Living Building Challenge Adaptive Plan

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK

LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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I.

Baseline Conditions

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II.

Vision

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III.

Goals for Ecological Improvement

9

IV.

Objectives & Restoration Measures

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V.

Monitoring & Maintenance

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VI.

Addendum 1

17

VII. Addendum 2

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THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

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In the time before the eventual construction of the Living Homes on Mill Creek, the site was home to a large residential building with a large gravel parking area, and immediately prior, a church. Historical use of the site includes a Civilian Conservation Corps bunkhouse, grazing land by early European settlers and noted use by ancient indigenous peoples moving through the Moab Valley.

Anecdotal and physical evidence of the baseline condition of the site suggest a functionally non-existent native ecosystem with little plant life to speak of outside the peripheral non-native water-intensive food crops and invasive weeds.

Through several of its previous iterations and uses, the site remained bereft of most of the six key ecosystem attributes outlined by the SER Standard’s fivestar methodology, largely absent of species and structural diversity and provide little in the way of ecosystem function or external exchange. Prior to construction and implementation of ecological remediation efforts that took place over the performance period, it could reasonably be stated that the site struggled to meet or go-beyond one-star standards due to its intensive human-centric use.

Using the five-star methodology, the project team was able to determine the following about the existing state of the six key ecosystem attributes: I. Absence of Threats: Prior to the start of planning and development on the project site, little maintenance or removal of invasive species took place.

Threats from adjacent areas were not being mitigated due to much of the site lying fallow and staying in a state of disturbance.

II. Physical Conditions: As the site was primarily a residence for most of its recent history, chemical contamination was not a major concern.

However compaction, and erosion resulting from lack of groundcover were definitely present.

III. Species Composition: The site contained few native species at the time of baseline condition evaluation, with future succession in question due to

BASELINE CONDITIONS

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

consistent precarious conditions for native species.

IV. Community Structure: Prior to implementation of ecological restoration measures, no spatial patterning or trophic complexity was present on site. Relative to the reference site in particular community structure was severely underdeveloped.

V. Ecosystem Functionality: Hydrological conditions found within the baseline conditions were severely limiting to recruitment of native species, and increasing erosion on the site.

VI. External exchanges: The site is fortunate to be located in proximity to a natural riparian corridor, opening up potential for volunteer native species, however, just as likely invasive species are plentiful in the peripheral areas allowing for exchange with those sites as well.

Figure 1: The Living Homes on Mill Creek: Recovery Wheel at Site Baseline Condition

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BASELINE CONDITIONS

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

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Through careful and lengthy analysis of the site, the chosen reference area, and parameters resulting from the eventual development – a pragmatic conceptualization of an ecologically coherent, multi-family subdivision was conceived. Based on plant communities and ecological processes extant in the reference biome, peripheral space adjacent to the four homes was to be apportioned into areas dedicated to the re-establishment of a native and productive micro-ecology. Aware of the constraints placed upon the small site by a limited water supply and minimal available area for the restoration of foundational species crucial to the high desert biome, a vision for a productive and regenerative landscape was rendered around situating landscape elements in proximity and coordination with infrastructure features across the site.

Figure 2: Revegetation Areas and Urban Agriculture Diagram

VISION

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

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Around water-harvesting vessels and overflow outlets, stormwater mitigation earthworks, and greywater dispersal units native species would be re-established, providing a variety of complementary and accessory functions; nitrogen fixation, erosion control, invertebrate habitat, forage and edible fruit production, and pollinator benefits. Stormwater shall be managed on site to provide its potential benefits for ecological restoration, and plantings shall be located to be minimally invasive to home-owner occupied areas.

As discussed in other relevant areas of the design, the homes have been situated to optimally receive passive solar heating and cooling, around which plantings can be strategically placed to reap the same benefits as the human occupants. Rainwater harvesting tanks and complementary systems have also been designed in accordance with the functionality of the larger system as well.

Native plantings will be patterned to aid in the production of both native and non-native food crops, while mimicking their function in their native

VISION

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

habitat. Three primary areas shall serve as the foremost areas of intentional ecological restoration, with the ability to add more with the active or more likely tacit permission of the homeowners. Shown in the adjacent diagram, the three areas will also mimic three prominent hydrological zones of the native landscape, creating a gradient across the site as water moves across – slowly accumulating and infiltrating at different levels in accordance with the natural contours of the site aided by the earthworks implemented by the design team. In several years, with careful monitoring of the recovery process and intervention when necessary, the syncopation of the layered hydrological, ecological, and substrate systems operating in tandem shall provide this small subdivision with a regenerative and productive slice of the native ecology. Which shall in turn provide its complementary benefits of health, happiness, and connection to nature sought after so highly by the design team and the Living Building Challenge.

