Willowell Trail Network and Arts & Sustainability Center Landscape Design

Trail Network and Arts & Sustainability Center Landscape Design The Willowell Foundation 11 Main Street Vergennes, VT 05491

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor The Conway School June 2012

Index 1 Willowell’s Mission & Project Goals 2 History & Context 3 Existing Conditions 4 Willowell’s Eight Zones Willowell’s Trail Network 5 Current & Future Uses 6 Path Analyses 7 Summary Analysis 8 Definitions & Design Directives 9 Trail Network Alternatives 10 Trail Network Alternative I 11 Trail Network Alternative II 12 Trail Network Alternative III ASC Landscape Design 13 Existing Conditions 14 Topography & Views 15 Access, Circulation & Legal Issues 16 Summary Analysis 17 Final Design 18 Details: Gathering Spaces 19 Details: Parking Lot 20 Details: Constructed Wetland & Orchard 21 Plant Palette 22 Plant Pallet Continued 23 Trail Materials

Photo Credit: Lily Jacobson

Addison County

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Willowell Needs Trails that Guide & Spaces that Invite Growing in reputation and size, Willowell is receiving an increasing number of visitors. Many visitors are not guided through the property

by Willowell staff, so there is a need for a well-defined trail system with clear directions to points of interest, facilities, and gathering spaces. Willowell is interested in universally accessible trails connecting the main entrance to the Walden classroom and the cattail marsh. The main entrance to the property is also in need of change; Willowell has asked for a planting plan that welcomes people onto the property and clearly directs visitors to parking, trails, and the community garden.

Strong Connection to Vergennes, Vermont Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

This project envisions a trail network on the Willowell Foundation’s property and proposes a landscape design for the future Arts and Sustainability Center.

The Willowell Foundation’s property is located in Monkton, Vermont, in northern Addison County. However, the organization feels a closer relationship to the city of Vergennes, approximately ten miles to the southwest of the property. This is because the Willowell Foundation grew out of Vergennes Union High School where the founder, Matt, Schlein, had previously been teaching in a traditional

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Prioritizing Restoration & Preservation The organization places a high priority on sustainable, ecological land use, and is actively working to preserve ecosystem functions and restore degraded areas on their property. A 109-acre conservation easement has been established with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the southeast portion of the property, encompassing a cattail marsh, beaver pond, and bog that serve as critical habitat for species such as bear and bobcat. In partnership with TNC, Willowell is restoring about nine acres of Valley Clayplain Forest on the edge of the marsh.

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classroom. Realizing that a small group of students was struggling with the conventional education being offered by the school, Schlein offered to provide an alternative experience for the students-—an outdoor education program that began in 2000-2001. Within its first few years, the program moved to its current location on Willowell’s 230-acre property. Nestled between the Hogback and Little Hogback Mountains, the Willowell property lies in an agriculturally rich valley and, until recently, was itself a working farm.

Project Goals •

Willowell’s trails are connected to educational spaces and are ecologically-sensitive.

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The trails have dry, protected gathering/resting areas.

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Opportunities for universal access have been explored between the main entrance, the Walden classroom, and the cattail marsh.

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The main entry has defined gathering areas, respects adjacent properties, and guides visitors to the trails.

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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Lake Champlain

Trail Network and ASC Landscape Design

The Willowell Foundation is dedicated to helping people connect to the natural and cultural places in which they live. The organization offers place-based, outdoor education programs that integrate environmental science, the arts, and the humanities. Willowell is best known for its alternative education program, the Walden Project. Students enrolled in the Walden Project exchange the traditional classroom for an outdoor one, studying writing, philosophy, and environmental science on Willowell’s 230-acre property. Additionally, classes from elementary, middle, and high schools, and colleges take field trips to Willowell and adventure camps are offered over spring and summer break.

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

A Focus on Education

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Creating Connections to the Land

Willowell’s Mission & Project Goals

Willowell’s Mission: “To cultivate healthy communities by connecting people with the arts, education, the environment, and each other.”

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Green Mountain National Forest Little Hogback Mountain

Vergennes Union High School

Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Property Line

Willowell is located between the Hogback and Little Hogback Mountain ranges, east of Lake Champlain, in an agriculturally rich valley. A mix of open field, mid-successional, wetland, and forest habitats support a wide variety of wildlife.

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

Hogback Mountain

History & Context

As farming on the property was reduced over the last twenty years, the land began to return to a more natural state, allowing a variety of

Section A-A’ Looking South

Hogback Mountain

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

An Important Connector for Wildlife

Little Hogback Mountain

Cattail Marsh Pond Brook

In addition to forest cover, a cattail marsh and forested bog are important ecosystems that provide habitat and serve as a retention basin, capturing and filtering the runoff from Willowell’s property and neighboring properties before releasing it into Pond Brook. Pond Brook, which delineates the southeastern edge of the property, flows out of Winona Lake to the south of the property and into Lewis Creek north of the property. Lewis Creek runs to Lake Champlain, west of the property. Nearly half of the waterways in Vermont drain to Lake Champlain, which provides drinking water to 250,000 people. Currently, the Lake Champlain Basin Program is working to improve the lake’s water quality, which is imperiled by several factors, including excess phosphorous primarily from agricultural and urban runoff. Although Willowell’s wetlands are small, they are aiding in protecting Lake Champlain by reducing runoff from Willowell’s land and its surrounding neighbors.

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Wetlands Capture and Filter Runoff

Field & Mid-Successional Habitat

This area of the state was historically used agriculturally, and farming continues to be prevalent today. The patchwork of cultivated fields is broken by large swaths of undeveloped land, including Green Mountain National Forest and Camels Hump State Park, which are both east of Willowell. It is believed that the property, once a 300-acre parcel owned by the Brown/ Hoag family, was used for subsistence farming and the production of maple sugar, timber, and grain, prior to becoming a dairy farm after the mid-1800s. The land continued to be used to pasture cattle, grow hay, corn, and oats, and tap maple syrup into the 1980s. The section of the property west of Bristol Road was sold in 1969, but the eastern section was held by the family until the 1990s, when it was sold to a developer.

Houses were built on four ten-acre parcels, with the rest of the acreage sold to the Willowell Foundation in 2005. Since then, neighboring farmers have continued to hay some of the fields at Willowell.

Rural/Residential Properties

Formerly a Working Farm

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ecosystems to develop. Ecologists and state officials have suggested that Willowell’s land has become an important east-west travel route for wildlife because it is one of the only areas with large tracts of forest cover between the Hogback Mountain ranges.

Trail Network and ASC Landscape Design

A Property with Many Functions

Winona Lake

Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

Willowell’s 230-acre property includes a cedar grove where Walden students meet daily around a campfire (top, left) and a community garden (above). Willowell founder, Executive Director, and teacher Matt Schlein, (top right), believes that “basing lessons on the land makes them relevant. And in contrast to a classroom, the setting gives students space, solace, and a sense of self” (Rubenstein).

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Three Entrances to the Property

Conservation Easement Boundary

Visitors to Willowell’s land typically arrive at the main entry off of Bristol Road. Large groups often access the eastern portion of the property from the alternate entry off Tracey Road, using the farm road turnaround on adjacent privatelyowned Hoag property. Access by an old farm road off Prison Hollow Road is possible, but the presence of federally protected Class II wetlands in this area would require permitting compliance with laws regarding construction infill of wetlands.

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Entrance Off Bristol Road Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

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The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

A Small Footprint

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Entrance Off Tracey Road Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

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Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

Valley Clayplain Forest Barn

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Northern White Cedar Swamp

Yurt in the Walden Classroom

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Existing paths delineate areas frequently used

by Willowell’s students and visitors throughout the year. Areas used intensively by Walden students, day-campers, and visiting school groups include the fields south and north of the barn, the outdoor classroom area and footpaths surrounding the Walden Yurt, and the cattail marsh in the southeastern portion of the property.

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Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Patterns of Use

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The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Northern Hayfields

The barn and the Walden Yurt are the only permanent structures currently on site. The barn is not structurally sound and does not offer gathering space or facilities for visitors and students. As a result, the design of an Arts and Sustainability Center is currently underway.

Use and development of the main entry affect close neighbors, who share the Stoney Meadow right-of-way and are in close physical and visual proximity of this publicly used space.

Trail Network and ASC Landscape Design

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Neighbors East of Willowell Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

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Well-drained prime agricultural soils and the gentle eastern-sloping terrain of the western hayfields make this area ideal for cultivation.

Walden students till, tend, and sell produce cultivated in a community garden here, which currently includes two acres south and east of the barn. Agricultural restrictions may apply to this portion of the property.

As the western fields transition into a midsuccessional habitat, soils become wetter and the terrain becomes more variable. Tall grasses, shrubs, and young trees create an area of critical habitat through which to pass and observe signs of wildlife foraging and nesting.

Known as both the Cedar Grove and the “Free Republic of Waldonia,” the upland forest’s pines, cedars, and hemlocks create an outdoor classroom primarily used by students enrolled in the Walden Project. Well-draining soils and dense layers of organic matter soften the highly variable, hillocked terrain. Dense groves of evergreens limit understory growth to the forest’s edge. The trees provide dappled sunlight and effective shade in warm seasons, and also buffer students from harsh winter winds.

