. The soils here are poorly rated for agriculture. There is enough open space within the residential area for a soil-building perennial agricultural practice, such as silvopasture, to be successful.
The summary analysis of this landscape shows that the farm has a variety of environments suitable for the development of a range of perennial agricultural systems that will support the farm’s ecosystems while sustainably producing a yield.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
12/19
Summary Analysis Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Precedents Silvopasture Silvopasturing is an agroforestry strategy which combines forestry and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. Silvopasturing mimics the savanna ecosystem by creating an environment with a grassland understory and an overstory of trees that are spaced far enough apart to allow light to reach the grassy understory. The combination of livestock and tree crops mimics the savanna’s structure and ecological relationships in an agriculturally productive manner.
the trees. This ecosystem has more biodiversity, structure, and ecological resilience than an equivalent system would without grazing animals. Some research proposes that the savanna ecosystem sequesters more greenhouse gases than what is produced by the grazing mammals. With the advent of climate change, silvopasturing may offer a regenerative livestock production model to replace the current polluting and energy intensive industrial form.
Herds of grazing mammals, such as buffalo, play a crucial role in the natural function of the savanna ecosystem, by intensively browsing the herbaceous layer as they move across the landscape. This intensive grazing prevents woody shrubs from overtaking the herbaceous layer, while the manure left behind fertilizes the soil. Repeated grazing maintains the grassland for the grazers, while conserving water and soil nutrients for
In a silvopasture system the livestock need to be fenced off in a relatively small area and moved frequently. This intensive grazing management concentrates and evenly applies manure fertilization, while ensuring that the livestock do not encourage the success of unwanted understory species by spreading out across the site and eating only their favorite herbaceous species.
Intensive grazing management keeps the silvopasture’s understory from becoming overgrown. (permaculturenews.org/images/IMG_0339)
Alley Cropping Alley cropping combines the cultivation of small, faster growing, annual or perennial, row crops with slower growing perennial tree or bush crops. The main goal of alley cropping is to stack the production of multiple crops in a way that is both easily manageable and ecologically supportive. Compared to monoculture systems, alley cropping creates more biodiversity and habitat structure, along with a better developed, more stable soil structure. The alley crop rows are spaced far enough apart so that tractors can be used during
Silvopasturing mimics the savanna ecosystem by grazing livestock under a canopy of tree crops. (silvopasture.ning.com/photo/herd-in-silvopasturejune-2012)
cultivation. Alley cropping yields both short- and long-term agricultural products. The lag time between the establishment of perennial plants and the time before they are ready to harvest is a significant obstacle to achieving the project’s goal of generating revenue. The diversity of yields possible in an alley cropping system may allow Scott and Ferdene to bridge the perennial profitability gap by cultivating quick-yielding perennial and/or annual crops, while the farm’s long-term perennial backbone matures.
In alley cropping, both short- and long-term yielding crops are planted together in rows. (upload.wikimedia.org)
Food Forest A food forest is a multi-layered orchard that is designed to mimic a forest ecosystem and produce a diverse array of agricultural yields in a sustainable, ecologically regenerative manner. Plant species are chosen based on both their ecological function and agricultural use. A food forest incorporates a diversity of species, occupying as many ecological niches as possible. According to Dave Jacke’s Edible Forest Gardens, Volume One, the habitat structure and ecological relationships created by the diversity and interconnectedness of a food forest result in a ecosystem that is sig-
nificantly more resilient than a monoculture. The perennial polyculture planting style of a food forest may first appear to be random, disorganized, or messy. However, this diverse vegetation makes it difficult for unwanted species and pests to become established because they face more competition and predators. The diversity of perennial plants function together to form a resilient agricultural ecosystem. The food forest concept is becoming more widely known and there are now numerous examples of food forests throughout the region.
A multi-layered food forest at D Acres Organic Farm and Educational Homestead, in Dorchester, New Hampshire. www.dacres.org/media/pictures
A food forest contains a diversity of perennial crops planted together in a polyculture. (barbaramatthews.files.wordpress.com) Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
13/19
Precedents Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Final Design: Overview
Pick-your-own food forest
Silvopasture Shaded forest crops
4 3 Perennial alley cropping
2
Perennial plant nursery
1
Greenhouse and pavilion
Silvopasture
N 0
1 The riverbank undergoes minor modifications to make it more accessible and agriculturally productive. The path down to the river leads to a modest scenic river overlook. Existing understory plants are removed and shade-tolerant crops are planted under the trees canopy along the zone’s northeastern edge. An ecologically beneficial and agriculturally productive mix of shade-tolerant species are planted in this area, including mushrooms, wild ramps, wild ginger, ginseng, and ostrich fern.
