MICHELLE SHANAHAN M L A C A N D I D AT E - C A L P O LY P O M O N A CLASS OF 2021
WORK EXPERIENCE C O N S E R VA T I O N I N T E R N
2019 - 2020 C H I N O B A S I N WAT E R C O N S E R VAT I O N D I S T R I C T RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, written and verbal communication, organization, native and drought tolerant plant knowledge, collaboration, hand graphics • •
C O N TAC T 858.705.2385
• •
M L S H A N A H A N @ C P P. E D U
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1 2 4 3 N . C O L L E G E WAY O N TA R I O , C A
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PROGRAMS
Researched and produced instructional materials for DIY native landscape design including a 14-page booklet for the general public and a single flyer for a local high school course Built a database of clipped native and drought tolerant plant image PNG files Created an asset library of custom plant and material blocks for rendering landscape templates Rendered plan view and perspective landscape templates that demonstrated the use of various waterwise plant palettes Recorded tutorials to train staff members on the image rendering process Assisted with other miscellaneous graphic design needs relating to landscape and water conservation
SUMMER DESIGN INTERN
2020 - 2020
ADOBE INDESIGN
CRAFT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
A D O B E I L L U S T R AT O R
RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, marketing, written and verbal communication, collaboration, organization, native plant knowledge, hand graphics, time management
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ADOBE LIGHTROOM AUTOCAD RHINO 3D ARCMAP SKETCHBOOK MICROSOFT SUITE
SKILLS COMPUTER GRAPHICS HAND GRAPHICS PA G E L AY O U T V I S U A L C O M M U N I C AT I O N V E R B A L C O M M U N I C AT I O N
• • • • • •
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
2015 - 2020
T H E M A R K E T I N G D E PA R T M E N T RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, production design, marketing, written and verbal communication, organization, collaboration, time management • •
TEAMWORK
LEADERSHIP
• • •
TIME MANAGEMENT
•
INDEPENDENT WORK
Collected and formatted images into design decks used for client presentations Rendered perspective graphics with specific plant materials Assisted with site plan redesigns per clients’ requests Corresponded with prospective clients about initial inquiries and helped to set up client consultations Produced construction details for the firm’s detail library Mocked up various designs for marketing swag items
Digital Design: email blasts, hero images, re-marketing ads, social media ads, website assets Print Design: business cards, newspaper ads, direct mailers, postcards, posters, billboards, promotional items Designed logos based on brands’ identity and purpose Maintained knowledged of brands’ and clients’ brand standards Produced work in accordance to deadlines, client expectations, brand standards, and specific client requests Kept track of project and task progress and followed up as needed
E D U C AT I O N
ACHIEVEMENTS
MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
2020 RUTH SHELLHORN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona
Candidate Cal Poly Pomona Class of 2021
COHORT REPRESENTATIVE MLA - SECOND YEAR Cal Poly Pomona
BACHELOR OF AR TS, VISUAL AR TS Drawing & Painting University of California San Diego
Class of 2013
2019 PROSPECT AWARD MLA - FIRST YEAR Cal Poly Pomona
VOLUNTEER
2019 CHAPMAN FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona
CLEAN & GREEN POMONA
Pomona, CA I assisted in planting trees at a local neighborhood park. Our volunteer group was able to plant a total of 51 trees that will help to provide increased shade within the community’s park.
FRIENDS OF THE LA RIVER
2018 CHAPMAN FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona
Long Beach, CA I participated in a river cleanup that took place at the Golden Shore wetlands just before the LA River estuary. The main objective was to collect trash that would otherwise end up in our ocean.
2016 FEATURED ARTIST NORTH PARK ART FESTIVAL San Diego, CA
PROJECT GROW
2012-2013 PHI SIGMA THETA NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY UC San Diego
Newport Beach, CA I worked with Project Grow at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve on their ROOTS project. This involved clearing out invasive plants and planting native species in their place to help restore the bay back to its more natural ecological state.
COLOR OF HEALING
San Diego, CA
I visited patients at a senior rehabilitation center and brought various types of art supplies. I offered to either do an art project with them, or to create art for them to watch the process if they were unable to do it themselves.
BECKY’S HOUSE
San Diego, CA
MEMBERSHIPS A M E R I C A N A S S O C I AT I O N OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE C P P C L I M AT E A C T I O N COMMUNITY
Becky’s House is a transitional housing program for victims of domestic violence. I helped to lead therapeutic art exercises with the children while their mothers met for their weekly group sessions.
