CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK MIKE KEKEDY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 2015 PROFESSOR FREDERICK KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CAED
GENERAL The Cuyahoga River is roughly 100 miles long, and drops a total elevation of 1290 feet from its beginning in Chardon in Geauga County to its mouth at Lake Erie in Cleveland.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) covers about 33,000 acres of park, and includes 22 miles of the Cuyahoga river, with property in both Summit and Cuyahoga counties. Human destruction of wildlife has been going on for centuries, and only recently have we become more aware and willing to change it. The national park, like all of the state and national parks, was created as an effort to preserve and rejuvenate the wildlife in Northeast Ohio. In the 1960’s, locals began to become concerned with the commercialization going on in the area that was beginning to threaten the scenic valley area. Since the park is relatively young, it is reflected in its wildlife, with its young forest. Early settlement in the area led to much destruction of the forest in order to create the old canal and railroad. Only recently is wildlife beginning to thrive again in the area. The park is unlike many of the other national state parks in the Western United States, due to its long complicated history. Currently the park is home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the Ohio and Erie Canal Townpath Trail. The park is also home to many different programs, including concerts, art exhibitions, skiing and golfing among many others.
DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an area of largely unbuilt land. It is surrounded entirely by development (as shown in red), with the majority being small neighborhood housing development. A Google Earth
These surrounding towns, such as Stow or Hudson are quick to mention that there are right along side the 33,000 acre park, making property values higher than they would be if the park was not there.
A.
Maple Heights A. Population 22,784 B. 100% Urban 0% Rural
B.
Sagamore Hills A. Population 9340 B. 82% Urban 18% Rural
C.
Silver Lake A. Population 2526 B. 100% Urban 0% Rural
B Google Earth
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Surrounding Development
Google Earth
C
FEATURES
Perhaps rather unusual for a national park, Bridal Veil Falls -
Small waterfall best viewed after heavy rain
Brecksville Nature Center -
Center to educate people on nature
Squire Rich Historical Museum - 1840s home converted to museum
Brandywine Ski Resort and Polar Blast Tubing -
Brandywine Falls -
Winter activity of snow tubing
Scenic and all natural waterfall
Boston Mills Ski Resort -
CVNP Has both natural and manmade attractions in the park. The park has many interesting natural features such as Brandywine Falls, but many of its attractions also fall under its man made category. Blossom Center is one of the most popular music venues in Northeastern Ohio. The ski resorts are also very popular during the winter.
Winter activity of skiing and snowboarding
Blue Hen Falls -
Overhanging plate of sandstone creating a small waterfall protruding from the edge Deep Lock Quarry - Old quarry abandoned and converted into a park
Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center –
Man Made Attraction Natural Attraction
Center plays host to school groups, teams, religious groups, clubs and more. Blossom Music Center - Amphitheatre for large music shows with amphitheater and lawn seating Porthouse Theater – Owned by Kent State University, the outdoor theater is used for plays and musicals
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
The sea began to regress marking the end of the Mississippian period and the ancient sea
Geological evidence suggests that the valley was part of an ancient sea
The glaciers melted ending the ice age and creating Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River Valley
Human settlement began. The Cuyahoga river served as an important transportation route and American Indians deemed this area neutral territory for safe travel
Connecticut set aside 3.5 million acres in northeastern Ohio for settlement, which was called the Western Reserve European settlers began mapping out the area. This was shortly followed with settlers moving into the area, with the river being a source of livelihood
Development of the area threatens to take over the scenic area. Railroad becomes prevalent and canal is no longer used
Ohio and Erie Canal opens, replacing the river as the primary place of transportation
The first recorded bald eagle nest in over 70 years reappears in the park The park officially becomes known as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and becomes managed by the National Park Service
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area is created by Congress, and the park begins purchasing private properties in the area
PARK FEATURES
CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD Founded in the 1860s as a way to transport Ohio’s natural resources to industries in Cleveland as well as the lake port on Lake Erie. The railroad provided growth, and created business and overall improved the economy of Northeast Ohio. Railway services officially began in 1880 and continued to run until 1985 when it was abandoned. Four years later in 1989 it began running again as a scenic ride through Cuyahoga Valley, and was soon reorganized as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
www.cvsr.com
The railroad works in such a way that it is harmonious with the valley, and suitable to the park despite being a large machine in an otherwise natural area. This may be due to the fact that it is largely alone as far as machines in the park, and creates an interesting contrast between man and nature. It may be because it compliments the natural environment so well, with its route directly parallel to the route of the Cuyahoga river.