60Ft
120Ft
240Ft
2
3
The agricultural field undergoes a profound transformation. An access road surrounds the field’s perimeter, crosses the field twice, dividing the area into three relatively evensized fields. A pick-your-own food forest is planted in the northern section, where a series of roads and footpaths allow for easy access into the area. In the middle third of the field, an alley cropping system is installed with a mixture of quick and longterm perennial crops. This diversity in yields provides the farm with some of its initial income while the long-term perennial crops mature. The southern third of the field is a silvopasture for raising beef cattle, geese, ducks, turkeys, and rabbits. A pavilion, greenhouse, and perennial plant nursery are built between the silvopasture and alley cropping sections.
4
The intermittent stream remains largely unchanged. The biodiversity and habitat structure of this zone increases with the removal of Japanese knotweed and the planting of wildflowers along the central edges. A series of on-contour swales and rows of elderberry filter any manure out of the surface water runoff and buffer the agricultural field from the potential flooding of the intermittent stream. Patches of wildflowers are planted along both sides of the stream.
The parking area in front of the residence is enlarged by removing the patch of evergreen trees surrounding the driveway. Small, ornamental plantings around this new parking area help maintain a sense of privacy. An ADA-accessible footpath links the main farm access road with the CSA barn’s parking area. The lawn area around the house and to the south of the barn are fenced off and converted into silvopasture raising beef cattle, geese, ducks, turkeys, and rabbits.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
14/19
Final Design Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Design Details: Residential Area & Shaded Planting Area Residential Area
Wildflower mix Modular compost toilet
Large areas of lawn are planted with nut trees and converted into silvopasture. This silvopasture area publicly displays the farm’s practices, due to its proximity to River Road. The Norway spruces in front of the house and in the driveway are removed to increase area for parking and silvopasture.
ADA-accessible footpath Heartnut silvopasture Ducks on silvopasture
An ADA-accessible footpath connects the southern farm road with the CSA parking area, and the trail over the wooden footbridge and northern culvert crossing are cleared of vegetation. Wildflower patches are planted along this path, on the banks
Parking space for six cars
of the intermittent stream, and around the parking areas to increase the landscapes habitat, biodiversity, and appearance. A modular compost toilet system is installed in the CSA parking area. Rows of elderberries are planted in between on-contour swales along the western edge of the intermittent stream. The elderberries produce a yield, and help reduce soil erosion, while the swales filter runoff, conserve water, and help to protect the agricultural field from flooding.
Barn utilized for storage
Shag-bark hickory silvopasture Rabbits on silvopasture Elderberries between on-contour swales
Species List
N 0 35Ft 70Ft
140Ft
Shag-bark hickory makes up the silvopasture’s overstory. (http://www.pittstate.edu/department/herbarium)
Species Juglans ailantifolia - Heartnut Andropogon gerardi - Big Bluestem Carya ovata - Shagbark Hickory Castanea dentata - Hybrid Chinese Chestnut Dactylis spp. - Orchard Grass Festuca spp. - Sheep's Fescue Lolium perenne - Perennial Ryegrass Schizachyrium scoparium - Little Bluestem Trifolium pratense - Red Clover Vica spp. - Vetch
Species Large Tree / 30ft Ground Cover Large Tree / 35ft Large Tree / 35ft Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover
Species Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun -Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade
Species Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture FF, S Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture AC, FF, S Silvopasture
Species Nuts, Timber Livestock Forage Nuts, Timber Nuts, Timber Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Edible Flowers
Species Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Nitrogen Fixer Nitrogen Fixer
Other Info Roots produce herbicidal juglone Native Native Hybrid blight resistant varieties
Native
Shade Crops
Shade-tolerant forest crops
The north part of the riverbank is a shaded area outside of the yearly floodplain. The existing vegetation in this part of the zone is cleared back so that shade-tolerant woodland crops can be established. A variety of ferns, berries, spring vegetables, flowers,
and edible mushrooms are cultivated in this area. The old path to the river is restored to provide the farm with a view of the river. The plantings within this area support the surrounding ecosystem by adding to its biodiversity and habitat structure.