Figure 3: Concept Diagram for Native Revegetation & Restoration

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VISION

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

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On a more granular level, in accordance with the design team’s desire to reach the upper limit of possible ecological improvement, listed below are the steps taken by Community Rebuilds to attempt to restore ecological functionality to the site: I.

Completion of code-mandated grading and stormwater infrastructure to ensure certificate of occupancy.

II. Assess site conditions at completion of residential structure construction.

Monitor performance of rainwater harvesting and overflow systems.

Adjust planting plans if necessary to accommodate changes in on-theground conditions.

III. Prior to Spring planting ~3 months after construction is completed in winter, determine availability of hyper-locally adapted native plant species at nursery partner. Create implementation plan in accordance with weather and climate requirements at time of projected planting.

IV. Prepare soil, earthworks, and prospective planting areas for planting and test, within feasible limits, functionality of erosion control and stormwater features around which planting will occur.

V. In tandem with educational/community event, explain functional ecology design principles with local university partner and volunteers. Following theoretical overview, volunteer planting can occur in accordance with the implementation plan created prior.

VI. Monitor initial planting success/health in 1-2 months following. Adjust establishment irrigation as necessary and use findings to adjust fall planting schedule and implementation.

VISION

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

VII. Create implementation plan and subsequently prepare planting areas for 2nd major planting to occur in the fall, 4-5 months from initial planting.

Secure available plants from nursery partner for fall-suited plantings.

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VIII. Implement and monitor success of fall plantings. Fall planting will include primarily homeowner education of the planted species and the required care and maintenance. Secure irrigation necessary for the successful establishment of fall planting cohort.

IX. Submit documentation necessary for Bee-Inspired Garden status to join network of established pollinator-friendly garden spaces, to aid in external exchange component of ecological restoration.

X. At end of performance period, compiled statistics on overall health and progress of the site will be recorded in compliance with the SER Standard.

At the ‘end’ of this process, the extant landscape ecology on site will have vastly exceeded it’s various prior iterations in terms of its overall health, productivity, and resilience. Native plantings will have been establishing requiring next to zero supplemental irrigation, erosion and soil deterioration will have been mitigated, soil restoration will be well under way by the species added expressly for that purpose. Native edible production will increase year over year and additional benefits such as screening, noise pollution reduction, and pollinator habitat will continue to grow in direct proportion with the plants.

VISION

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

In a general sense, the intent of the design team centered on creating a peripheral landscape ecology that could flourish in the commonly neglected marginal areas of this dense sub-division while providing all the benefits that a flourishing native ecology can provide. Through this process and the discrete areas in which the interventions took place, the SER Standards for Ecological restoration will be observed and tracked to achieve the requisite conditions for Transect 3. On-site threats will be attempted to be mitigated by careful and continuous removal of invasive species, such as Russian Thistle and Kochia, and contamination thwarted by providing guidelines for homeowners to follow regarding the forbidden use of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers.

Further contamination by sources such and industrial pollution and hard chemicals, as well as over-utilization will likely be prevented through the primary and singular residential use of the site, and homeowner cooperation in not using certain materials likely to be sources of contaminants.

GOALS FOR

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ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

The substrate physical and chemical conditions will be monitored primarily within the means of an organization such as CR and the homeowners that live on site, through changes (if any) in the health and growth of the indicator species, planted to fulfill the purpose of providing that function. Rainwater used for supplemental irrigation will be known to be of deteriorating quality if the plantings are affected accordingly. Species Composition will largely based off the success of the plantings added on site and the volunteer species that are able to establish through the amenable habitat created by the planting of foundational species. The design team will readily seek to strive for greater than 60% of the reference biota, >80% attainable space permitting based on the health of the initially planted communities. Likewise all strata were accounted for when designing the initial landscape, and spatial patterning as a result of both planting plans and natural processes will ensure that substantial trophic complexity is able to develop relative to the reference habitat. Due to site use and size limitations, the design team is limited from the highest levels of ecological restoration in the areas of ecosystem functionality and external exchange.