Rockside Station Canal Visitor Center
Brecksville Station
Boston Mill Station Peninsula Station
Indigo Lake Station Botzum Station
Akron Northside
CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD The railroad runs all the way through the park from North to South. It makes a total of eight stops, with seven within the park.
OHIO AND ERIE CANAL TOWPATH TRAIL The Ohio and Erie Canal as built in the 1820s and used a primary method of transportation for commercial traffic in Northeast Ohio, no longer relying on the Cuyahoga River itself. This remained the primary method of transportation until the construction of the railway system. A towpath was created adjacent to the canal, and was originally used for mules who would pull towing boats. In modern times, the towpath has been converted into a trail commonly used for hikers and bicyclists. The trail now stretches about 20 miles through the park, and runs roughly parallel to the river.
OTHER TRAILS Other than the main towpath trail, Cuyahoga Valley has a very large number of other trails in its 33,000 acres of park. Among them are Ledges Area, Buckeye and Valley, Cross Country, Brandywine Falls, and Salt and Lake Trails. These are only some of the many trails in the park.
TRAILS Many trails are throughout the park, and serve different purposes despite being interconnected. This is shown most clearly through the choice of materials. The paved pathways are meant for faster uninterrupted movement for bikers and runners whereas dirt trails are used by people who are more casually strolling or hiking through the park. Then wooden boardwalk paths are designed with the tourist in mind to view a phenomenon in the park.
PAVED TRAILS • Trails that are paved indicate that they are the primary trail in the park. • Paved trails require more upkeep than other trails in the park in order to keep its smooth appearance. Typically these types of trails have a lifespan of around 20 years. • The trail contains several “stops” at key points at the park. For example, the pictures to the right depict a “stop” where a smaller trail leads to Brandywine falls. • These “stops” typically contain pieces of furniture such as bike racks, bulletin boards and benches. • Since the trail (right) leading to Brandywine falls is not bike accessible, it makes sense to place a bike rack here where bikers can temporarily store their bike.
DIRT TRAILS • Dirt trails indicate that the path is more natural than that of a paved or wooden trail • As a result of being more natural, less maintenance is required • Keep path clear of weeds and plants for the most part • Trees that fall on a path need be cut up and pushed aside to keep the trail intact • Moving it reflects the park’s goal of minimal interference in nature, while complete removal is usually done for aesthetic purposes or safety concerns.
It is common for trees to fall following a storm or high wind, and it is inevitable that one will fall on a path at one point.
WOODEN BOARDWALK “TRAILS” • Wooden boardwalks are placed along scenic areas such as Brandywine Falls, which may otherwise not have been easily accessible.
• This specific design follows the curvy pattern of the rock as shown on the left to make the boardwalk feel more natural. • Since the most congested part of the boardwalk would be at the end near the falls, signs are placed periodically leading up to the end of the boardwalk with information on the falls. This would slow the congestion some because people will stop to read them. • Questionably however, a sign is placed at the end of the boardwalk directly in front of the falls, contributing to greater congestion near the falls.
• Add slide for each type of trail • Type of features youd see on each (pavement would have benches at key locations, bike racks, etc.) • Wooden trail • Designed to follow pattern of rock • Signs posted alongside railing giving history of falls. Sign directly in front of the falls is questionable because the main attraction should be the falls themselves, not a sign
• Dirt path • Maintenance would be minimal. Sometimes a tree falls the park service will cut it up so its out of the way, and either get rid of it, or move it off to the side. Moving it reflects the parks motto of minimal interference, while getting rid of it is usually done for aesthetic purposes or safety concerns.