Revitalized river access trail
Mushroom production
Connecticut River overlook In the spring the Ostrich fern’s produce a delicious crop of fiddleheads.
N 0Ft 20Ft 40Ft
80Ft
15/19
Design Details #1 Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Mushrooms are grown in the shade on cut logs. (www.dacres.org/media/pictures)
Species List Species Allium tricoccum - Wild Leek Allium tuberosum - Walking Onion Caulophyllum thalictroides - Blue Cohosh Ceanothus americanus - New Jersey Tea Cichorium intybus - Chicory Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen Berry Hericium spp. - Lion's Maine Mushroom Laetiporus spp. - Chicken Of The Woods Lentinula edodes - Shiitake Mushroom Lindera benzoin - Spicebush Matteuccia struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern Panax quinquefolius - American Ginseng Pleurotus spp. - Oyster Mushroom Stropharia rugoso-annulata - Stropharia
Growth Area / Mature Canopy Size Understory Ground Cover Understory Understory Understory Ground Cover Innoculate 5' hard-wood decidous logs Innoculate 5' hard-wood decidous logs Innoculate 5' hard-wood decidous logs Shrub / 5ft Ground Cover Understory Innoculate 5' hard-wood decidous logs Innoculate 5' hard-wood decidous logs
Sunlight Requirments Partial Shade - Full Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Partial Shade - Full Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Partial Shade - Full Shade Partial Shade - Full Shade Shade Dependent Shade Dependent Shade Dependent Partial Shade - Full Shade Shade Dependent Partial Shade - Full Shade Shade Dependent Shade Dependent
Area SC SC, FF SC SC, FF SC SC, FF SC SC SC SC SC SC SC SC, FF
Yeild Spring Vegetable Onion Substitute Medicinal Herb Herbal Tea Coffee subsititute Herb Edible Mushroom Edible Mushroom Edible Mushroom Tea Spring Vegetable Valuable Root Edible Mushroom Edible Mushroom
Ecosystem Fuction Rare species, Habitat Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat Decomposer Decomposer Decomposer Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat Structure Habitat, Pollinator Support Decomposer Decomposer
Other Info High value niche crop Potential niche crop Native Niche crop Niche Crop Native High value niche crop High value niche crop High value niche crop Native, niche crop Native High value niche crop High value niche crop
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Design Details: Silvopasture Intensively managed cattle Livestock Greenhouse pavilion
Coppiced trees
Pavilion
Modular compost toilet
3 Hay bale storage Open silvopasture allowing for truck and tractor access
2 Solar powered electric fence
1 Turkeys on silvopasture Hybrid AmericanChinese chestnut
Elderberries between on-contour swales
Honey locust Fence gate Permanent fence Mixed perennial ground cover
Summary
1
The southern third of the agricultural field is converted into silvopasture. The silvopasture supports the surrounding ecosystem by building soil structure and providing habitat. This area produces both short-and longterm yields, which help to make the farm financially viable. The pavilion provides a space to engage with the local community. The silvopasture style of perennial agriculture supports the surrounding ecosystem while providing learning opportunities for the community and yields for the farmers.
N
2
Cattle are intensively managed as they graze on silvopasture planted with hybrid American-Chinese chestnuts and honey locusts. The chestnuts provide nuts, while the locusts drop seed pods that the cows eat as a valuable source of protein. The cows are rotated every other day using a solar-powered portable electric fence. Hay for wintertime use is stored in two vertical rows along the northwestern edge of the silvopasture. A livestock pavilion is centrally located to make management easier and provide wintertime shelter to the animals.
0Ft
20Ft
40Ft
80Ft
3
There are two densely planted forest patches separated by an open area that is big enough for trucks and tractors to pass through. Turkeys, geese, ducks, and rabbits are raised on the silvopasture and rotated in a system.
A pavilion for farm worker breaks, hosting farm tours, and workshops is centrally located. A greenhouse provides season extension capabilities on the farm. A modular compost toilet system provides sustainable restroom facilities.