Much of the lower hayfields are flat, with water-retaining soils that are readily eroded and compacted when routes are overused. Previously hayed but no longer in cultivation, the lower hayfields have been identified by ecologists as a potential place for grassland bird restoration.

Tributaries of Pond Brook flow through these fields along windbreaks and provide corridors for wildlife to safely pass into the bog and cattail marsh.

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The Cattail Marsh

The Valley Clayplain Forest, white cedar swamp, and red maple-black ash bog are densely vegetated and support wildlife habitat for common, rare, and endangered species. The entire complex of bogs is ecologically sensitive and nearly all of it is protected as a Class II wetland, causing use and access to the area to be regulated by state and federal laws.

The northern hayfields are transitioning from active hayfield to open meadow and have been identified as ideal habitat for grassland birds.

With gently sloping hills, this area has stunning views of fields, forests, and mountains. The edge of the marsh is visible from the highest elevations of these hayfields.

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

The Bog

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

The Northern Hayfields

The cattail marsh is a valuable wetland community of unique soils and dynamic hydrology, protected under state and federal laws as a Class II wetland. Beaver lodges and a dam on the border between the marsh and bog influence the flow of water to the marsh. Along with providing important habitat to hundreds of species, the marsh acts as a sponge on the land, soaking up and filtering runoff before releasing it into Pond Brook, a stream that runs along the marsh’s eastern edge.

Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

The Restoration Area Nine acres of agricultural field on the border of the cattail marsh are being restored to Valley Clayplain Forest through a partnership between the Willowell Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. The establishment of this unique forest community will increase the biodiversity and habitat potential of the wetlands, protect the health of the cattail marsh ecosystem, and have a positive impact on the water quality of Pond Brook. Typical of these ecosystems are flat terrain and clay soils which retain water, making these fields moderately saturated in most areas.

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

The Lower Hayfields

Section A - A’ Looking South

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

The Upland Forest

Rural & Residential Properties

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Parking Community Lot Garden

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Pond Brook

Willowell’s Eight Zones

Many of the zones have legal protections through state and federal laws, along with restrictions placed on the marsh and bog specifically via a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy has noted several threatened or endangered plant and animal species residing on the property, which are protected under Title Ten of the Vermont Statutes and under the federal Endangered Species Act. In general, laws protecting the land and wildlife do not forbid trails being constructed, but do require special permitting and may determine where trails can be routed in an area.

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

The Mid-successional Area

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Legally Protected Flora and Fauna

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

The Western Hayfields

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Willowell’s property is shaped by diverse soils and hilly, southeastern sloping topography (see section A - A’). These features create conditions for at least eleven unique forest, field, and wetland ecosystems, rich and varied in their value for conservation and land-based education. These ecosystems can be grouped into eight zones, producing a framework through which to analyze Willowell’s land and guide the development of sustainable and ecologically sensitive trail and landscape designs.

Trail Network and ASC Landscape Design

Eleven Ecosystems Across the Property

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Biodiverse and Beautiful

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The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

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Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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Areas Desired for Future Use with Approximate # of Future Users

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Farm roads used as main paths extend from the barn in the western hayfields to an intersection where they branch north and east.

The northbound path runs between the midsuccessional and upland forest zones to connect to footpaths of the Walden classroom and lead to areas used in the upper hayfields. The eastbound path runs downslope along the southern edge of the Upland Forest zone to the lower hayfields, where it extends across Willowell’s and adjacent property to cross a small farm road culvert before arching north to the alternate entry on Tracey Road.

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Foot paths weave through the upland forest and are defined by frequent use and trail markings laid by Walden and visiting students.

Becoming extended outdoor classrooms, these footpaths identify areas used frequently by students while learning throughout the woods, often using natural materials and engaging in forest or path restoration projects.

At year’s end, Walden students and their families gather in the southwestern corner of the northern hayfields to celebrate graduation f .

In the future, an amphitheatre and cabins for artists-in-residence g are desired and h in the northern hayfields to support Willowell’s art and education programs. No defined paths, gathering area, shelter or facilities currently exist to support these uses, which at minimum would require accessible trails for seasonal use for groups averaging 50-100 people.

From the Woods to the Wetlands Walden students, field trip classes and daycampers use the western hayfields main path daily during the school week, September through June, and three to four times a week through the summer to reach the outdoor classroom, or the restoration area south of the hayfields.

Visiting student groups and campers 4 may gather at a small yurt platform a in the mid-successional area for recreational activities, but more frequently travel the north-bound main path to the Walden outdoor classroom in the upland forest b . Here a yurt, fire-pit with seating stumps and chairs, a student-constructed shelter and pit toilet provide bare necessities for year-round learning adventures. At the outdoor classroom, students gather around a fire for 5 collaborative discussion and classwork c .

Foot paths allow access to unique areas in the upland forest—including a grove of birches and two clearings, d and e along the upland forest edge where Walden students have class in open and dry places where sunlight falls during cold fall and winter days.

To actively participate in conservation and wildlife observation, both Walden and field trip students typically of grades (three to seven) traverse the lower hayfields along the east-bound main path. En route to the restoration area groups of up to sixty or more visiting students gather and temporarily leave belongings along the eastbound main path i . In the southernmost lower hayfield, Willowell envisions space for twenty or more students in a home school program will have an outdoor classroom of their own j .

Students are involved in tree planting, species identification and monitoring of the Valley Clayplain Forest in the restoration area k .

Students traverse adjacent privately-owned land along an undefined route and typically gather in the field north of the restoration area. Over three-quarters of a mile from the main entry and facilities, and with no sheltered space for

Beaver Pond

Western Hayfields Forested Wetlands (Bogs)

Cattail Marsh

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Commonly used walking routes run from the 3 upland forest to the southern portions of the northern hayfields, and from footpaths on the western upland forest edge south to the main path. The most frequented route by large groups runs from the alternate entry off Tracey Road to the restoration area, and along the bog’s edge.

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people or equipment, accessing and gathering in this area is challenging and frequently makes use of the alternate entry desirable or necessary for some groups.

Observations •

Some currently used spaces are not connected by a network of defined paths.

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Currently used spaces are not connected by defined paths to key educational areas such as the restoration area.

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No current uses connect students and visitors to ecologically rare areas with educational value (the bog and marsh)

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No defined, sheltered gathering spaces exist beyond the upland forest outdoor classroom.

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Few currently used areas provide gathering space en route to and from destinations

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No defined near 0.2 areas 0 paths 0.05 exist 0.1 Milesidentified for future programs or uses.

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A defined trail system can improve connections between currently used areas and build connections to areas that will be used in the future.

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To increase the usability of trails across the land, gathering spaces and facilities are needed for a variety of group sizes.

Current & Future Uses

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Willowell’s current paths consist of unpaved farm roads (used as main paths), foot paths, and commonly used routes where a path is not well defined.

Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

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To experience the richness of the land, to learn from it, and to develop a love of place and a mind for stewardship, Willowell’s students and visitors can travel along the existing network of paths.

Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

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Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

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The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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Photo Credit: Laura Elizares

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The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

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Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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Observations

Observations

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The western half of the property has moderate to steep slopes and variable terrain.

Dips and hillocks cover the upland forest, constraining footpaths to 1-2’ widths.

Paths between the upland forest and mid-successional area are eroded, compacted, flooded, steep, and face regular ATV use.

Undesired ATVs have also caused erosion, soil compaction, and flooding on the old farm roads that pass through the bog.

Implications • • • •

Steep slopes pose significant challenges to universal access.

ATV use will continue degrading trails in highly saturated areas without effective barriers.

In steep areas, extending trail lengths along contours will be safer and more easily maintained.

Leveling dips and hillocks to create more accessible trails will require tree limb and root removal, or extensive in-fill with great ecological and financial cost.

Design Directives • • • • •

Lengthen and realign steep portions of trails to run along contours to decrease the slope and prevent long-term maintenance costs and safety hazards.

Consider siting no universally accessible trails through the upland forest to prevent extensive disruption to this ecosystem.

Explore opportunities for ruggedly accessible trails in frequently used portions of the upland forest zone.

Consider rugged trails in densely forested and mid-successional areas.

Indicate locations for barriers and signs in order to prevent ATV use and reduce erosion.

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Slopes & Drainage •

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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While open fields have views of the Hogback Mountains and agricultural fields to the southeast.

Open fields across the property are exposed to hot summer sun and cold winter winds.

Field edges located north, east, and west of Willowell’s forests provide shade at different times of the day.

Areas located south of forest edges are protected from winter winds and storms coming from the north and northwest.

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Field areas shaded from summer sun provide comfortable gathering spaces to the north, east, and west of treelines.

Field areas buffered from winter winds provide comfortable gathering spaces to the south and west of treelines.

Expansive views of the landscape from southeastern facing slopes and open field areas at a distance from vegetation provide interest.

Observations • • •

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Felled trees, rocks, exposed root systems, dense understory vegetation, and dips and hillocks are natural barriers.

Natural barriers occur on paths most frequently in the upland forest, midsuccessional area, and bog.

While downed trees and dense underbrush can make walking difficult for people, they also provide important habitat for wildlife. Ecologists have documented signs of wildlife movement and forage across the property.