Despite this, the design and implementation shall to the best of the abilities of the design team, attempt to succeed in these categories as well. Reproduction, dispersal and recruitment of new species will be encouraged through the design as much as possible, in addition to aiding in the connectivity between the site and the external environment. The site design will include the necessary species and characteristics to be a part of the local Bee-Inspired Gardens network, fulfilling an external exchange of invertebrate, pollinator, and avian species attracted to the native seasonal bloom cycle. This set of requirements includes incorporating flowering species blooming across three seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall) to promote pollinator health.

GOALS FOR

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ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

Due to the limitations for ecological restoration created by the dense residential development necessitated by the shortage of available affordable land and desire to not impact previously undisturbed local ecologies, the project team is limited in scope of recovery beyond a commitment to improving the baseline condition to the best level feasible. Continuous monitoring throughout the performance period shall be shared by the project team and the residents of the living homes. Homeowners will be provided information about the species planted in the areas zoned for ecological restoration and guidance on the water needs of these plants during the establishment period. Given the existing condition of the site prior to intervention, and the main goal of restoring native flora to the site, the efforts during the performance period will be focused around accomplishing that goal in order to set a foundation for future recovery and habitat for small vertebrates, insects, and birds on site. Thus, plant health is to be monitored and additional water provided during establishment period to ensure healthy growth and production. A temporary salvaged drip irrigation system will be used to establish plantings in an effort to minimize wasted irrigation water and for ease of lay homeowner use.

Once native plants are established, supplemental water, if needed, will be provided via rainwater catchment cisterns for the purpose of increasing the yield on fruit bearing plants embedded in the native landscape. Prior to the end of the performance period, supplemental water from the drip irrigation will be turned off, roughly 6 months after planting. The plantings will be monitored to ensure success after supplemental water ceases, including intervention to remediate potential dry-outs, in limited cases, with water from rain collection system. Flowering and fruit production will also be monitored during the seasons in which they are meant to produce, as planting selections were based on a proposed year-round seasonal bloom schedule. Each category of the SER recovery wheel will also be tracked in accordance with the target level of restoration.

OBJECTIVES & SPECIFIC

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RESTORATION MEASURES

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

Within the performance period, the last selection of plants were added within the first 3 months of the performance period. In addition to those, the plantings implemented just prior to the performance period will be given several months to become established on the temporary irrigation system that was set up.

Throughout the first 2 months of the performance period in the shift of seasons from summer to fall, the irrigation system will be monitored to ensure proper plant health. This will include testing the ground for desired water saturation, ensuring emitters are not clogged or inhibited, and adjusting quantity of watering according to plant health. Invasive species and undesired noxious plants will be removed on a periodic and continuous basis to prevent crowding out of natives until natives are fully established and preventing non-natives from impeding.

Ancillary storm-water systems and bio-swales will be inspected and cleaned if necessary after every major rain event. Throughout the winter season, plants will given supplemental water from the cisterns if needed due to potential periods of drought, contingent on extant weather patterns during the performance period.

Within the performance, period an expected minimum of 80% of total plantings shall be retained, showing growth and producing their intended function. A checklist for monitoring and maintenance during and after the performance period shall be provided in the addendum section of this adaptive plan that will be completed by a qualified member of the project throughout and at the completion of the designated performance period. Additional monitoring and evaluation shall take place as outlined by the attached US Forest Service Climate Adaption Worksheet (Addendum 1) completed to assist in developing this adaptive plan.

MONITORING &

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MAINTENANCE PLAN

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

Chilopsis linearis: Day of Planting

Chilopsis linearis: End, Growing Season 1

Pollinator Species Return

Sphaeralcea ambigua: Day of Planting

Plant Overstory Restores Reptile Habitat

Sphaeralcea ambigua: End, Growing Season 1

RESULTS NARRATIVE

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PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

CONCEPT PLANTING PLANS

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

CONCEPT PLANTING PLANS

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

CONCEPT PLANTING PLANS

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

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CONCEPT PLANTING PLANS

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

LBC Plant Material Tracking Sheet Prepared by: Joe Bondi Plants Implemented: ZONE 1 Planting Zone: Greywater & Retaining Wall Type Species KG & RR Above Shrub Fallugia paradoxa Shrub Amelanchier utahensis Shrub Cercocarpus ledifolius Grass Bouteloua gracilis Grass Aristida purpurea Grass Oryzopsis hymenoides Herbaceous Salvia spp.

BB Low Swale Shrub Prunus pumila Tree/Shrub Chilopsis linearis Tree/Shrub Celtis reticulata Shrub Fallugia paradoxa Grass Alkali Sacaton Grass Andropogon gerardii Herbaceous (Penstemon spp.)

Herbaceous Sphaeralcea ambigua Herbaceous Echinacea purpurea Shrub Symphoricarpos occidentalis Planting Zone: Type Shrub (4x)

Common Name

Water Need

Bloom

Apache Plume Utah Serviceberry Curl-leaf Mtn. Mahogany Blue Grama Purple Three Awn Indian Rice Grass Culinary Sage

Low Low Very low Very Low Very Low Very low Low

Summer Spring Spring N/a n/a n/a Spring, Summer

Sand Cherry Desert Willow Netleaf Hackberry Apache Plume Alkali Sacaton Grass Big Bluestem Palmer's Penstemon Globemallow Purple Coneflower Western Snowberry

Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Very Low Med Med

Spring L Spring - L Summer Spring Summer N/A n/a Spring Spring Summer Fall Summer

Water Need Very low

Bloom Spring

Greywater system plants, edibles & system enhancers Species Common Name Cercocarpus ledifolius Curl-leaf Mtn. Mahogany

Sun

Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Shade Shade Shade Sun

PLANT MATERIAL TRACKING SHEET BY ZONE

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

ZONE 2 Planting Zone: Type Tree/Shrub Tree/Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub Grass

Detention Berm Area Species Forestiera neomexicana Chilopsis linearis Fallugia paradoxa Fendlera rupicola Prunus pumila Prunus besseyi Aristida purpurea

Function: Stabilize berm, Aesthetic cover, Habitat/Pollinator Friendly Common Name Water Need Bloom Sun New Mexico Privet Low Spring Full Desert Willow Low L Spring - L Summer Full Apache Plume Low Summer Cliff Fendlerbush Low Spring Full Sand Cherry Low Spring Full Pawnee Butte Sand Cherry Med Purple Three Awn Very Low n/a

Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub Grass Grass Herbaceous

Ephedrea viridis Ribes aureum Rhus Tribolata Sambucus caerulea Alkali Sacaton Aristida purpurea Salvia greggii

Mormon tea Golden Currant Three-leaf sumac Blue Elderberry Alkali Sacaton Grass Purple Three Awn Cherry Sagebrush

Planting Zone: Type Tree Tree Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub Grass Herbaceous Herbaceous Herbaceous

Periphery Road Screen: No Water, Screen, Pollinator Friendly Species Common Name Water Need Pinus edulis Pinyon Pine (1) Very low Juniperus monosperma One-Seed Juniper Very low Cercocarpus ledifolius Curl-leaf Mtn. Mahogany Very low Purshia mexicana Cliffrose Very low Mahonia fremontii Desert Holly Very low Yucca bacatta Banana Yucca Very low Oryzopsis hymenoides Indian Rice Grass Very low Eriogonum corymbosum Very low Rim rock Buckwheat (Penstemon spp.)

Canyon/RM Penstemon Very low Thelesperma ambiguum Navajo/Hopi Tea Very low

Very Low Med Med-Low Med Low Very Low Low

Spring Summer Spring/Summer Spring N/A n/a Fall

Bloom Spring Spring Spring Spring/Summer Spring Spring/summer n/a Summer Spring Fall

Full

Sun

PLANT MATERIAL TRACKING SHEET BY ZONE

ADDENDUM 2

THE LIVING HOMES ON MILL CREEK LBC I01-2 ADAPTIVE PLAN

Herbaceous Herbaceous

Miribilis multiflora Gaillardia artistita

Desert 4'oclock Blanket Flower

Very low Very low

Summer/Fall Fall

Planting Zone: Type Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub Shrub

Wall Ornamentals: Founder species, Donated, Reclaimed, Wildflower Seed Dispersal Species Common Name Water Need Bloom Artemisia filifolia Threadleaf Sagebrush Very low Summer/Fall Krascheninnikovia lanata Winterfat Very low Summer/Fall Fallugia paradoxa Apache Plume Low Summer Artemisia gardneri Gardner Saltbush Very low Spring Atriplex confertifolio Shadscale Very low Summer/Fall

Sun Full Full

PLANT MATERIAL TRACKING SHEET BY ZONE

ADDENDUM 2