Hybrid Chestnut (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_chestnut) Grazing is intensively managed using portable solarpowered electric fences (http://www.teara.govt.nz/files
Species List Species Juglans ailantifolia - Heartnut Andropogon gerardi - Big Bluestem Carya ovata - Shagbark Hickory Castanea dentata - Hybrid Chinese Chestnut Dactylis spp. - Orchard Grass Festuca spp. - Sheep's Fescue Lolium perenne - Perennial Ryegrass Schizachyrium scoparium - Little Bluestem Trifolium pratense - Red Clover Vica spp. - Vetch
Species Large Tree / 30ft Ground Cover Large Tree / 35ft Large Tree / 35ft Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover
Species Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun -Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade
Species Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture FF, S Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture Silvopasture AC, FF, S Silvopasture
Species Nuts, Timber Livestock Forage Nuts, Timber Nuts, Timber Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Livestock Forage Edible Flowers
Species Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Overstory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Silvopasture Understory Nitrogen Fixer Nitrogen Fixer
Other Info Roots produce herbicidal juglone Native Native Hybrid blight resistant varieties
Native
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
16/19
Design Details #2 Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Design Details: Alley Cropping Plum
Paw paw
Peach
Lowbush blueberry
Strawberry Quince
Schisandra
Currants
Asparagus Raspberry Dwarf cherry
Rosemary Sage Hardy kiwi
Sea berry Cut flowers
Oregano
Semi-dwarf apple
Currants Chives & walking onion
Bush hazelnut Highbush blueberry
Mint
Summary
N
0Ft
20Ft
40Ft
80Ft
The middle third of the agricultural field is converted into a perennial alley cropping system. The rows of crops are spaced so that there is always one row of low-growing crops next to larger fruit trees. This allows for tractors to drive over the low-growing crops to access the fruit and nut trees to assist in the harvest and maintenance of the trees.
Species List
Species Allium schoenoprasum - Chives Actinidia arguta - Hardy Kiwi Allium Ă—proliferum - Walking Onions Amelanchier spp. - Serviceberry Asimina triloba - Paw Paw Asparagus officinalis - Asparagus Corylus americana - Bush Hazelnut Cydonia oblonga - Quince Diospyros virginiana - American Persimmon Helianthus tuberosus - Jerusalem Artichoke Malus domestica - Semi-Dwarf Apple Tree Mentha Ă— piperita - Peppermint Mentha spicata - Spearmint Mentha spp. - Mint Origanum majorana - Majoram Origanum vulgare - Oregano Prunus americana - American Plum Prunus persica - Peach Pyrus communis - Bosc Pear Pyrus pyrifolia - Asian Pear Rheum rhabarbarum - Rhubarb Ribes spp. - Currants Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary Rubu spp . - Blackberries Rubus occidentalis - Raspberries Salvia officinalis- Sage Sambucus canadensis - Elderberry Schisandra chinensis - Schizandra Berry Thymus spp. - Thyme Trifolium pratense - Red Clover Trifolium repens - White Clover Urtica dioica - Stinging Nettle Vaccinium angustifolium - Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum - Highbush Blueberry Ziziphus jujuba - Jujubee
17/19
Design Details #3 Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Perennial plant nursery
Mulberry
Blackberry
A wide diversity of perennial crops are planted, which supports the local ecosystem by building the soil and increasing habitat for wildlife. A perennial plant nursery is built in the southern part of this area to help offset the cost of purchasing perennial plants from other nurseries. Harvests from the alley cropping area are primarily sold off the farm. Opening
Growth Area / Size Ground Cover Vine - 5' ft wide beds Ground Cover Medium Tree / 15ft Small Tree Planted in 5ft beds Large Bush / 10ft Small Tree / 15ft Large Bush / 10ft Understory Small Tree / 12'-18' Understory Understory Understory Understory Ground Cover Medium Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Understory Shrub / 5ft Ground Cover Large Bush / 10ft Shrub / 2ft Understory Large Bush / 10ft Vine - 5' ft wide beds Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Small Bush / 3ft Small Shrub / 1ft Bush / 5ft Large Bush / 10ft
Sunlight Requirments Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade
Area AC, FF AC AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC AC AC, FF AC AC AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC AC AC, FF AC, FF AC AC AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF
Rhubarb
Dwarf cherry
Jerusalem artichokes
sections up to pick-your-own is also a possibility. Alley cropping fulfills the projects goals by creating a perennial agricultural ecosystem that sustainably produces an abundance of perennial yields while supporting the local ecosystem.