The upland forest, mid-successional area, and bogs have species of plants which support a diversity of animals and can serve as wildlife corridors; these areas have also been identified as critical habitat by ecologists who have studied the property.

Implications • •

Paths crossing through forests that have variable terrain are more likely to have more saturated and less stable soils than those sited upland, in drier conditions.

Paths in the mid-successional, upland forest, and bog areas may require more monitoring and maintenance to remove natural barriers on trails.

Design Directives

Design Directives

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Locate gathering areas that will be used year round in areas southeast of forests, to protect trail users from weather and to ensure good views.

Establish vegetation around gathering areas that are located further from the forest edge.

Maintain expansive views.

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Natural Barriers

Implications •

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Clearly define trail routes to prevent visitors from disturbing sensitive habitat Consider siting few universally accessible trails through the upland forest to prevent extensive disturbance to existing vegetation, and to prevent extensive maintenance, trail monitoring and safety hazard removal.

Place ATV barriers in areas frequented by wildlife and ecologist-identified critical and core habitat areas.

Consider limiting some trails to seasonal use to minimize wildlife impacts in sensitive areas.

Consider routing new trails away from critical or core habitat areas.

Path Analyses

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Along the northbound main path, footpaths lead to the Walden Classrom and clearings in the Upland Forest serve as alternate outdoor classrooms and gathering areas. These footpaths have variable terrain, and have slopes exceeding 8-10% in places. Footpaths along the edge of the Upland Forest are impacted by fully saturated soils, fallen trees, and logs boulders and or exposed tree roots that make them inaccessible and potentially unsafe. Nearly all currently used footpaths run across streams but have no permanent, safe, or ecologically-sound bridge structures. Access to the northern hayfields by accessible trails is desired for students and families to reach the outdoor graduation area, and for the public to travel to public gathering spaces and artist cabins in the future. No safe, accessible and defined paths exist to provide this connection.

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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The old farm road from the existing barn and parking area traverses steep slopes covered with meadow vegetation. Though granting expansive views of the surrounding agricultural land and Hogback Mountains, the path is strenuous, exposed to weather conditions, and is eroded along it’s steepest lengths. The path bypasses and has no defined route to a platform situated in the mid-successional area, which is currently used by educational groups as a gathering space.

The path leads visitors to the fork of the northbound and east-bound main path, where no orienting maps, signs, or resting space exist. The path passes alongside the mid-successional area which has less steep and variable terrain than the field traversed by the path. The mid-successional area also offers vegetative shelter from the weather, but has saturated soils.

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Access to this area of the property via State Prison Hollow Road on an old farm road running south to the northernmost hayfields would require federal and state approval, and a permitting process due to the presence of Class II wetlands.

4 Eastern Trail Network

An old farm road that loops through the north-western area of the bog is not currently used as a path, and is fully saturated along its length. Felled trees, boulders, flooded expanses and the presence of uncommon flora would make this route difficult to maintain, costly, and would have to great an impact on this federally protected ecosystem. The walking routes taken through the restoration area, and along the edge of the bog, beaver pond and cattail marsh are in areas of unstable saturated soils, and that have fluctuating water levels and sensitive or rare wetland habitat species. No defined paths make limiting disturbance to these Class II wetland ecosystems difficult. The area through which eastern trail network paths run are subject to the regulations of the TNC easement, federal wetland regulations enforced by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and the Vermont DCR. Trails located in Willowell’s class II wetlands may require approval by the ACE, an approved permit from DCR, and review by TNC if infill is used to construct trails or if pilings are laid for boardwalks or other structures within the wetlands or within the 50-foot buffer zone.

Summary Analysis

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Multiple Pervasive Poor Conditions on Trails: Negative Legal or Ecological Impacts

Existing physical conditions, program requirements, and legal boundaries and restrictions determine the feasibility of accessible educational trails across the property. The site has been divided into four main zones through which paths currently run: the 1 Western Connector, the 2 Central Trail Network, the 3 East-West Connector, and the 4 Eastern Trail Network.

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Pervasive Poor Conditions on Trails

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

State

Manageable Conditions with Maintenance on Trails

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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The majority of the area through which the eastbound path runs is flat, has moderate levels of soil saturation, provides grassland habitat and has sweeping views of the Hogback Mountains and surrounding agricultural land. Currently, the beginning of the east-bound main path crosses through neighboring property and cannot be easily rerouted onto Willowell property without clearing dense vegetation on steep terrain and due to the presence of an existing farm dump immediately north of the path. Extended portions of the east-bound main path south of the upland forest are steep and highly eroded.

Erosion occurs along areas of this path passing through the lower hayfields. Without repair, access to the eastern portion of the property may require continued use of the alternate entry off Tracey Road which is not owned by the Willowell Foundation. This access to the Wetland Restoration Area uses a small farm road culvert and requires students to pass through other people’s properties. The East-bound path does not connect to any defined paths to the Restoration Area.

Trail Network

Four Areas offer Opportunities for Trails

Acceptable Conditions on Trails

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Universally Accessible Trails Universally accessible trails are even and made of materials that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Paths are between three and five feet wide and no steeper than grades of 5% on average. Resting areas that are at least 5 feet wide are located along trails every 1000 feet at minimum, and up to every 100 feet in the steepest areas.

Design educational and exploratory trails

Observational Experience Students are able to see vegetation, and observe and hear wildlife, but are not close enough to interact with them. Students can feel what it is like to move through different areas at a distance, but are not able to have interactive, hands-on lessons or work in the area through which trails pass.

Universally Accessible Trails may be accessible to passenger vehicles if trails are approximately 8 feet in width and if boardwalks and bridges are constructed to bear the weight of a vehicle.

Site gathering and resting areas near places with views of ecological processes.

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Route trails to locations with ecological diversity.

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Create trails, boardwalks, platforms and bridges permitting sensory and observational experience of the environment.

Design accessible trails •

From the Future ASC to the Walden classroom and to the restoration area.

Ruggedly Accessible Trails Ruggedly accessible trails are even and use the existing land surface. People able to walk independently or to travel with adaptive outdoor equipment are able to traverse these paths.

Slopes on these paths range from 5 to 8%. As these trails are more challenging for those using adaptive equipment, resting areas are located every 200 feet on average, and every 100 feet in the steepest areas.

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Provide wheelchair accessible resting, passing and gathering spaces and restroom facilities along universally accessible or ruggedly-accessible trails.

Ruggedly accessible trails may be used by ATVs for emergency or maintenance purposes if the trail width is approximately six feet wide and bridges or boardwalks are constructed to bear the weight of ATVs.

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Rugged Trails Rugged trails are uneven, leave the existing land surface unaltered, and can be impacted by tree roots, stones, or sunken areas. These trails vary in width, but are not accessible for those using equipment to walk or traverse trails. These trails cannot support use of any vehicles.

Boardwalks that embody a full sensory experience (top) give visitors the chance to interact directly with the land by keeping them close to the ground. Boardwalks that focus on observational experiences (above) lift visitors higher off the ground, where they can see but not touch.

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Design safe, comfortable and easilyused trails •

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Design gathering spaces, resting areas, and sites for facilities suitable for current and potential future users.

Explore trail routes which offer access to areas identified for future uses.

Design trails only on Willowell’s property and that can be accessed from the future Arts and Sustainability Center.

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Design safe stream crossings.

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Design drainage systems to remediate eroded and flooded trails.

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Design safe, sightly, and permanent barriers to discourage unwanted ATVs.

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Clearly define paths to prevent disturbance in ecologically sensitive areas.

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Protect open fields providing grassland bird nesting habitat from early spring through late summer.

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Discourage non-emergency vehicles in midsuccessional, forest, bog, and marsh areas to prevent disturbance to unstable soils.

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Orient paths on edges of key habitat areas, and areas believed to be wildlife corridors to minimize disturbance to larger, interior habitat.

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Elevate trails in the bog and marsh to permit movement of water and to prevent disturbance to flora and fauna.

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Consider infrequent small group use of trails or no use of trails in the bog.

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Consider only winter use of trails in the bog.

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Encourage minimal access beyond fifty feet of the bog and cattail marsh edges.

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Design stable, elevated stream crossings permitting water and wildlife movement and stream-side vegetation growth.

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Full Sensory Experience Students are able to see and touch vegetation, and can physically access areas to observe and interact with wildlife. Students hands-on classes in areas through which trails pass.

Design ecologically-sensitive trails Ecological site visit and assessment reports conducted by TNC and NRCS and consultation with ecologists have informed the following ecological design directives. Through continued consultation with ecologists, conservation specialists, and trail builders, Willowell can further develop a plan for ecologically sensitive trails.

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Trail System Design Directives

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

The terms defined on this page are used to describe differences in the design alternatives and how Willowell might create and revitalize its educational trail system. These approaches are ways to achieve the Trail System Design Directives (at right).

ACCESS

Trail Network

Trail systems connect people to places in the environment where they can experience a feeling of connection and integration with the land, themselves, and others. Trails provide an experience of moving through different ecosystems and learning about open fields, dense forests, wetlands, and other remote areas that might not otherwise be reached.

EXPERIENCE

Definitions & Design Directives

Designs Differ in Experience and Accessibility

8 of 23 Photo Credit: US Department of Transportation

Walden Classroom

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Rugged Accessible Trail (3’ Wide Trail Between 5 and 8% Grade)

Universally Accessible Western Connector Trail (5’ Wide Trail at 5% Grade)

Resting/Passing Areas (Every 100’ on Steep Trails) Rugged Trail (Uneven Terrain at >8% Grade)

Universally Accessible Trails (5’ Wide Trail at 5% Grade)

Property Purchased From Neighbors

The Learning Laboratory

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A Challenging Adventure

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A concentrated trail system meets Willowell’s current alternative educational program needs.

Students have full sensory and observational experience in all ecosystems includig the wetland areas.

Ruggedly-accessible trails connect existing and future outdoor classrooms to adjacent ecosystems for hands-on learning.

Universally accessible trails connect the graduation area and potential future amphitheater to the ASC along the universally accessible East-West Connector.

Bridges and boardwalks through the Central Trail Network are ruggedlyaccessible, permitting passage by all users, but ensuring an adventurous challenge for some.

The East-West Connector is re-routed onto Willowell’s property, providing an opportunity for ruggedly accessible passage through the upland forest.

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Bristol R

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

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A greatly expanded trail system meets Willowell’s current and desired future programs needs.

Students have full sensory experiences and hands-on classes in the upland fields and forest ecosystems.

Students have observational experience along the edges of the bog and marsh.

Universally and ruggedly accessible trails connect multiple outdoor classrooms in the upland forest and lower hayfields to public use and art spaces in the northern hayfields.

The ruggedly accessible Eastern Trail Network increases access to, but minimizes ecological impact on, wetlands.

Newly purchased property allows Willowell to maintain an improved existing main path (the East-West Connector).

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An Expansive View •

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Trail Network Alternatives

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The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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.25 MILES

Road

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An expanded trail system prioritizes Willowell’s current programs.

Students have full sensory experiences and universal access to all ecosystems.

A universally accessible main trail circles the upland forest connecting outdoor classrooms and the northern hayfield gathering areas.

A universally accessible Eastern Trail Network extends to the cattail marsh and bog.

Universally accessible bridges and boardwalks support hands-on education in the upland forest, northern hayfields, and wetlands, and may support emergency or maintenance vehicle use.

Newly purchased property provides adequate acreage for a universally accessible East-West Connector trail.

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The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Resting/Passing Areas (Every 1,000’ at Minimum)

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Increasing accessibility to the property is becoming increasingly important to the Willowell Foundation. While all three design alternatives meet project goals and address design directives, they differ in the level of accessibility offered, the extent to which they can accommodate stated current and future uses, and the type of educational experiences possible.

Gathering Areas

Trail Network

Differences in Accessibility

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Bogs

LEGEND KEYED LOCATION (SEE NOTES)

8 PROPOSED TRAILS TRAILS WITH SEASONAL USES

GATHERING LOCATIONS BRIDGE

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Restoration Area

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MAIN ENTRY BARN AND FUTURE A&SC

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(See page 18 for connecting trailhead)

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6 Used from fall through early spring, a more accessible path uses walking boards to traverse low-lying well-saturated areas.

CENTRAL TRAIL NETWORK 6

Upland Forest

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In the dry, elevated and wind-buffered corner of the lower hayfields, a gathering area accommodating forty people H serves as an outdoor classroom within restored grassland habitat.

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Mid-successional Area

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Two boardwalks provide universal access through a re-vegetated wet meadow and guide visitors toward a gathering space for ten people C , inviting interaction an artist-in-residence-designed art wall. These boardwalks, along with a large bridge at the southern edge of the upper hayfields, can also accommodate Walden vehicles

Red F Maple Northern White Cedar G Swamp

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Thermally-comfortable 20-person gathering F areas and G provide observation, but minimal disruption to the unique Red Maple-Northwest Cedar Swamp.

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2 On the way to the Walden Outdoor Classroom, Walden and visiting field trip students skirt along the mid-successional area. Then the trail loops into a thinned area of the Cedar Grove 3 to avoid steep slopes, where the students may learn about the wildlife movement through the area and the dynacism of the forest edge.

WALDEN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

EXISTING TRAILS TO BE USED WILLOWELL PROPERTY BOUNDARY ADJACENT PROPERTY BOUNDARY TNC CONSERVATION EASEMENT BOUNDARY CLASS II WETLAND DELINEATION

WALKING/DRIVING PLANKS BOARDWALK OBSERVATION PLATFORM 20’ CONTOURS (USGS Data) FORESTS OPEN FIELDS

50’ WETLAND BUFFER (Legally-enforced) 100’ WETLAND BUFFER (observation of this buffer is recommended

by VT DCR)

Cattail Marsh

I A gathering space well buffered from winter winds, and shaded from summer sun by an existing red maple tree, is centrally located for large groups of up to 60 people to sit upon boulders stumps and logs. The space offers sheltered short-term storage for visitors’ belongings, and has a universally accessible pit toilet.

Eastern Trail Network

8 A primitive, marked trail through the bog is used by small groups in winter to prevent disturbance to unstable soils and wildlife which shelter and spawn offspring here and in the spring and summer months.

9 A universally accessible boardwalk and observation deck one to two feet above ground level permits free growth and movement of flora and fauna below, while providing a sensory-rich experience for students in the bog.

A large gathering area centrally J located on the restoration area edge provides a basecamp for students, teachers and restorationists to learn planting and monitoring of wetland species which will provide a sensory rich landscape through which universally-accessible paths will loop 10 .

11 Fully accessible boardwalks and observation decks one to feet above ground level allow visitors to walk along the edge of the cattail marsh.

Construction of structures in this trail network requires a permit, compliance with best practice construction standards identified by VT DCR and a “take” for wetland establishment on the property of the same size of the area affected by the boardwalks. Approval from TNC would need to be pursued and would demand reviewing construction plans for the boardwalks’ ecological sensitivity.

Trail Network Alternative I

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7 Visitors and students can easily and safely traverse the slopes south of the Upland Forest via a new trail which switches back and forth through a newly planted meadow which will mature into a thick shrubland, supporting wildlife movement into the wetlands.

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

•

An expanded trail system prioritizes Willowell’s current programs.

Students have full sensory experiences and access to all ecosystems.

A universally accessible main trail circling the upland forest makes outdoor classrooms and northern hayfield gathering areas accessible.

A universally accessible Eastern Trail Network extends to the cattail marsh and bog.

Universally accessible bridges and boardwalks support hands-on education in the upland forest, northern hayfields and wetlands, and may support emergency or maintenance vehicle use.

Newly purchased property provides adequate acreage for a universally accessible East-West Connector trail.

5 New trails connect the Walden classroom to existing footpaths, increasing options for on-trail learning and access to the well-defined Graduation Area D which accommodates 150 people and is buffered from winter winds and summer sun with added vegetation. With views of the lower hayfields and Hogback Mountains, a vegetation-sheltered gathering space E accommodates up to 60 people and provides space for restoration or observation of grassland habitat or for outdoor art exhibits.

East-West Connector

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Design Summary •

for maintenance and emergency use while preventing public recreational ATV use of the trail with a secured swinging fence.

A universally accessible path leads from the proposed trailhead northeast.

Avoiding steep slopes by passing into the mid-successional area, this makes the trial system somewhat longer, but more accessible and offers educational wildlife observation and tracking opportunities in a gathering area A .

1

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Western Connector

Trail Network

THE LEARNING LABORATORY

RECOMMENDED VEGETATION (See notes) PONDS / WETLAND

PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN PURCHASED POND BROOK TRIBUTARIES

NOTE: All trail structures and resting spaces are exaggerated and are not to scale.

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2 Walden students use the universally accessible trail to the outdoor classroom’s ruggedly accessible main path, which switches back and forth into the Cedar Grove to traverse steep slopes. This trail alteration requires some tree clearing but allows areas cleared for new trails to become established with meadow and midsuccessional species. This provides shelter for wildlife crossing through this area.

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Three cabins for artists-in-residence E , F and G capitalize on the best views in the northern hayfields and are connected to the exhibit and performance spaces.

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Small groups of up to twenty can gather H north of the Red Maple-Northern White Cedar swamp before embarking on a ruggedly accessible loop used for restoration projects and ecology lessons.

Red Maple Northern White I Cedar Swamp

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Mid-successional Area

Walden students’ graduation area C , located centrally in the northern hayfields, has sweeping views from a vegetationsheltered council ring, which is connected to a small amphitheater D for art exhibits and performances.

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Eastern Trail Network

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

WESTERN CONNECTOR

Lower Hayfields

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WORK

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EAST-WEST CONNECTOR 7

(See page 18 for connecting trailhead)

LEGEND 5 H

KEYED LOCATION (SEE NOTES)

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MAIN ENTRY BARN AND FUTURE A&SC

Restoration Area

Bogs PROPOSED TRAILS TRAILS WITH SEASONAL USES

GATHERING LOCATIONS BRIDGE

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WALDEN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

EXISTING TRAILS TO BE USED WILLOWELL PROPERTY BOUNDARY ADJACENT PROPERTY BOUNDARY TNC CONSERVATION EASEMENT BOUNDARY CLASS II WETLAND DELINEATION

Students can rest and prepare for activities K in a large gathering space where temporary sheltered storage space for belongings, and a universally-accessible composting toilet are located. Across the field a buffered gathering space L provides a resting area along this long connecting trail.

Winding trails lead home school program students to a private but expansive outdoor classroom M in the lower hayfields.

Upland Forest A

A , 6 From the orienting gathering space visitors descend along staggered, winding steps re-vegetated with low ground cover and grasses and at a width permitting vehicles to pass through on gravel reinforced turf grass shoulders on either side.

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CENTRAL TRAIL NETWORK

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East-West Connector

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

AN EXPANSIVE VIEW

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WALKING/DRIVING PLANKS BOARDWALK OBSERVATION PLATFORM STEPS FORESTS OPEN FIELDS

50’ WETLAND BUFFER (Legally-enforced) RECOMMENDED VEGETATION (See notes)

100’ WETLAND BUFFER (observation of this buffer is recommended

by VT DCR)

PONDS / WETLAND

20’ CONTOURS (USGS PROPERTY THAT HASData) BEEN PURCHASED

POND BROOK TRIBUTARIES

NOTE: All trail structures and resting spaces are exaggerated and are not to scale.

Cattail Marsh

8 A universally accessible boardwalk rises into the trees along the bogs’ edge, providing far-reaching views into the forest while protecting the sensitive flora and fauna of the ecosystem.

Crossing the universally accessible bridge into the restoration area, students establish themselves in central area N that offers sheltered space for restoration equipment, tools, belongings and seating area, and can receive hands-on instruction in a gathering area O located centrally between two raised boardwalks.

9 Two raised boardwalks provide up-close observation of stream ecology along the Pond Brook tributaries, and clear sight-lines to the beaver pond and bogs, as well as the wetlands. The design and placement of these decks should be resilient to changing stream paths and dynamic water levels. The location of the boardwalks outside the 50-foot wetland buffer zone does not require state or federal permits for these structures, though TNC approval is required because they own the conservation easement.

Trail Network Alternative II

An expanded trail system more fully supports Willowell’s current programs.

Students have full sensory experiences and access to all ecosystems.

A universally accessible main trail circling the upland forest makes outdoor classrooms and northern hayfield gathering areas accessible.

A universally accessible Eastern Trail Network extends to the cattail marsh and bog.

Universally accessible bridges and boardwalks support hands-on education in the upland forest, northern hayfields and the wetlands, and may support emergency or maintenance vehicle use.

Newly purchased property provides adequate acreage for the missing link in a universally accessible East-West Connector trail.

J atop 5 A sunny, dry gathering space a lower hayfield hill connects to the Walden classroom and upland forest trails. This gathering area encourages groups to observe an area which can be actively restored to grassland habitat for bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, and requires the field to remain open and undisturbed from early spring to late summer.

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Students taking the proposed trailhead, continue down the switchback through tall meadow grasses and wildflowers to a fortyperson gathering area A . This area contains signs, maps and seating that allow visitors to become acquainted with the trail system.

Design Summary •

3 Boardwalks crossing through a revegetated wet meadow provide a sensoryrich, sustainable, universally accessible trail that highlights a gathering area B next to the Art Wall before trail-travelers reach the northern hayfields.

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Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Western Connector

Trail Network

AN EXPANSIVE VIEW

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3 Walden students and guests turn east into the Upland Forest, avoiding steep slopes and overly-compacted areas. The existing path is restored to a wet meadow and naturally prevents undesired ATV use through this wildlife crossing area.

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9 EAST-WEST CONNECTOR 10

EASTERN TRAIL NETWORK J

Restoration Area

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(See page 18 for connecting trailhead)

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LEGEND 5 H

KEYED LOCATION (SEE NOTES)

Students can rest and prepare for outdoor class activities in conveniently located, dry and vegetation-sheltered gathering area H for up to sixty, where sheltered storage space for belongings, equipment and a universallyaccessible composting toilet.

A primitive footpath into the northeastern edge of the bog involves students in conservation and wildlife biology projects.

Students become guides to small groups meeting in a winter-use only space I , and work along ecologists to maintain the footpath, construct obstacles to recreational ATV users, and ensure trail use poses no threats to wildlife. Although within the 50 foot wetland buffer, a footpath requires no permitting but should involve TNC and an ecologist in the placement and routing of a trail through this area.

PROPOSED TRAILS TRAILS WITH SEASONAL USES

Eastern Trail Network

GATHERING LOCATIONS BRIDGE

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Reaching an orienting gathering area B with maps and signs of the trail system, visitors embark down a ruggedly accessible path co-designed by Walden students, teachers, and ecologists that weaves through the dynamic upland forest. Steep slopes are addressed with gradual switchbacks and frequent resting areas. En route, students can observe or participate in the active clean-up and restoration of the old farm dump 9 at the edge of the property.

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WESTERN CONNECTOR Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

The Walden outdoor classroom and current gathering spaces in the upland forest 7

CENTRAL TRAIL NETWORK

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6 The ruggedly accessible trail enters the edge of the Red Maple-Northern White Cedar swamp at the Upland Forest Edge and a small boardwalk provides opportunities for restoration, monitoring, and wildlife observation.

Central Trail Network

East-West Connector

WALDEN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

EXISTING TRAILS TO BE USED WILLOWELL PROPERTY BOUNDARY ADJACENT PROPERTY BOUNDARY TNC CONSERVATION EASEMENT BOUNDARY CLASS II WETLAND DELINEATION

BOARDWALK OBSERVATION PLATFORM

FORESTS OPEN FIELDS

50’ WETLAND BUFFER (Legally-enforced) 100’ WETLAND BUFFER (observation of this buffer is recommended

by VT DCR)

RECOMMENDED VEGETATION (See notes) PONDS / WETLAND POND BROOK TRIBUTARIES

NOTE: All trail structures and resting spaces are exaggerated and are not to scale.

Bogs

WALKING/DRIVING PLANKS

20’ CONTOURS (USGS Data)

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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Walden students’ graduation area F — now closer to the Walden classroom and reached by a ruggedly accessible trail— orients visitors to views to the south and east and is thermally comfortable year round, shaded by the upland forest to the south and newly planted evergreens to the north.

Passing through the edge of the less densely vegetated mid-successional area, Willowell’s visitors may observe of wildlife browsing and gather for wildlife tracking at B a gathering space that also orients visitors to Willowell’s trail network.

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are connected by ruggedly accessible paths to the lower hayfields and a centralized sunny, dry G gathering area with sweeping views into grassland habitats with which students may be involved in active restoration from fall through early spring 8 .

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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4 Passing through a constructed wetland on universally-accessible boardwalks, students can turn east to access the Walden Classrooms expanded rugged and ruggedly accessible trail system 5 or cross into the northern hayfields.

From the proposed ASC and entry trailhead design (see page 18), students are drawn north into the southeastern edge of the mid-successional area, into a small gathering space A nestled into blooming, wind- and sun-sheltering shrubland.

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Trail Network

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Western Connector

A concentrated trail system meets Willowell’s current alternative educational program needs.

Students have full sensory and observational experience in all ecosystems of the land.

Ruggedly-accessible trails connect existing and future outdoor classrooms spaces used for full-day educational use to adjacent ecosystems for hands-on learning.

Universally-accessible trails connect publically used spaces and the Eastern Trail Network to the ASC along the universally accessible East-West Connector.

The East-West Connector is rerouted onto Willowell’s existing property, providing an opportunity for ruggedly accessible passage through the upland forest and remediation of Willowell’s upland marshes.

Cattail Marsh

11 Crossing an accessible bridge into the Restoration Area, students approach a large J gathering space designed jointly by Walden students and the Youth Conservation Corps.

12 A network of elevated boardwalks rests four feet above the Pond Brook tributaries,and draws students and visitors to the edge of the cattail marsh. Located within 50 feet of Class II wetlands, the eastern observation deck and southern end of the boardwalks will involve permitting, as well as approval from TNC.

Trail Network Alternative III

Design Summary •

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

A CHALLENGING ADVENTURE

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Arts & Sustainability Center Landscape Design

Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

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Northern Field Walden & Community Garden Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

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Barn, Parking Lot, & Gardens in the Southern Field A small amount of cultivation continues in the southern field; a half-acre garden that feeds Walden students and the Willowell community is slowly being expanded into a two-acre plot that will supply fresh produce to local schools. A gravel parking lot west of the current garden can accommodate about seven cars, and houses the only restroom facility on the property—a single portable toilet. To the west of the parking lot sits an old barn and silo, a leftover from when the property was a working farm. The barn is not structurally sound and cannot be used as a shelter for groups visiting the land.

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Existing Main Path Photo Credit: The Willowell Foundation

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Neighbors

Barn

A driveway shared with Willowell’s eastern neighbors splits the western portion of the property into two fields that, until recently, were hayed by a local farmer. Pasture grasses continue to be the dominant vegetation in both fields, though a mid-successional area containing juniper, cedar, aspen, hawthorn, goldenrod, and sensitive fern (among other species) is slowly advancing into the northern field from its northern border. An old farm road crosses the northern field, serving as the main path that connects visitors to the rest of the property.

Several sections of the road are compacted and eroded, creating conditions where it is easy to slip and fall.

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Mid-successional Area Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

Willowell has contracted an architectural firm, Studio III, to design an Arts and Sustainability Center (ASC) that will address the problems presented by a lack of shelter, facilities, and parking space. After exploring options throughout the property, Studio III and Willowell have decided to build the ASC in the location of the current barn. Among other reasons, construction will occur in an already-developed area instead of an undeveloped area elsewhere on the property.

Existing Conditions

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The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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Contours

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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ASC Landscape Design

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Existing Conditions

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

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Problematic Views

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Positive Views

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

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ASC Landscape Design

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Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

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Slopes 5 - 15%

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

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Topography, Drainage, & Thermal Comfort

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Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

Topography & Views

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Photo Credit: Jeanette O’Connor

Well-drained Fields Water drains to the northeast in the northern field and to the southeast in the southern field,

No Protection from the Weather The lack of tall vegetation or other structures in the fields leaves visitors unprotected from cold winter winds and the heat of the summer sun.

This makes it uncomfortable for visitors to stay in the fields for a prolonged period, creating a transition zone instead of a place where people enjoy spending time.

Steep slopes and low vegetation make sweeping views of mountain ranges in every direction possible. These same features also expose visitors to neighbors along the eastern property boundary. Neighbors, in turn, feel that they lack privacy, as they have no visual or auditory buffers from Willowell’s visitors.

Barn Parking Lot

Neighbors

Neighbor

580

Most of the slopes in the north field across which the existing trail is routed are above a 10% grade. Combined with a lack of defined resting areas, this results in a walk that is arduous for most people and not universally accessible.

Driveway

Mountain Views but Clear Sight-lines to Neighbors’ Property

584

Difficult to Navigate Existing Path

leaving both fields fairly dry but potentially sending runoff towards neighbors along the eastern property line. Runoff from the future ASC and its parking lot will need to be captured before reaching neighboring properties.

592

Steep, Well-drained Slopes and Sweeping Views

570

60

14 of 23

568

20

572

0

576

N

588

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

588

Pa

th

Neighbor

N

0

20

60

120 Feet

Pa th

572

576

580

584

588

592

Exi sti

ng Ma in

596

l Road Bristo

Staff and visitors enter the property via a driveway off Bristol Road. Due to inadequate space in the parking lot, cars park along the driveway and school buses load and unload students in the driveway. In addition to visitors and buses blocking one another, they also block neighbors trying to enter or exit the driveway.

With no defined driveway crossings, people are likely to step out in front of a car that is not expecting them.

Lack of Information

572

57

6

596

588

580

592

592

576

584

580

Secondary Potential Septic Field

588

584

572

Limited Location for New Parking Lot Agricultural restrictions possibly exist on parts of the northern and southern fields. Such restrictions prohibit construction of any non-farmrelated structures in these areas. A delineated wetland north of the driveway is protected by both state and federal laws, which place a 50-foot buffer around the wetland. Building within this area requires a special permit and

Exi stin

gM

ad

ain

Pa

ol Ro

th

Brist

Neighbors

Driveway

Barn 592

Photo Credit: Lily Jacobson

Parking Lot

Future ASC

Neighbors

Neighbor

570

572

576

Primary Potential Septic Field

568

Photo Credit: Lily Jacobson

Willowell’s land is difficult to distinguish from other working farms along Bristol Road (above) and there are few cues to let people know they’ve arrived at Willowell beyond a sign on the barn (top, right). Upon arrival, many visitors are forced to park along the driveway, as the parking lot is small and unable to accommodate more than about six cars (bottom, right).

580

584

588

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

544

552

Potential Future Septic Field

548

556

Available Area for Parking Without Permitting

Future Well Buffer

536

Future Arts & Sustainability Center

Possible Agricultural Restriction

2

540

Contours

53

568

Parking Lot

Wetland Buffer

4

Walden & Community Garden

Property Line

560

Barn

Legal & Utilities

528

Driveway

Because public school children use Willowell’s land, the state requires that the organization have running water and bathrooms in the future

56

The only clue distinguishing the property from others along Bristol Road is a sign on the barn. Once on the property, one sign points visitors to the parking lot, community garden, and the Walden classroom, but there is no other information to indicate path conditions, distances, or other destinations and no designated gathering area in which people can congregate as they wait for other members of their group.

Existing Trail Interferes with Future Septic Field

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Pedestrians

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Congested Entry

Undefined Gathering Area

Vehicles

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Bus Loading/ Unloading

Contours

ASC. Engineers have determined suitable locations for both a well and septic system; by state law, a septic system must be installed even though the ASC will have composting toilets.

Two potential areas for a septic field have been identified, one in each field. It is suggested that the well be placed just north of the driveway. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pedestrian and vehicular traffic refrain from traveling over the septic field so as to not compact the soil; currently, the existing path passes directly over the location of the potential septic field in the northern field.

ASC Landscape Design

Property Line

would be considered a “take,” meaning a wetland equivalent in size to the area built upon would have to be constructed elsewhere on the property. The combination of wetland and agricultural restrictions, in conjunction with the already-determined location of the future ASC, leaves the area highlighted in purple as the only unrestricted land available for the ASC’s parking lot.

Access, Circulation & Legal Issues

Confusing Entry, Legal Complications

Access & Circulation

N Photo Credit: Lily Jacobson

0

20

60

120 Feet

15 of 23

There is little to distinguish Willowell’s property from its neighbors or to welcome visitors. The shared driveway is congested with school buses loading and unloading students, cars parking on the shoulder, and neighbors attempting to enter and exit. With no designated place to cross the driveway, pedestrians and vehicles conflict in multiple areas. No specified gathering spaces exist, resulting in groups congregating along the already-congested driveway. Runoff from this section of the property flows towards neighboring houses to the east.

556

Potential Future Septic Field

560

Available Area for Parking Without Permitting

4 56

Area Visible to Neighbors

568 572

576

•

Site a larger parking lot with enough space for bus loading and unloading and staff/ visitor parking.

•

Ensure runoff from the future ASC and future parking lot does not reach neighboring properties and does not negatively impact the land or wildlife.

•

Create defined gathering spaces for small and large groups that invite visitors onto the land and away from the shared driveway and vehicular areas.

•

Clearly specify where pedestrians should cross the driveway.

•

Develop a planting plan around the ASC which supports visitors’ understanding of, and engagement with, the property’s ecological communities.

th Pa ain Exi

l Road

stin

gM

Bristo

The existing main path is defined only by grass mowed shorter than the surrounding vegetation, and a lack of informational signs leaves visitors unaware of path destinations, distances, and conditions. The existing main path crosses steep slopes greater than 10% and lacks resting areas, which creates a difficult walk that is not universally accessible. The combination of steep slopes and low-growing vegetation leave visitors unprotected from the winter winds and the summer sun and exposed to neighbors along the eastern property boundary. The path also passes over what may eventually be a septic field. While the northern field is lacking in plant diversity, it does provide habitat for wildlife species.

Walden & Community Garden Parking Lot Neighbors

4

59

574

570 5

Primary Potential Septic Field

572

576

578

582

584

580

58

6

588

590

592

Neighbor

N

0

20

60

120 Feet

Design Directives •

Clearly mark the trailhead.

•

Consider trail routes that are universally

Summary Analysis

Differentiate Willowell’s entry from other farms on Bristol Road.

Difficult Trail Conditions

Barn 596

Direct trail routes through places that engage visitors in learning about and experiencing different ecological communities while remaining sensitive to wildlife needs.

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

588

•

592

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

•

ASC Landscape Design

580

584

Secondary Potential Septic Field

Driveway

Future ASC

Buffer trails from wind, sun, and neighboring property sight-lines.

Design Directives

Neighbors

Barn

•

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Slopes 5 - 15%

Summer Sun

Conflicts at the Entrance

552

Future ASC

Winter Wind

2

544

548

Contours

Direction of Water Flow

53

528

Pedestrian/Vehicle Conflicts

540

Property Line

536

Summary Analysis

accessible, offer comfortable resting areas, capitalize on favorable views, and avoid the potential septic field.

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Two Focus Areas

16 of 23

G’

568

differentiates Willowell from working farms along Bristol Road.

These trees represent the cedar/birch grove that shelters the Walden classroom, welcoming visitors to step into the property in the same way students step into the Walden classroom.

2 Species included in the planting plan around the ASC

10

are based on those found in the fields, forests, and marshes elsewhere on the property, creating a strong vegetative link to the trailhead across the driveway and the ecosystems people experience throughout their visit. See sheet 19 for further details on the ASC gardens.

576

9

580

584

Secondary Potential Septic Field

588

3 An orchard south of the parking lot diversifies the food produced on the property, buffers views of the parking lot from the cultivated fields, and may provide thermal comfort by shading the building in the summer but allowing the sun through in the winter (a sun/shade analysis is needed to verify this).

4 A dense stand of large trees (see sheet 22 for recommended species) along the eastern property line provides a visual and auditory buffer between Willowell’s property and neighbors to the east.

592

11

G

Two looping trails are available to visitors in the western field, both of which avoid the secondary potential septic field: 10 A 1/8-mile loop that is mostly flat and passes through meadow habitat; 11 A longer loop that offers a walk through meadow, forest edge, wetland, and mid-successional habitat. Switchbacks 12 allow the slope of the trail to be at no greater than a 5% slope, though movement along additional direct routes 13 is available for those who can manage on steeper slopes.

14 Two defined gathering spaces invite visitors into the meadow, away from the driveway. See sheet 19 for further details on trail seating and gathering areas.

15 Openings in vegetation and established walkways direct people to cross the driveway in two areas.

5 Forty-three parking spaces are available in the parking lot, including three universally accessible spaces. See sheet 20 for further details on the parking lot.

12 Bristo

13

l Road

14

9 The former hayfield is now a meadow of native grasses and forbs, which provides a more diverse habitat for wildlife and a more interesting walk for visitors.

6 A dry streambed carries stormwater runoff from the parking lot to a constructed wetland 7 to be filtered and slowly released into the groundwater. See sheet 21 for further details on the wetland.

14

Arts & Sustainability Center ck De

H

5 2

Bristol Road

H’

Parking Lot

596

Neighbors

Meadow

Trail

Meadow

Trail

Meadow

Trail Meadow

Wetland

Section G-G’ N.T.S.

4

59

3

568

572

N 570

574

576

578

580

582

584

58

6

588

590

4

Property Line

Property Line

Neighbor 592

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Neighbors

Driveway

Property Line

15

1

Property Line

6 15

Final Design

2 57

7

8 The western hayfield trails connect to the rest of the trail system just north of the wetland.

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

8

1 A stand of cedar and birch trees at the main entrance

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

548

552

556

560

564

To North & Eastern Willowell Trails

Well-defined, Connected Spaces Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

0

ASC Landscape Design

536

54

544

0

20

60

120 Feet

Bristol Road

Section H-H’ N.T.S.

Meadow

Arts & Sustainability Center

Gardens & Gathering Spaces

Parking Lot

Swale

Parking Lot

Swale

Dense Stand of Trees

17 of 23

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor 2

4 4

2

To Parking Lot

Preschool

4

Natural Playground

4

a rd

rch

3

The natural playground (top) and sensory garden (bottom, left) offer pre-school students a safe place to explore the outdoors on days when they are unable to venture onto the rest of the property. A kiosk outside the ASC (above, right) gives information about trails and educational programs.

To O

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

3

N

N.T.S.

Defined Spaces Guide Uses Places to Play, Places to Rest at the ASC The landscape outside of the ASC invites visitors to learn, play, and relax. Gardens overflowing with native plants educate people about the vegetation they will see when walking the trails.

A natural playground gives young children a safe place to explore the outdoor world on their own.

Seating areas invite people to rest or wait for friends. From a central location in front of the ASC, visitors can: •

Head towards the western connector

•

Stop by a kiosk to learn about trail distances, conditions, destinations and Willowell’s educational programs 1

•

Relax on the deck

•

Enter the ASC

•

Stroll through the sensory garden 2

•

Access the preschool

•

Visit the natural playground 3

•

Meet friends in defined gathering areas 4

•

Walk to the parking lot

Comfortable Seating & Gathering Areas on Trails Seating and gathering areas are interspersed throughout the trails. Each is oriented so that vegetation blocks the winter wind and offers some shade on summer days without blocking views of the Hogback Mountains. These spaces provide a small amount of habitat for wildlife and serve as resting areas for people walking through the meadow. They can also be used as outdoor classrooms.

There are formal and informal gathering areas.

Two formal spaces 70 feet from the driveway serve as orientation gathering areas, large enough for about eighty people and with a ring of benches for sitting. Informal spaces are smaller, able to accommodate about forty people, and offer seating in the form of large rocks and moveable bucked logs.

Details: Gathering Spaces

Informal Gathering Area

To Parking Lot

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

1

ASC Landscape Design

ot ing L ark

2 1

To P

ctor

e Conn

Deck

Drop-off Area

stern

e To W

Arts & Sustainability Center

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Formal Gathering Area

18 of 23

Parking Lot Redesign

4

• • • • •

Room for school buses to load/unload students; Room for 43 parking spaces; Pervious parking surfaces; Photovoltaic panels; Location of drainage basin.

Driveway

Cuvert Under Drive

Cuvert Under Drive

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Ideas transferred from the original layout include:

To Constructed Wetland

Although Studio III has designed a parking lot for the property, a different layout is suggested in this design.

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

N

Problems with the original layout include:

•

2 3

4

New Parking Lot Design The parking lot allows enough space for buses to load and unload students onto a 1 sidewalk in front of the ASC. Forty-three parking spaces are available in the 2 parking lot, including these three universally accessible spaces located close to the building.

4 Conway - Proposed parking lot design

Photovoltaic panels above ten parking spaces can 3 be used as recharging stations and shade the cars underneath them.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Slowing and Infiltrating Stormwater Runoff

Drainage Swale & Dry Streambed

k

c De

Areas just off the parking lot where snow can be 4 piled are also vegetated with native grasses and sedges.

About half of the parking spaces are constructed of pervious material that allows 5 some infiltration of runoff.

Studio III - Proposed parking lot design

N.T.S.

An increase in impervious surfaces south of the driveway will increase the quantity of stormwater running off this area, negatively impacting water quality on the property. Vegetated swales running north-south through the parking lot are part of the solution to capturing this excess water. The swales infiltrate and treat the runoff— plants trap sediment, chemicals, and trash.

Runoff is slowed by the swales and released over time, aiding in groundwater recharge and decreasing the chance for bank and channel erosion in nearby waterways. Grasses and forbs planted in the swale are adaptive to variable soil conditions, from drought to flooding, and give a small preview of the ecosystem people will enter as they head onto the trails. Grasses were chosen for the swales because they will survive the snow piled on top of them by a snowplow.

Trees are not planted in the swale because they would shade solar panels located above parking spaces. Only native species are specified, as they provide habitat for wildlife, are well-suited to the climate, and are consistent with the plants visitors will see elsewhere on the property.

A buried perforated pipe in the upper swale

carries excess water to the lower swale to avoid water overflowing into the parking lot.

This swale, located at the eastern end of the driveway, is then able to overflow into a dry streambed, which connects to a constructed wetland that doubles as a drainage basin approximately 480 feet to the northeast. The streambed and wetland continue the work of the swales, filtering runoff and providing wildlife habitat.

Willowell only needs to use about half of the parking spaces regularly, expecting the rest to be used only a few times per year. The driveway and about half of the parking spaces are gravel (which is less expensive than asphalt), but the twenty parking spaces not frequently used have more pervious surfaces that allow runoff to infiltrate to a greater degree than gravel or asphalt.

Along with the benefits of reducing and filtering runoff, this entire system offers an interpretive opportunity to visitors of all ages about sustainable stormwater management.

Details: Parking Lot

•

5

1

ASC

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

•

Placing gathering spaces within impervious areas surrounded by parked cars; Forcing people leaving the ASC to cross through the parking lot and driveway to reach the trailhead; Stretching parking along the entire length of the driveway, thereby minimizing outdoor gathering spaces adjacent to the building; Capturing all runoff in only one location.

ASC Landscape Design

•

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Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Although there are many options for structures within the constructed wetland, three designs are explored here.

N

3

Northwest corner of the Northern Field (Room for at least 43 trees) Pros: • No current crops would be displaced • Trees create a visual buffer between a portion of the trails and Bristol Road

Concept 2 The chance to walk through a small section of the marsh is offered via a short boardwalk across the wetland.

Cons: • 600 feet from the area currently being cultivated, which may make maintenance difficult.

• The orchard is less visible from the ASC.

Pros: • Visitors may feel more of a connection to the wetland Cons: • Expensive option • Some impact on flora and fauna

2 Southeast of the Parking Lot (Room for at least 33 trees)

N.T.S.

Pros: • Trees create a visual buffer between Willowell’s property and eastern neighbors and between the cultivated fields and the parking lot.

• No current crops would be displaced.

Visitors have the sense of being immersed in the marsh as they travel a boardwalk running the length of the wetland.

Cons: • The EPA recommends not planting trees on septic fields, as their roots can wrap around and clog pipes. Consequently, the primary potential septic field site cannot be used.

• The orchard is less visible from the ASC.

Pros: • Visitors may feel more of a connection to the wetland

3 South of the Parking Lot (Room for at least 22 trees)

Concept 3

Pros: • Trees create a visual buffer between a portion of the property and Bristol Road and between the cultivated fields and the parking lot.

• The orchard is visible from the ASC.

Cons: • Most expensive option • Greatest impact on flora and fauna

N

Neighbors

N.T.S. 1

N

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Driveway Barn

N.T.S.

Cons: • Current crops may need to be relocated.

2

N Possible locations to site an orchard.

N.T.S.

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Cons: • Visitors may feel less of a connection to the wetland

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Pros: • Least expensive option • Least amount of impact on flora and fauna

1

ASC Landscape Design

Although constructed wetlands, once finished, fall under the same protections as natural wetlands, structures such as boardwalks can be more easily built into them during the construction phase. A boardwalk skirting the edge of the wetland offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and a place from which to teach about the importance of these ecosystems. The wetland can be extended during construction to make up for the “take” that a boardwalk through an established wetland would have, and this can be done prior to the establishment of plants or the arrival of animals. Wildlife moving into the area will be accustomed to the already present trail and visitors, instead of being disturbed by a new trail and the unexpected arrival of visitors.

A raised platform along the shoreline offers visitors a vantage point from which to watch wildlife.

Road

Directing visitors to this wetland alleviates the need for large groups to enter the existing cattail marsh and bog. These areas act as core habitat for many species and trail construction is restricted under state and federal wetland laws. Therefore, decreasing the need for trails into these areas ensures that plants and animals remain undisturbed and saves time and money by eliminating the need for special permits and the construction of additional wetlands to replace what would be “taken” by the trail.

Produce from Willowell’s community garden feeds a wide variety of people. The organization provides fresh produce to Walden Project students; local public schools including Vergennes Union High School and Ferrisburgh Central School; non-profits including the Common Ground Center of Starksboro; and local food banks such as the Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects (HOPE), the John Graham Shelter, and the Committee On Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Burlington, Vermont. By planting an orchard, Willowell will be able to add more variety to the food being produced. Several possibilities exist for locating an orchard in the:

Concept 1

Bristol

A conventional drainage basin does little to filter runoff or provide wildlife habitat and is generally an eyesore on the land. The drainage basin capturing the overflow runoff from Willowell’s parking lot in these three alternatives is instead a constructed wetland with several options for trails to be routed close to, or through, this area.

Visitors who cannot reach the cattail marsh at the far eastern end of the property now have the opportunity to interact with a smaller version of a similar ecosystem.

Adding Diversity to Food Production

Details: Constructed Wetland & Orchard

Constructed Wetlands as Teaching Tools

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All plants listed in this planting palette are native to Vermont (based on information obtained from the USDA Plant Database) and many are already present on Willowell’s land.

Native plants provide critical habitat for native wildlife, are better adapted to the region’s climate, and can create a sense of place by distinguishing one region from another. Species are listed by area (though many could be used in more than one place) and in most cases form plant communities based on suggestions

by Edith Roberts and Elsa Rehmann in the book American Plants for American Gardens (University of Georgia Press, 1996). Vertical diversity (ground cover, understory, mid-story, and canopy) is created by a combination of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, and ferns.

Constructed Wetland

Trees

American hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Black willow

Salix nigra

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Black chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Common alder

Alnus serrulata

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Elderberry

Sambucus melanocarpa/racemosa

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea

Speckled alder

Alnus incana or rugosa

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata

Aster

Aster spp.

Cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Great blue lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

Larger blue flag iris

Iris versicolor

Narrowleaf blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Swamp milkweed

Asclepias incarnata var. incarnata

Sensitive fern

Onoclea sensibilis

Sweet fern

Comptonia peregrina

Black birch

Betula lenta

Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Sugar maple

Acer sacchum

White ash

Fraxinus americana

Canada yew

Taxus canadensis

Hobblebush viburnum

Viburnum alnifolium

Maple-leaf viburnum

Viburnum acerifolium

Mountain laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Shadbush

Amalanchier canadensis

Witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Christmas fern

Polystichum acrosticoides

Eastern hayscented fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Bellwort

Uvularia perfoliata

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

False Solomon’s seal

Maianthemum racemosum var. racemosa

Heartleaf foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia var. cordifolia

Partridgeberry

Michella repens

Solomon’s seal

Polygonatum biflorum

Wakerobin trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

In converting what is now old pasture and hayfield to a native meadow, it is recommended that the Willowell Foundation use a native conservation/wildlife mix and/or native wildflower mix. This mix would form the ground cover layer in the mid-successional area, the gathering/seating spaces along the trail, and the birch/cedar grove at the entrance. Since mixes can vary greatly, herbaceous species are not listed for these sections in the plant pallet.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Plants listed for the parking lot are salt-tolerant and able to handle high temperatures and variable moisture levels.

This plant pallet is just a sampling of species for the listed areas and is by no means comprehensive. Willowell should work with non-profits like the Nature Conservancy and New England Wildflower Society, state officials like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other ecologists to determine other important species to be included and also to design a management plan for the different areas.

Shrubs

Herbaceous

Ferns

Tree Buffer & Dry Streambed

Trees

Shrubs

Ferns Herbaceous

Plant Palette

Scientific Name The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Common Name

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Form

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Location

ASC Landscape Design

Why These Plants?

21 of 23

Thuja occidentalis

Yellow birch

Betula lutea

ASC Gardens

Form

Grassess

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Viburnum nudum

Ferns

Eastern hayscented fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Allegheny serviceberry

Amelenchier laevis

Pagoda/Alternate-leaved dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

American fly honeysuckle

Lonicera canadensis

Canada yew

Taxus canadensis

Common juniper

Juniperus communis

High-bush blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

Low-bush blueberry

Vaccinium angustifolium

Viburnum acerifolium

Maple-leaf viburnum

Witherod viburnum

Viburnum nudum

Christmas fern

Polystichum acrosticoides

Eastern hayscented fern

Dennstaedtia puntilobula

Maidenhair

Adiantum pedatum

Aster

Aster spp.

Beebalm

Monarda didyma

Bellwort

Uvularia perfoliata

Blackeyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta var. hirta

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Butterfly milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa var. tuberosa

Andropogon gerardii

Indian grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Little blue stem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum

Aster

Aster spp.

Aureolaria virginica

Downy yellow false foxglove

Butterfly milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Goldenrod

Solidago spp.

Horse mint

Monarda punctata

Horseflyweed

Baptisia tinctoria

St. John’s-wort

Hypericum canadense

Whorled milkweed

Asclepias verticillata

Bigtooth aspen

Populus grandidentata

Black birch

Betula lenta

Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Black cherry

Prunus serotina

Common boneset

Cockspur hawthorne

Crataegus crusgalli

Eupatorium perfoliatum var. perfoliatum

Dotted hawthorne

Crataeges punctata

Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Northern white cedar

Thuja occidentalis

Common yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Pin cherry

Prunus pennsylvanica

False Solomon’s seal

Quaking aspen

Populus deltoides

Maianthemum racemosum var. racemosa

Red maple

Acer sacchum

Goldenrod

Solidago spp.

Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina

Heartleaf foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia var. cordifolia

Alleghany serviceberry

Amalanchier laevis

Horsemint

Monarda punctata

Common juniper

Juniperus communis

Indian pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea

Joe-pye weed

Eupatorium purpureum

Shadbush

Amalanchier canadensis

Naked mitrewort

Mitella nuda

Witherod viburnum

Viburnum nudum

Partridgeberry

Michella repens

Ferns

Sensitive fern

Onoclea sensibilis

Ramp

Allium trioccum

Solomon’s seal

Polygonatum biflorum

Trees

Bigtooth aspen

Populus grandidentata

Wake robin trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

Wild ginger

Asarum canadense

Wintergreen/teaberry

Gaultheria procumbens

Trees

Shrubs

Trail Gathering/ Seating Areas

Witherod viburnum

Big blue stem

Herbaceous

Mid-successional Area

Scientific Name

Trees Shrubs

Parking Lot

Common Name

Shrubs

Black birch

Betula lenta

Black cherry

Prunus serotina

Northern white cedar

Thuja occidentalis

Pin cherry

Prunus pennsylvanica

Quaking aspen

Populus deltoides

Hazelnut

Corylus americana

Ferns

Herbaceous

Plant Palette Continued

Northern white cedar

Location

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

Scientific Name

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Trees

Common Name

Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

Main Entrance

Form

ASC Landscape Design

Location

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Options for Trail Construction Laura Elizares & Jeanette O’Connor

The Conway School Graduate Program Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design 332 S. Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 www.csld.edu

With modest adjustments, Willowell’s trails can be made more accessible and durable.

Trails Pictured from left to right, trails can be defined by mown grasses on even and well-drained soils, wooded paths with a well-compacted layer of soil or fine gravel, and mulch are all alternatives to paving. Crushed rock, pea-sized gravel, and bound wood-chips are recommended for universal accessibility. (All photos compliments of Flickr Creative Commons or Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise noted).

Photo Credit: Lily Jacobson

Photo Credit: Jamie Pottern

The Willowell Foundation 11 Main St. Vergennes, VT 05491

Creating boardwalks through Willowell’s wet meadows, bog, restoration area, and marsh would make it easier to get through these saturated areas but permanent and fully accessible structures that meet the requirements and recommendations of DCR and the National Access Board require an investment in materials and skilled construction. (All photos compliments of Flickr Creative Commons or Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise noted).

ASC Landscape Design

Boardwalks

Other Strategies As many of Willowell’s frequently accessed fields have moderate to high levels of saturation during parts of the year, effective surface and sub-trail water management is needed. Four strategies, including (pictured left to right) the use of water bars, turnpikes, causeways, and puncheons, can remedy trails which are frequently saturated and that risk compaction and erosion with continued use. (All drawings compliments of the US Department of Transportation’s Recreational Trails Program website).

Trail Materials

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Crossings Pond Brook tributaries crossing Willowell’s land can be safely and environmentally crossed with small foot bridges. Rugged and basic structures can provide short term crossings, but may not be universally accessible or perhaps as ecologically sensitive as raised bridges that permit water and wildlife movement under the bridge. (All photos compliments of Flickr Creative Commons or Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise noted).

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