C A L I F O R N I A N AT I V E PLANT SOCIETY
REFERENCES
HOBBIES
Scott Kleinrock CBWCD - Conservation Programs Manager 818-970-2785 | skleinrock@cbwcd.org
HIKING
Claire Latané, ASLA Cal Poly Pomona - Professor of Landscape Architecture 323-358-1960 | calatane@cpp.edu Kat Superfisky City of Los Angeles - Urban Ecologist 248-890-6409 | superfisky@gmail.com
CAMPING M O U N TA I N B I K I N G HORSEBACK RIDING PUZZLING WEIGHT LIFTING COOKING
01
URBAN CANVAS
02
REIMAGINING THE SEA
03
WATERWISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM
04
NATIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDE
05
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
06
COMMONWEALTH ARROYO
07
HAND DRAWING
08
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
09
NURTURED BY NATURE
01
URBAN CANVAS
COMMUNITY LIVING THROUGH ARTISTIC COLL
LABORATION
SITE CONTEXT DOWNTOWN POMONA
210
CITY OF POM POPULATION
Most den
Least den
Project sit Downtow
PARK NEED WITHIN THE LOS ANGELES RMC* TERRITYORY
0
1 mi
2m
60
Most need
PROJECT S
Least need 0
5 mi
10 mi
*The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
2nd
DOWNTOWN POMONA
0
50’ 100’
APPROVED
0
200’
400’
Multi-Family Residential
Western University
Train Tracks
Single-Family Residential
Schools
Bus Stops
Mixed Urban
Transit Center
Bus Route
Parks/Plazas
Train Station
Art Walk Participants
0
50’ 100’
S T U D I O FA L L 2 0 1 9 Pomona Park Project SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAIN RANGE
L O C AT I O N : Pomona, CA
MONA N DENSITY
PROBLEM:
nse
Downtown Pomona, once a successful outdoor mall, fell victim to the onset of freeway-adjacent shopping malls and its streets quickly deteriorated. Several building developments have been approved for a few of the city blocks. However, the area is severely park poor and holds a rich artistic history.
nse 10
te wn 57 71
60
Los Angeles County
San Bernardino County
mi
SITE CONDITIONS CHINO HILLS
d Street
VISION:
Celebrating decades of the unique art history in Downtown Pomona by integrating art-centric parks and plazas into the proposed mixed-use developments, offering a vast canvas for artistic displays and outdoor amenities. 0
G OA L S :
1 mi
2 mi
N
• Increase outdoor amenities • Collaborate with local artists and artisans on site features, fixtures, and public art • Increase shade and vegetation on site • Manage storm water and runoff on site
Historic buildings Historic fountains Parking lots Streets
METHOD:
Vacant lots
I worked on a regional scale analysis using GIS that pinpointed different park poor areas. From here I selected a site that displayed both need and potential. To gain local insight into my project site I spoke with several stakeholders including the president of the Pomona Historical Society, the president of the Pomona Arts Commission, the district’s counsel member, and a “re-developer” based out of Pomona.
School of Arts and Enterprise
D DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Mixed-use commercial + residential buildings Parking structure Maya Cinemas Theater
N
PROGRAMS: • • • • • •
AutoCAD Rhino 3D Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign ArcMap
URBAN CANVAS SITE PLAN 8-Story mixed-use building with public rooftop garden
Parking lot
Glass connector bridges
Parking structure
8-Story mixed-use building with rooftop exercise and play park and level plaza
Existing commercial building
8-Story mixed-use building with public rooftop garden and cafe and ground-level plaza
2nd Street
Mixed-use street that can be blocked off to cars and used for food trucks, events, and markets. Existing Commercial Building
Connective alleyway from memorial park through residential neighborhood
Ground-level park with picnic area and interactive water feature
Pocket skatepark
Proposed Maya Cinemas movie theater
LAND COVER BEFORE AND AFTER BEFORE Existing commercial building
public d ground-
Trees Able to Remain Post-Development Trees to be Removed with Development Vegetation to Remain Post-Development Vegetation to be Removed with Development Bare Dirt Hardscape Existing Buildings
Existing multi-family building (Planned renovation)
AFTER Trees Coverage with Urban Canvas Vegetation Coverage with Urban Canvas
Restaurant space with public outdoor rooftop lounge and game room
Permeable Paving Proposed Buildings Existing Buildings Impermeable Hardscape
School of Arts and Enterprise senior building
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Permeable paving Drain pipes
Sunken Lawn Swales
0
50 ft.
100 ft.
N Subsurface Cistern
Historic Gist building with mural of late local artist, Karl Benjamin
BEFORE
San Gabriel Mountain Range
San Bernardino Mountain Range
San Jacinto Mountain Jurupa Hills
BRINGING 2ND STREET BACK TO ITS ROOTS AS A PEDESTRIAN-ONLY EXPERIENCE FULL OF LIFE AND ART.
AFTER
AN ELEVATED GARDEN EXPERIENCE OVERLOOKING THE PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEW.
BRIDGING GAPS IN THE SKY TO CREATE A CONNECTIVE NETWORK OF ROOFTOP PARKS IN A BUILT-UP DOWNTOWN.
02
REIMAGINING THE SEA
RESTORING RESILIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION
A
N AND REHABILITATION
CONCEPT PLAN + LAYERS Human Circulation
Aquatic Habitat
Halophyte Habitat
Playa Wind Slowing Surface Textures
Salt-Lovin Education Garden
STUDIO SPRING 2019 Salton Sea Project Seed Pod Viewing Structures
L O C AT I O N :
Red Hill Bay Salton Sea, CA
PROBLEM:
Water levels in the Salton Sea have been continuously declining, increasing the salinity of the remaining water and leaving behind a playa of toxic dust that effortlessly floods the atmosphere during the area’s frequent wind storms. This combination creates hazardous living conditions for all forms of life residing in and around the sea.
VISION:
Reconstructing the playa as a resilient habitat that supports a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife.
G OA L S :
• Create healthy habitat for avian and aquatic species • Increase native halophyte vegetation • Slow wind and suppress dust on the playa • Provide educational and recreational experiences
Mud Volcano Boardwalk
METHOD:
We engaged with several stakeholders including the Imperial Irrigation District, a geothermal energy plant, and a non-profit seeking to raise awareness and improve the conditions of the valley’s air quality. Then in teams of two, my partner and I utilized parametric patterns to create a series of furrows, ponds and islands that would address dust mitigation and habitat needs in the area called Red Hill Bay.
PROGRAMS: • • • • •
ng nal n N
0
.5mi
1 mi
Rhino 3D Grasshopper Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign
03
WATERWISE LANDSCAP
INTERNSHIP - CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVAT
PE DESIGN PROGRAM
TION DISTRICT
DRY STREAM BED DETAILS
A
SECTION A-A
B
B
A
DRY STREAM BED OVERFLOW BERM
DRY STREAM BED OVE
PLANTING DETAILS
PLANTING SECTION - SLOPE PLANTING
PLANTING SECTION - 4” PERENNIAL
PLANTING SECTION - TREE
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM DIY Yard Design for Residents
INTERNSHIP:
Chino Basin Water Conservation District
OBJECTIVE:
A: DRY STREAM BED SECTION Gravel to reinforce overflow point & spillway
Top of berm
Cobble & gravel to reinforce top of berm
DRY STREAM BED DETAIL SETION B-B: OVERFLOW OVERFLOW POINT
ERFLOW BERM TEST
MATERIAL + PLANT BLOCKS
To support CBWCD’s Landscape Design Program, I created a complete packet of graphic assets to be used in plan view and perspective renders, as well as simplified construction details. I used a combination of hand and computer graphics to make the assets more straightforward and expressive than typical construction documents in order for average homeowners to be able to more easily understand them. I helped to render various templates that displayed both different plant pallets and yard sizes that will soon be available on the district’s website for residents to choose and reference for their own yards. The assets are also being used by staff in the free landscape design consultation sessions through the Waterwise Community Center. I created several step-by-step video tutorials to train other staff on how best to utilize the material and plant blocks for future templates and projects.
PROGRAMS: • • • • •
Hand Drawing AutoCAD Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign
Ready to transform your yard into a native landscape? This guide will help explain why native landscapes are so important to Southern California and how to take the first steps towards creating a design of your own.
Inland Valley Native Landscape Design Guide
Table of Contents
FRONT
2
Intro
3
Definitions
4
Site Analysis
6
Design Considerations
8
Design
9
Picking Plants
10
Plant Profile
12
Garden Inspiration
Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
Site Analysis Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
What to look at on your site and how to let those observations guide your design.
4
Step back and look at your site. Here are the general questions to ask yourself:
5. Where is the sun and shade throughout the day? Make a note about which part of your site are primarily facing north, sou or somewhere in between. For example, a landscape area directly on the house will primarily face north, because the house blocks the south side. are never blocked by the shadow of a building or tree may be open in all •
1. How large is your site? • How much space do you have to work with? - This will affect your use of the site and perhaps the types of plants you choose later on. • Start to think about how the site may be divided by paths, patios, etc. and how large each of these sub-sections would be. 2. Where are the permanent features? Make note of the features you will need to design around such • House - include windows • Mature trees and shrubs and doors you plan to keep • Garages • Gates • Fences • Driveways • Walkways • Crawl space entrances • Water shut-offs • Patios
•
• •
• •
•
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HINT: Any slope directly structure should slope d the structure to avoid is Do you need/want to change or flatten runoff/pooling at the ba any of the sloping areas? Have a steep slope you plan on keeping? Check out our Plants for Slopes li Inland Valley Garden Planner: inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/lists/plants-fo hillside plants that can help prevent erosion
7. Where does the water go? This likely relates to the first question about slope, since water will flow d Do you have rain gutters?
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3 2
Hour 1 1.5 inches
Calculating Average Drainage Rate: (total inches drained ÷ total hours of drainage) 12 inches ÷ 6 hours = 2 inches per hour What does this number mean?
Design
Hour 2 2 inches
Hour 3 2.5 inches
Hour 4 2 inches
Hour 5 2 inches
Hour 6 2 inches
Applying your analysis and considerations to your site!
8
Start by looking up your site on Google Earth and taking a screenshot using the Snipping Tool on a PC or shift+command+4 on a Mac. Map out and make a note of the observations from your site analysis on this site image. This includes mapping out your microclimates, which consist of the following:
• •
Keeping your site analysis in mind, consider drawing out a site plan to scale. (Reference the Inland Empire Landscape Guidebook (pg.46) on how to properly do this.) Once you have your site plan drawn out, you are ready to design! Throughout this process make sure to remember your goals, design considerations and site analysis.
E N
Yes where are these rain gutters directed? Do they go all the way aro Is there anywhere on the property where water tends to pool during a
•
Is water directed into the street or sidewalk gutters somehow? If so, w takes?
•
Start to use these observations to get ideas about a good place to loc or planted infiltration basin in your new design. If this makes sense for picture somewhere where it can naturally accumulate this water flow, to the look and feel of your landscape.
GARAGE
wa poolinter g
WINDOW
Ex. For sunny spots, most beginning designers or gardeners will be most picking no more than 10 or so (it may be less) different plant choices, tha needs and can handle all-day sun exposure. Then repeat those plants thr your site that meet those conditions. This will ensure the most success fo repetition will create continuity throughout your site.
WINDOW
wa poolinter g
exis ti tree ng
GARAGE DOOR
PATH
led dappad sh e lots of
DRIVEWAY
sun
lots of sun FENCE
GATE
Pick the right plants for the right place.
Now that you have your design layout with your general planting plan, it is specific plants! You will want to select several plants with similar needs that together. Using your mapped microclimates, pick the right plants for the rig
HOUSE
mostlye shad
Factors to consider when choosing your plants:
SIDEWALK
If drawing out the site plan to scale is not for you, and you prefer to work in a “looser” way, that’s fine too. You can print out your Google earth image and work with layers of tracing paper on top of it, taking your best guess as to the size of the features you’re drawing. Drawing the plan to scale on graph paper will be more accurate, and will be easier for understanding the size and quantities of the plants that should go into your design, but different people prefer different approaches, and there is no single correct way to do design!
04
No look at the slope of the roof to see where the water will be direct
•
Picking Plants
FRONT DOOR
S W
mostly shade ( from neighbor’s house )
• •
All-day sun areas Shade areas - is it dense shade, or dappled “part shade”? Morning or afternoon sun only areas Where water goes/pools Seek opportunities for capturing rainwater Keep away from the house (at least 10’) Existing hardscape Existing plants that will remain
mostly shade
• •
•
More than 4” per hour = very fast drainage - organic matter may need to be added to improve the soil Less than 1” per hour = poor drainage - you likely have clay or compacted soil and will need to pick plants accordingly 1” - 4” per hour = good drainage - this is ideal!
existing shrubs
BACK
1
Hour 0 0 inches
Where is there a slope? And which direction is the slope going?
•
18
2
A SOUTH FACING garden is in the sun all day throughout the year. T summers will be HOT. A NORTH FACING garden is particularly shaded much of the year ne tall objects that are located to the south. However they are often in d full sun in the summer. This is because the sun remains lower in the s winter, but by summer, the sun is directly overhead mid-day. An EAST FACING garden can have full sun, but benefits from afterno heat of summer. A WEST FACING garden is shaded in the morning, but hot in the aft especially in summer with reflected heat from nearby structures or p
6. Does your property slope up or down anywhere?
4. What kind of soil does your site have? This doesn’t have to get too scientific. You mostly need to know if your soil is slow or fast draining. Perform this test to find out: • Dig a 1 sq. foot hole in your soil (the bottom does not need to be completely square) • Fill it with water and let it drain completely (this may take overnight) • Put a straight edge across the top of the hole for measuring reference • Fill the hole with water again • Once every hour measure the amount of drainage in inches until the hole completely drains • Calculate the average drainage rate per hour 16
HINT: take pictu throughout the the time of the how the sun ex throughout the
Why does it matter which direction your garden is facing? as: • Telephone poles • Manholes • Any other utilities including your water meter, sewer clean-outs, irrigation valves, hose bibs, etc.
3. What will you remove in preparation for your project? As you think about what existing elements you may want to get rid of, also consider ways of reusing those materials. A couple examples would be re-purposing broken concrete as permeable pavers, reusing existing pavers in a different area, and utilizing chopped tree trunks or branches in the landscape to create habitat for small animals.
17
Make note of which areas get: - Morning sun - Afternoon sun - Hardly any, or no sun at all Consider shade that may be cast from your own, or a neighbor’s structures, walls, trees, etc.
The biggest priorities for picking your plants are: • • •
Water requirements Sun exposure Soil drainage
• •
Color palette/variations Plant textures
•
Small plants and large plants - this includes
•
Plants that flower at different times of the a pop of color year-round, as well as provid wildlife all year long!).
•
Your goals! If your original goals included creating a wildlife habitat, p exciting space for kids, etc., your plant selection plays a huge role in a objectives.
•
Also remember to use different kinds of plants! Here are some plant t
Grasses
Lawn alternatives
Shrubs
Groundcovers
Perennials
Vines
1. Draw out any newly planned hardscape (paths, patios, etc.) in addition to what already exists. Remember to make it permeable! 2. Decide how you want to capture rainwater and map it on your plan. This way you can place plants accordingly. Remember that your rainwater capturing system should usually start where water is already directed and the water should settle no closer than 10’ from the house or garage. 3. Create a general planting plan according to your microclimates. •
In general, unless you have a specific purpose to do otherwise, space out smaller plants along the perimeter and larger/taller plants towards the center or background and closer to the house. This would also be the time to think about your preference for privacy, enclosure or openness.
•
Consider adding a statement plant near the entrance, whether it be a tree or something sculptural that will stand out.
•
Leave access space throughout the site for maintenance
Use the interactive plant finder tool on inlandvalleygardenplanner.org to find top plant choices that are a perfect match for your site conditions. You will be able to see images and learn about each plant, including watering and maintenance needs.
NATIVE LANDSCAPE D
INTERNSHIP - CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVAT
Introduction
Definitions
Terms to know that will help you as you explore California native landscape design.
3
Native plants: Plants that grew in California before European contact. They co-evolved over a very long time with other essential lifeforms becoming the foundation of our native ecosystems. They are also most fit for California’s climate.
California is a “biodiversity hotspot” with over 6,000 native plant species and subspecies and thousands of native insect species which depend on native plants to survive (and birds which depend on the insects, and on and on in a complex environmental web). “Native plants” are commonly defined as plants that have naturally grown in a specific region since before human settlement. They are inherently adapted to life in the places in which they evolved to live. Coast live oak, California buckwheat and Black sage are just a few native plants local to this area. Due to habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, and other environmental issues, many native plant communities, and the animals that depend on them, across California are at risk. At the same time, our urban landscapes (think boring and unused lawns) usually require a lot of water and frequent use of gas-powered equipment to maintain, creating further environmental and resource issues.
Invasive plants: Non-native plant species that tend to take over natural areas and BEST PRACTICE: limit or prohibit native plants to grow. These plants act in such a way Avoid using invasive due to the absence of their native predators, such as pests, foraging plants in order to animals, diseases or weather conditions that kept the balance among protect our natural the plants ability to grow and spread. These invasive species did not ecosystems. evolve with California’s natural communities and therefore do not provide much food or habitat for the native animals. Here are some common invasive plants to avoid using that we often see in Southern California:
But what if there was a better way to re-imagine and rebuild our urban landscapes? We can do something better at our homes, schools, businesses, and public places in a way that is not only beautiful, but that makes an active contribution to the environment by including native plants, capturing and cleaning rainwater, and providing habitat and food for beneficial insects, birds, lizards, and more! Many species of beneficial insects are “specialists,” which means that they require specific native plants that they evolved with at some point in their life cycle. Lawn and a few rose bushes will not do it for them. They need the presence of native plants, and by providing them, we can unlock supporting a whole dynamic, and entertaining to watch, ecosystem in our urban landscapes. But it’s not only about habitat. Native landscapes often rely on a mix of specific native plants that can thrive in our gardens and add an elevated look to our landscapes, with a colorful and year-long display of flowers. These plantings truly thrive in this environment, usually requiring little water and no fertilizer or soil amendments. This booklet will provide you with the basic fundamentals needed to design a California native landscape and connect you with additional resources where you can learn more about this exciting way to contribute to the environment while beautifying your home or community.
Black mustard
Crimson Fountain Grass
Pampas Grass
Mexican feather grass
Bigleaf Periwinkle
(Brassica nigra)
(Pennisetum setaceum)
(Cortaderia selloana)
(Nassella tenuissima)
(Vinca major)
Ecosystem Community of living organisms that are linked to each other along with the non-living components of their environment. Members of the community function together as a system. Microclimate The distinct climate of a small area regardless of the local region’s climate. This could be a few square meters around a water feature that are always cooler than the surrounding area, or the area of a driveway that is typically warmer due to the reflected heat off of the pavement, etc. Watershed An area of land where rainfall and/or snow melt drains into a common waterway. The areas served by the Chino Basin are a part of the Santa Ana River Watershed that drains all the way from the San Bernardino Mountains down to the ocean around Huntington Beach. Rainwater Harvesting Intentionally capturing and holding onto water when it rains, and allowing it to absorb into the landscape, rather than being redirected into the streets and gutters. Hardscape The hard, non-plant materials that are used in a landscape such as pathways, retaining walls, patios, rocks, etc. Permeable Paving Paving that allows permeability, or the infiltration of water. This type of paving allows water to soak back into the ground rather than be immediately diverted off the site. Here are some examples of permeable paving: Decomposed Granite
Gravel
Pavers without mortar
Porous Concrete
Bricks without mortar
Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
5
uth, east, west, e north side of a Some areas that l directions.
Goals for your site.
6
Are you interested in creating a wildlife habitat within your site? If so, you just need to provide: • • • •
Food - by planting the right plants (reference the https:// inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/ bird and wildlife plants list) Water - with a bird bath and/or water feature Cover - having trees and shrubs Places to raise young - a few dense shrubs along a fence or a wall are especially good for this
Will children or pets be using this site? For children you want to think about safety, entertainment and room for growth. Same goes for your furry friends! Here are some kid and pet specific considerations:
N
W
Design Considerations
4. How do you want/need to move throughout your site? •
1. Who are you designing for?
ures of your yard e day, documenting photo to see xposure changes e day.
The
2
E
ear S direct south sky in the
*Reference the Lawn Alternatives List on our Inland Valley Garden Planner website at inlandvalleygardenplanner. org/lists/lawn-alternatives/ for less thirsty options for a natural lawn area.
•
Avoid toxic plants or plants with thorns near accessible areas that could cause harm if ingested or rubbed against.
•
Consider meandering paths for exploration and open areas for running around.
•
Gardening for wildlife offers children opportunities to learn and endless entertainment.
oon shade in the
ternoon full sun, pavement.
CERTIFIED HABITAT
DID YOU KNOW? You can get your yard certified as a wildlife habitat? See how at www.nwf.org
2. What views are important to you? • How will your site look from the street or sidewalk looking inward? •
y next to a down away from ssues with water ase of the structure.
ist online at the or-slopes/ for great
downhill.
How will it appear from the inside looking outward? • Low plantings throughout the site will create a sense of openness and allow you to see out past your project boundary. • Tall plantings setback from the window will provide a sense of How will the view privacy, but perhaps still allow for some line of site. appear from each • Tall plantings close to the window promote a sense of enclosure. window/room? • Plants right underneath or to the side of a window that only block the view partially can also create some privacy, while maintaining a partial line of site. How open/closed/private do you want your site to feel from inside? This will help determine the height of plants you use and where they are placed throughout the yard.
3. How do you want to layout your site?
ted during a rainstorm
ound a rainstorm?
•
7 Consider points that will need to be accessed for maintenance. Paths for this purpose can be clearly defined by a walkway or kept more discrete by saving some walking room between plants. Also, think about how you want to move about the garden for leisure, activity, or entertainment. This may require some open space, alcoves or paths.
5. Last, but definitely not least, how and where will you capture rainwater on your site? NOTE: You might see a lot of different terms for capturing rainwater, such as rainwater harvesting, rain garden, dry stream bed, bioswale, etc. For our purposes here, they all basically do the same thing. Essentially, landscape rainwater capture systems create or use a low point to intentionally hold onto and absorb water when it rains. Your rainwater harvesting feature should be designed in a way that when it overflows, the water safely continues through the landscape. It is a great way to prevent rainwater from running off of your site directly into the street or gutters, and instead utilize this necessary resource within your landscape. To prevent mosquito issues make sure all water will completely infiltrate within 72 hours of a rain event. TIDBIT: The first rain of the season washes away pollution that has built up since the last rain. Your landscape can help filter this polluted runoff before the water continues to travel down the watershed.
Here are your rainwater capturing goals: •
Slow the water down for easier absorption into the landscape
•
Spread the water throughout your landscape as much as possible.
This can be accomplished by creating a dry stream bed starting near an area where water typically collects and then moving through your landscape, with an area to let the water settle and infiltrate into the ground. This main infiltration area should be sited at least 10’ from houses, garages, and other structures. HINT: When picking plants for a bioswale make sure to pick plants that tolerate having wet feet.
A dry stream bed can also act as a bioswale for your yard. A bioswale is a shallow channel covered in permeable materials and plantings. The roots of the plants in and around the swale add extra assistance in capturing some of the water, cleaning it through relationship with beneficial soil microbes, and sinking it into the ground.
Refer to the Inland Empire Landscape Guidebook (pg.38-39) for more in depth information on capturing rainwater in your site. Download at tinyurl.com/ielandscapeguide
Most California Native landscapes are designed with an organic, informal, and somewhat ‘natural’ feel, but native plants can be used in other ways as well. If you prefer a more formal Design Layout look or layout to your site, it is totally up to you!Examples
what is the route it
cate a dry stream bed r your site, start to and will contribute Symmetrical
9
time to pick your t can be grouped ght place.
t successful by at have similar water roughout the areas of or your plants and the
Asymmetrical
Plant Profiles
Geometric
year (This gives you ding food sources for
peaceful sanctuary, accomplishing these
types to utilize:
Trees Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis
Large shrubs That can also be trained as small trees.
Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Mature size: 12’-18’ Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Heat, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun Catalina Cherry Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii
Trees
Combination
Some of our favorite plants to get you started!
Overwhelmed with all the plant choices? Consider these low water, native plants to help get you started on your plant search.
Mature size: 15’-40’H x 15’-40’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
s height AND width
Organic
Mature size: 30’H x 20’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Heat, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun
10
Perennials
Shrubs
California Fuchsia Epilobium canum
Indian Mallow Abutilon palmeri
California Buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum
Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun
Mature size: 5’-8’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Mature size: 5’-8’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
McMinn Manzanita Arctostaphylos ‘ Howard McMinn’
California Coffeeberry Frankgula (rhamnus) californica
Mature size: 8’-10’H x 8’-10’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Drought, All day sun
Mature size: 8’-10’H x 8’-10’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Fog, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun
Montara California Sagebrush Artemisia californica ‘Montara’
Allen Chickering Sage Salvia ‘Allen Chickering’
Mature size: 3’-5’H x 5’-7’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun
Baja Fair Duster Calliandra californica
Pozo Blue Sage Salvia ‘Pozo Blue’
Mature size: 3’-4’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, drought, All day sun
Margarita BOP Penstemon Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’ Mature size: 1’-2’H x 1’-2’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, All day sun Desert Mallow Spheralcea ambigua Mature size: 2’-3’H x 2’-3’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun De La Mina Verbena Verbena lilacina ‘De la Mina’ Mature size: 2’-3’H x 2’-3’W Exposure Adaptations: All day sun
Ornamental Grasses
Succulents
11
California Fescue Festuca californica
Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens
Mature size: 1’-2’H x 1’-2’W Exposure Adaptations: Partial sun
Mature size: 2’-5’H x 3’-6’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Canyon Prince Wild Rye Leymus ‘Canyon Prince’
Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides
Mature size: 4’-5’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Mature size: 4’-5’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat Eriogonum arborescens Mature size: 4’-5’H x 5’-6’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Fog, Drought, Coastal salt air, All day sun
Mature size: 3’-5’H x 3’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun
For even more region appropriate native plants, check out the Plant Finder tool on our website: inlandvalleygardenplanner.org
DESIGN GUIDE
TION DISTRICT
Winifred Gilman sage Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM Native Landscape Design Guide
INTERNSHIP:
Chino Basin Water Conservation District
OBJECTIVE:
I created a booklet of instructions for DIY native landscape design. Our goal was to create a simple, accessible guide for various user groups including residents and visitors of the Waterwise Community Center, as well as students enrolling in Valley View High School’s vocational landscape design courses. I utilized various books and reputable websites to read up on the different steps in DIY landscape design, California native plants, rainwater harvesting, and other topics that I felt would have beneficial information to create the how-to guide. From here I created an in-depth outline that I later thinned out with my supervisor to make sure we hit only the key points. I was responsible for everything including the graphics, layout, and text, with the exception of the introduction, which was written by my supervisor.
PROGRAMS: • • • •
AutoCAD Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign
05
PHOTOGRAPHY LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
06
COMMONWEALTH AR GRIFFITH PARK DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
ROYO 0
5 ft.
10 ft.
N
SITE ANALYSIS
nice v
iew-sh
Water Flow
Full Sun
ed
Sedimentation
Erosion Issues
Slope
PRELIMINARY DESIGN
PLANTING ZONES
CIRCULATION
CONCEPT PLAN
SPECIAL TOPICS SPRING 2020
Demonstration Garden Site Design
L O C AT I O N :
Griffith Park Commonwealth Nursery Los Angeles, CA
OBJECTIVE:
The class partnered with the non-profit, Grown in LA, to help design various portions of a demonstration garden around the old caretaker’s cottage located within the historic site of Commonwealth Nursery in Griffith Park. My team took on the area around the central arroyo where we showcased how to create a mini watershed on site that works with the natural topography to capture and infiltrate runoff. We proposed recycling materials found on site to be used in the construction of various user experiences as a way to exhibit a more sustainable appraoch to site design. Plants were chosen based on the site’s surrounding native vegetation to help support the local wildlife and demonstrate how California native plants can be incorporated into a small scale design.