Yeild Herb Fruit Herb Berries Fruit Spring Vegetable Nuts Fruit Fruit Edible Tuber Fruit Herb Herb Herb Herb Herb Fruit Fruit Fruit Fruit Spring Vegetable Berries Herb Berries Berries Herb Berry Berries Herb Edible Flowers Edible Flowers Berries Berries Berries Berries
Ecosystem Fuction Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Nitrogen Fixer Nitrogen Fixer Nitrogen Fixer Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support
Other Info Potential for spreading Native Native Perennial Vegetable
Niche crop, native Niche Crop Semi-Dwarf varieties
Native
Potential for spreading Requires trellesing
Niche crop
Niche crop Native Native
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Design Details - Pick Your Own Food Forest Foot path
Serviceberry
Fire Pit Quince
Hazelnut
Siberian peashrub
Peach
Korean pinenut
N
0Ft
20Ft
40Ft
80Ft
Nitrogenfixing shrub Raspberry Highbush blueberry
Plum
Lowbush blueberry American persimmon Access road
Summary
Stag-horn Dynamic accumulator sumac
Bush cherry
A pick-your-own food forest is installed in the northern third of the agricultural field. A windbreak comprosed of Korean pinenut and Siberian peashrub along the northern farm road helps protect the perennials from the strong winter winds that blow across the field. On-contour swales are dug throughout the food forest to mitigate the risk of drought by helping to conserve water for the area’s high density of plants. A series of vehicularly accessible roads and footpaths wind their way through the different areas of the food forest. This area is planted in a system of polycultures that
Species List
Species Allium schoenoprasum - Chives Achillea millefolium - Yarrow Actinidia arguta - Hardy Kiwi Allium ×proliferum - Walking Onions Allium tricoccum - Wild leek Allium tuberosum - Walking Onion Amelanchier spp. - Serviceberry Asimina triloba - Paw Paw Asparagus officinalis - Asparagus Caragana arborescens - Siberian Pea Shrub Castanea dentat a - Hybrid Chinese Chestnut Ceanothus americanus - New Jersey Tea Comptonia peregrina - Sweetfern Corylus americana - Bush Hazelnut Cydonia oblonga - Quince Diospyros virginiana - American Persimmon Elaeagnus angustifoli - Russian Olive Elaeagnus multiflora - Goumi Berry Fragaria spp. - Strawberry Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen Berry Helianthus tuberosus - Jerusalem Artichoke Malus domestica - Semi-Dwarf Apple Tree Mentha × piperita - Peppermint Mentha spicata - Spearmint Mentha spp. - Mint Montia sibirica - Miner's Lettuce Morus spp. - Mullberry Origanum majorana - Majoram Origanum vulgare - Oregano Pinus koreiansis - Korean Pine Nut Prunus americana - American Plum Prunus avium - Dwarf Sweet Cherry Prunus persica - Peach Pyrus communis - Bosc Pear Pyrus pyrifolia - Asian Pear Rheum rhabarbarum - Rhubarb Rhus typhina - Staghorn Sumac Ribes sp. - Currants Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary Rubu spp . - Blackberries Rubus occidentalis - Raspberries Rumex acetosa - Garden Sorrel Salvia officinalis- Sage Sambucus nigra - Elderberry Schisandra chinensis - Schizandra Berry Symphytum asperum - Comfrey Thymus spp. - Thyme Trifolium pratense - Red Clover Trifolium repens - White Clover Urtica dioica - Stinging Nettle Vaccinium angustifolium - Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum - Highbush Blueberry Verbascum thapsus - Common Mullein Ziziphus jujuba - Jujubee
18/19
Design Details #4 Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Mulberry
Shagbark hickory
Currant
are designed to produce a variety of yields throughout the growing season. The specific species within this area’s guilds were chosen based upon their ecological functionality, agricultural yields, and species size (see the plant palette for a complete species list). There are nitrogen fixers and dynamic accumulators planted in each area of the food forest. By offering a unique educational and aesthetic environment, this area fosters ecological awareness. The food forest will evolve over the years and change throughout the season. This area will take a year or two to begin producing