BRANDYWINE FALLS Brandywine Falls is perhaps the most interesting natural feature in the park, and as a result it is the most visited feature. Viewing platforms and walkways that are located along side the river often bring a crowd of people anxious to admire and photograph the very photogenic falls. The viewing platforms and walk ways follow the pattern of the sandstone-covered shelves and create somewhat of a natural feel, seemingly unobstructive to any view of the falls.
REGION ANALYS - MACRO
THE ANCIENT SEA Brandywine Falls demonstrates geological features better than any other portion of the park since the falls cut into the rock making each layer visible like the layers of a cake. The layers can tell us a lot about the history of the region, due to unconformities, rotations, fossils and more. “Carved by Brandywine Creek, the 65-foot falls demonstrates classic geological features of waterfalls. A layer of hard rock caps the waterfall, protecting softer layers of rock below. In this case, the top layer is Berea Sandstone. The softer layers include Bedford and Cleveland shales, soft rocks formed from mud found on the sea floor that covered this area 350-400 million years ago. Shale is thinly chunked, giving water a bridal veil appearance as it cascades down the falls.� The Berea sandstone that is one of the visible layers in the waterfall reveals evidence of an ancient sea, due to the individual grains of sand that were accumulated here.
THE ANCIENT SEA The diagram on the left depicts layers of rock depicting the Mississippian period (360 to 325 million years ago) to the Pennsylvanian period (325 million years ago to 300 million years ago). Unconformity in the layers depict a time when the layers were exposed, and channels were cut into the surface via erosion. This creates an unconformity in the geological record. The unconformity between the Bedford shale and Berea sandstone indicate that a river delta (landform that forms from deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and enters the sower-moving or standing water. This occurs where a river enters an ocean, or other body of water that cannot transport away the supplied sediment) was once here.
Furthermore, fossils in the Meadville shale suggest that this environment was a thriving neritic (well illuminated environment for marine life) environment. In other words, this was all part of an ancient ocean. The unconformity at the beginning of the Pennsylvanian period suggests that the seas began to regress, marking
THE ANCIENT SEA
Swamp Area
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/US_pennsylvanian_general.jpg
Following the Mississippian period (the ancient sea) was the Pennsylvanian Period. The map here shows what the United States would have looked like at this time. The location of the CVNP and Northeast Ohio in general was no longer part of the sea, which had regressed significantly since the days of the Mississippian period. Instead it is now part of the swamp areas covering the eastern half of the US.
GLACIAL MOVEMENT – THE CREATION OF THE VALLEY The Pleistocene Epoch, more commonly known as the ice age was a short period of geologic time covering the last two million years of the Quaternary Period. In regards to geological history, it ended relatively recently, only about 10,000 years ago making it possible to still easily see its effects. During this period there were four major ice advances, which pushed aside anything in the path of the glaciers, be it sand, silt, clay or rock. The glaciers in the Cuyahoga Valley were too thin to completely flatten the land, unlike those in western Ohio. As a result they only carved through the ancient river valleys. Eventually the glaciers melted, leaving behind the carved landscape and river that we see today. In some areas, the glaciers melted into bodies of water, which was how the great lakes, among them being Lake Erie, were formed about 4000 years ago.
pubs.usgs.gov
GEOLOGY - WHY IT MATTERS
FUTURE
East Bank
Because of the river in the valley, the banks continue to erode and river continues to change the shape of the landscape. Historically speaking, the bank erosion along the Cuyahoga River at the national park occurs at an average rate of 1.9 feet per hear. “Approximately 70% of this erosion is occurring along the west bank, due to preferential protection of the east bank.” This is the lead cause for failures in the landscape (rotational slides and earth flows – movement of landscape mass). Knowing this can help us predict the future of the valley – and can be key in design elements we build alongside the river, such as paths, structures etc.
West Bank
Left – A map of CVNP depicting the East and West banks as well as the towpath and the railroad along the river Above- A couple of examples of structures being built alongside the bank
The map on the left shows part of the river in the park and two of the key structures in the park, the railroad and the towpath. The photo on the right is just one example of the many structures built on the river. Knowing the geological rate of erosion, we can plan on potential structural reinforcing for existing structures. Furthermore we can design new structures so that they will be affected minimally by the rate of erosion.
FUTURE Examples of the effects of erosion, specifically a mass failure mechanism. The photo to the top shows trees alongside the river bank that have collapsed or are beginning to collapse because the water is eroding away the soil it carries away from underneath the trees. The photo on the bottom shows the effects of a failure due to erosion on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. If measures are not taken to prevent, or stabilize the railway or other structures that can be affected by erosion, damage can be caused that can be expensive to reverse.
FUTURE Left – an example of a primitive method to stabilizing the bank alongside the Cuyahoga River using old broken down automobiles.
FUTURE Right – an example of a more modern method, and natural method of bank stabilization that is utilized within the CVNP incorporating bioengineering technology.
REGION ANALYS - MICRO
PARK HABITATS The 33,000 acres is large enough to house many different types of habitats, among them being: • Riparian habitat – the area along a course of water where threes, shrubs and grasses all grow alongside of. • Deciduous mixed-mesophytic forest – include deciduous plants (trees that lose their leaves annually) and mesophytic plants (plants that are adapted to neither a particularly dry nor particularly wet environment) • Wetland habitats • Nearly 1500 wetlands cover over 1900 acres within the park • Cultivated agricultural lands - farmland
Deciduous trees alongside the trail near Brandywine Falls
TREE SPECIES The CVNP is home to a wide range of tree species with the most common being:
• Successional Hardwood Forest • Successional Mixed Hardwood Forest • A great example of a part of the deciduous mixed-mesophytic forest. For the most part not directly on the river, but able to survive nearby. • Oak – (Hardwood) Forest • Dry-Mesic Oak Forest • Another great example of a part of the deciduous mixed-mesophytic forest. However, not as often located alongside the river.
TREE SPECIES • Riparian Hardwood Forest • Cottonwood- Sycamore Floodplain Forest • Often times they are planted in places that are not floodplains, however, when in a natural environment, it usually suggests that there is a wet area or floodplain. • The map clearly shows these plants to exist alongside the river, which is in fact a wet area. • Northern hardwood forest • Beech – Maple Glaciated Forest • Another great example of a part of the deciduous mixed-mesophytic forest. Often grouped together with the Oak (Hardwood) forest.
www.uwyo.edu
Bromegrass
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
Kentucky Bluegrass
PLANT SPECIES • Grasses • Over 90 species of grasses and over 70 species of sedges (more commonly found in wetlands and wetter habitats) www.wikipedia.org • Kentucky bluegrass, black bentgrass, redtop, annual ryegrass, timothy, velvet grass, poverty grass, switchgrass, bromegrass etc. • The park does have one prairie which was planted before the park was created. • It is “situated on a disturbed area that was used as a borrow pit during construction of the Ohio Turnpike.” • Many species here are not otherwise commonly found in the area • Big bluestem • Little bluestem • Switchgrass • Indian grass • Wildflowers • In the springtime there are many species of ephemeral (short-lived) wildflowers- most commonly located in damper areas near creeks. • Historical (fossils – before plants had flowers) Velvet Grass • The oldest layers of rock in Cuyahoga Valley show life in the area before even the dinosaurs. Fossil records have been found showing plants before they had flowers.
ANIMAL SPECIES The water quality in the area is famously historically poor due to high pollution in the local cities in the past. However in the past several decades, the quality has noticeably improved due to increased efforts and awareness, and more species of animals are thriving in the national park as a result. Currently there are many animal species recorded in the park, with more coming every few years. Among them are over 194 species of birds, 91 aquatic macro invertebrates, 4 fish, 32 mammals, 22 amphibians and 20 species of reptiles
www.nps.gov
www.nps.gov
AMPHIBIANS Amphibians are a good indicator of the general health of the environment. Since they live directly in streams, they literally absorb much of the environment. As a result the health of an amphibian will tell you the general health of its environment. Amphibians in the CVNP are found frequently along the remnants of the Ohio and Erie canals.
Currently, among the known amphibians in the park are nine species of salamanders, eight species of frogs and one toad. Northern Water Snake
REPTILES Reptiles are common in Northeastern Ohio. Currently there are 20 known species residing in the park; 11 snakes, 8 turtles, and 1 skink. Among the reptiles, the most common is the northern water snake. Also, the spotted turtle has been spotted in the CVNP. The spotted turtle is a threatened species in the state of Ohio, and its residence in the park is a good indicator of how well the park is doing.
Coyote
MAMMALS 32 species of mammals have been recorded in the park, among them being the coyote. The coyotes have only recently returned to the park after an extended absence. The coyote is the dominant predator in the park, and provide a prime habitat for them since the park offers food in the form of fruits, nuts, grains and small mammals. The small mammals and deer hold the largest population of mammals in the park. Among them are mice, moles, chipmunk, squirrels and the white tailed deer. These species are all native to Northeast Ohio, and the park provides a great habitat for them with a large number of hiding spaces, and easily accessible food.
www.nps.gov
Seven species of bats have been discovered living in the park as well. However, despite the great living conditions the park provides, the bats are being killed off by a fungus called white-nose syndrome. This is spread by transmission from bat to bat as well as by humans (who can be infected, but does not affect human health). By reducing contact with the bats, we can help prevent contamination. Bats displaying white-nose syndrome www.nps.gov
Bald Eagle
BIRDS Over 194 species of birds take a residence in the CVNP. Many of these species include songbirds that migrate through the area in the spring and fall. Waterfowl such as wood ducks and Canada geese. Several birds have returned to the CVNP that have historically left. For example the blue herons just began resettling in the park in the 1980s. More notably however are the bald eagles. Bald eagles have been missing from the area for over 70 years until the first recorded nest appeared in 2006. This is a remarkable feat because the bald eagles were near extinction in 1975 when efforts were made to try and conserve them. Thanks to these efforts, the bald eagles have been removed from the endangered species list. The CVNP is now a prime habitat for the eagles with the wooded wetlands, and large fish population. They also prefer the tall trees and preexisting nests that they can expand on.
Peregrine Falcon
Perhaps even more remarkably are the Peregrine falcons. These birds are still on Ohio’s list of endangered birds, and the CVNP happens to have two pairs of them, first appearing in 2008. They have returned yearly to reproduce and lay eggs. The young falcons tend to leave the area where they are hatched and “establish a territory of their own, elsewhere.� This helps to get the species off of the endangered species list and spread them further throughout the country.
SOURCES Allen, Thomas B., John L. Culliney, and Carole Douglis. Guide to National Parks of the United States. 7th ed. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2011. Print. Andrews, Dale Christopher. A Geotechnical and Geomorphological Investigation of Cuyahoga River Bank Erosion Within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thesis. Kent State University, 2004. Print. City-Data.com. Web. <http://www.city-data.com/>. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. All Aboard! U.S. Department of the Interior. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Print. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Bald Eagles Return. U.S. Department of the Interior. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Print.
Hansen, Michael C. "Ice Age in Ohio.“ page 1-5. Ohiogeology.com. U.S. Department of Natural Resources. Web. <http://ohiogeology.com/portals/geosurvey/PDFs/Education/el07.pdf>. Laurie, Michael. “Chapter 8 Landscape Design." An Introduction to Landscape Architecture. New York: American Elsevier Pub., 1975. Print. Natural Resource Publications Management (NRPM). Web. <http://www.nature.nps.gov/publications/nrpm/>.
Pringle, Patrick. Geologic Study Sites of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area - Southern Sector. Thesis. University of Akron, 1982. Print. Simonds, John Ormsbee. “Chapter 5 Vegetation." Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Environmental Planning and Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, Print. Simonds, John Ormsbee. “Chapter 6 Landscape Character." Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Environmental Planning and Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, Print. United States. National Park Service. National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior. Web. <http://www.nps.gov/>.