PROGRAMS:
• Adobe Photoshop • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe InDesign
AUTO DESK
PROD UCED BY A N AU TODE SK
UCED BY A N
STUD ENT VERS ION
BEFORE
STUD ENT VERS ION
PROD
PROD
UCED BY A N
AUTO DESK
PROD UCED BY A N AUTO DESK
STUD ENT VERS ION AUTO DESK
PRO
STUD ENT VERS ION
PROD
UCED BY A N
UCED BY A N
PROD
D U C E D BY AN A UTOD ESK
AUTO DESK
STUD ENT VERS ION
STUD ENT VERS ION
STU
AFTER
07
HAND SKETCHES BUILDINGS + LANDSCAPES
08
CONSTRUCTION DETA VISITOR VERANDA
REGULAR GLAGSTONE PAVERS SUNSET DECORATIVE ROCK, INC. COLOR: THREE RIVERS
ILS
SEEDED AGGREGATE TRIAD ASSOCIATED INC. COLOR: ADOBE PEWTER DYE
09
NURTURED BY NATURE WILLARD AND THE WASH
E
WILLARD FROM THE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE Willard Green Team Activity Sheet Results:
KEY: MOST LIKED LEAST LIKED
COLOR KEY:
LEAST COLORED IN
Most liked Least liked Least colored in
MOST LIKED
LEAST LIKED
Library
Kindergarten Play Area
Blacktop
Cafe
A Field
Boys & Girls Club
Play Structure
Parkin
STUDIO SPRING 2020 Schoolyard Greening
L O C AT I O N :
Willard Elementary School Pasadena, CA
PROBLEM:
The school yard at Willard Elementary, a Title IX school teaching TK through fifth grade, is predominantly exposed asphalt and a grass field riddled with gopher holes. There are few options for play and no connection to the adjacent waterway, Eaton Wash, which has been channeled and blocked from public use.
VISION:
Breaking the asphalt to create a softer, more biodiverse landscape that reconnects students to the wash and provides a healthy, resilient learning environment.
PLAY AREA
D
eteria
ng Lot
G OA L S :
• Emulate Eaton Wash in it’s natural form • Increase opportunities for outdoor learning • Promote creative play and mental health • Create native habitat • Manage storm water and runoff on site
METHOD:
N
LEAST COLORED (IN SCHOOLYARD)
Front of School
Courtyard
Hard Courts
My team and I gained insights about the school grounds through meetings with the school districts facilities director and a parent volunteer; a teacher survey; and engagement with a group of first through fifth grade students named the Willard Green Team. The students took us on a tour of their schoolyard and completed an activity sheet, which demonstrated what they liked most and least about their campus.
PROGRAMS: • • • •
Swings
AutoCAD Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign
CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS B
BLDG. 2
F
HI
&
GH
LIBRARY
GI RL
GE LTA VO
SC LU
C
D
G
B
PO W
CAFETERIA
ER LIN
H
ES
MUSIC ROOM
TO EA N AS W H
A
Turf field full of gopher holes
B
View of the San Gabriel Mountains
C
Hot and exposed blacktop area
D
Small and overcrowded play structure
E
Second grade garden
F
Painted asphalt in poor condition
G
Shaded area off-limits during free play
H
Signs of water drainage on asphalt
I
Shady Kindergarten area
J
Eaton Wash fenced off from the public
I
TK - KINDERGARTEN BLDG.
J
LETTER KEY:
BLDG. 1
YS BO
BUNGALOWS
A
E
WATER DRAINAGE:
PROPOSED PROGRAMMING
COLOR KEY: Storm water Management Flexible Recreation Passive Recreation Active Recreation Outdoor Education Low Screening
CONCEPT PLAN + CALL-OUTS Low Screen Planting Track Open Field The Wash Rolling Hills Outdoor Learning Boys & Girls Club Access Climb and Slide Climbing Platforms Cozy Caves Swings Garden Maze
Comfy Corner
Sport Courts
Maintenance Vehicle Access
Owl Box/Raptor Perch* *These are recommended as a natural forms of pest control to address the school’s gopher issues.
N
0
50 ft.
100 ft.
Native Learning Garden
Edible Learning Garden
Quiet Garden Reading Circle
Parent Pickup Garden
Picnic Area Shade Garden Outdoor Classroom Butterfly Garden
Cozy Caves Rolling Hills Reading Garden
Tyke Track
Picnic Area
Nature Play
Rain Garden
WILLARD AND EATON WASH CONNECTIVITY VISIO DEL MAR AVENUE
HI &
GE LTA VO
YS BO
GH
GI RL
W
SC
PO
LU
ER ES
N AS W H
0
50 ft.
100 ft.
B
LIN
TO EA
N
ON
Opportunities:
MADRE STREET
WILLARD ELEMENTARY
• Open access to Eaton Wash from E. Del Mar Ave. • Access trail to Eaton Wash from Willard Elementary School • Walking/Bike path along the wash • Increase native vegetation in adjacent areas • Decorative fencing and gates along the trail and at access points • Educational signage about Eaton Wash and the LA River watershed along the trail
MICHELLE SHANAHAN M L S H A N A H A N @ C P P. E D U 858.705.2385