Growth Area / Size Ground Cover Understory Vine - 5' ft wide beds Ground Cover Understory Ground Cover Medium Tree / 15ft Small Tree Planted in 5ft beds Large Bush / 10ft Large Tree / 35ft Understory Understory Large Bush / 10ft Small Tree / 15ft Large Bush / 10ft Large Bush / 10ft Large Bush / 10ft Ground Cover Ground Cover Understory Small Tree / 12'-18' Understory Understory Understory Understory Large Bush / 15ft Understory Ground Cover Medium Tree / 15ft Medium Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Small Tree / 20ft Understory Small Tree / 20ft Shrub / 5ft Ground Cover Large Bush / 10ft Shrub / 2ft Understory Understory Large Bush / 10ft Vine - 5' ft wide beds Understory Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Small Bush / 3ft Small Shrub / 1ft Bush / 5ft Understory Large Bush / 10ft
Sunlight Requirments Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Partial Shade - Full Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Partial Shade - Full Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Shade Full Sun - Partial Shade
Area AC, FF FF AC AC, FF FG, FF FG, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF FF FF, S FG, FF FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF FF FF FF FG, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC AC AC, FF FF FF AC AC FF AC, FF FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF FF AC, FF AC AC AC, FF FF AC, FF AC AC FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF AC, FF FF AC, FF
Yeild Herb Medicinal Herb Fruit Herb Spring Vegetable Onion Substitute Berries Fruit Spring Vegetable Edible Seedpods Nuts, Timber Herbal Tea Sweet Scented Leaf Nuts Fruit Fruit Berry Berry Berries Herb Edible Tuber Fruit Herb Herb Herb Leafy Green Berry Herb Herb Nut Fruit Fruit Fruit Fruit Fruit Spring Vegetable "Lemonade" Tea Berries Herb Berries Berries Leafy Green Herb Berry Berries Medicinal Herb Herb Edible Flowers Edible Flowers Berries Berries Berries Medicinal Herb Berries
Paw paw
Hybrid American-Chinese chestnut
yields, and the farm will be supported during this stage by the silvopasture livestock and quickly yielding alley crops. Seasonal changes will hopefully entice consumers to make multiple trips to the farm so that they can experience the food forest at different times of the year. The food forest accomplishes the projects goals of creating a perennial agricultural system that strengthens the surrounding ecological health, while providing a stimulating natural environment for the community to enjoy.
Ecosystem Fuction Habitat Dynamic Accumulator Habitat Structure, Windbreak Habitat Nitrogen Fixer, Windbreak Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Nitrogen Fixer Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Nitrogen Fixer Habitat, Pollinator Support Nitrogen Fixer, Habitat Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Dynamic Accumulator Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Nitrogen Fixer Nitrogen Fixer Habitat, Pollinator Support Habitat, Pollinator Support Dynamic Accumulator Habitat, Pollinator Support
Other Info Native Potential for spreading High value niche crop Potential niche crop Native Native Perennial Vegetable Hybrid blight resistant varieties Niche crop for medicinal teas Ornamental crafts
Niche crop, Native Niche crop, spreads
Native Niche Crop, Native Semi-Dwarf varieties
Potential niche crop
Native Semi-Dwarf varities
Niche Crop Potential for spreading Requires trellesing Niche Crop
Niche crop
Niche crop Native Native
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu
Sustainable Sites Initiative (SSI) Evaluation
Design Evaluation The Sustainable Sites Initative (SSI) is a new voluntary rating system to evaluate the sustainability of land management practices. A brief evaluation of this document’s design using the SSI framework has been included to see how the design would be rated under this system. The SSI scorecard shows the categories that the site’s scores is calculated from. The project design scored 162 out of 200 and received the highest rating of platinum. The SSI system was generally effective at identifying sustainable land management practices that were implemented in the design.
Not For Construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
19/19
Sustainable Sites Initiative Designer: Chris Hendershot Fall 2014
Scott Reed & Ferdene Chin-Yee 197 River Road Sunderland, MA 01373
332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu