Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Major Assignment: WSUD Retrofitting Plan Word Count: 3013
Executive Summary Landscape ecology focuses on the spatial relationship amongst landscape elements of ecosystems. All these elements are dynamic and are constantly changing, especially with the urbanisation of the environment. With urbanisation fragmenting the natural environment and associated biodiversity, this report aims to propose methods to mitigate or reduce the impacts seen through a project site in Epping North. Interventions to reduce impervious surface, improve green spaces and provide multiple connections for wildlife through the form of corridors and patches throughout the matrix are explored in attempts to encourage species richness back into the area. Creating diverse and broader range of habitats in the ecosystem and implementing water sensitive urban design are interventions explored to improve the natural landscape and increase the likelihood of a higher abundance and richness of biodiversity to thrive.
Introduction Urbanisation is an inevitable process which is being undergone everywhere (Marzluff, 2005). This process has created conflicts with removal of habitats in the natural environment, which fragments the landscape and biodiversity. The following report looks to develop a plan to retrofit public land within the defined area in Epping North in attempt to bring back lost, connect fragmented and improved degraded habitats within the site through a proposal of different measures. The site bounded by Park St in the North; Memorial Ave in the South; Darebin Creek in the East; and High Street in the West is the subject of this plan. It is located in an older developed area of Epping North and provides many opportunities to improve the biodiversity habitat values and ecosystem services of the area.
Measures There are a series of measures (figure 1) that this plan proposes to implement in order to improve the biodiversity values and ecosystem services in the Epping North site. They are categorised into five areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Streetscape improvements Green space extension Major corridors Patches at intersections Connections to other green spaces in the surrounding area
These proposals aim to improve the existing landscape of the site to encourage the richness of biodiversity species. Benefits will not only be in the environment, but is also essential to health of the people living in this surrounding area, which has been a concept that has been explored and shown (Daily, 1997). The consequential effects of these improvements to ecosystem services at both site level and the greater context will see a better fostered connection to other green spaces in the surrounding context of Epping North (figure 2).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
1. Streetscape improvement What is it? Streetscape improvements on all streets within the focus site in Epping North (highlighted in yellow in figure 1) is the first proposal that this plan focuses on. The current streetscape conditions (figure 3) show opportunities for improvement. A greater amount of impervious surface compared to vegetation resulting in an increase surface runoff and the existence of power lines in the air space are some of the issues that are addressed in to turn these areas into a better habitat and ecosystem for wildlife.
How will it be implemented? The proposed measures to change the streetscape (figure 4) include: -
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Removing the existing power lines from the streetscape and placing them underground Extending the green space between the pedestrian footpath and road to reduce the high ratio of impermeable surface compared to permeable surface Planting long native grasses (such as Kangaroo Grass in figure 25 Basket Grass in figure 26) and a mixture of different sized native trees (such as Australian Blackwood in figure 19, Australian Lightwood in figure 21 and Eucalypt trees in figure 22) to introduce habitat complexity Implementing water sensitive urban design (WSUD) elements in the form of curb cut outs and swales to allow for water infiltration into the environment, filtering before entering the drainage system and to reduce the volume of water runoff Reducing impervious surfaces by narrowing the road from a two lane road to a one lane vehicular track
The proposed changes come from a precedence of Aurora – a newly developed part of Epping North with a streetscape that promotes a more environmentally friendly design (figure 6).These measures will not only improve the streetscape aesthetically and environmentally, but will also become a resource for wildlife. These improvements will act as potential smaller scale corridors for connections between patches and the larger green spaces within the matrix to allow for movement.
Justification WSUD implementations are a new way of improving many water aspects of the environment at range of scales (Melbourne Water, 2015), including cleaning storm water runoff and improving the health of streams and cooling the environment in an integrated manner (CSIRO, 2006). By introducing this into the site, a more sustainable environment is created (figure 5). Stormwater runoff enters the green space along roads through curb cut outs and has the opportunity to infiltrate into the soil and water new plants proposed on the space due to the existence of swales instead of directly flowing into the storm water drainage system. This gives opportunity for some of the water to be taken out of the system as some of the water is put back into the environment (Melbourne Water, 2015). Overall, this improves the health of vegetation whilst recycling some of the excess water in a cost effective way. In addition to being a natural treatment and filter of storm water before it enters the drains (and other water bodies), by having water absorbed by the vegetation on site means water is infiltrated into the soil and environment. During hotter days in particular, due to the presence of moisture in the landscape, the environment becomes cooler (Norton et al, 2013) which benefits both wildlife and people living in the area. Aurora is a precedence example of what the streetscape could potentially look like (figure 6). The
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015 success of Aurora and its WSUD implementations show that this could be successfully retrofitted into the older site in Epping North. By narrowing down the roads from two lanes with parking (figure 3) to just one lane with parking (figure 4), impermeable surfaces are removed and the space between the footpath and road is widened. In addition to the widening of the existing green space, dense planting of long natural grasses (such as Kangaroo Grass in figure 25) and a mixture of native, low lying plants and trees (such as Hedge Wattles in figure 27) introduces structural complexity in the landscape. This provides new habitat and encourages smaller species to use the space. Similarly, retrofitting more vegetation means permeable surfaces increase, which is a positive result for the health of the environment (CIRIA, 2015). Typically, more impervious surface result in an increase in volume and speed of runoff, which could act as an eroding agent in the landscape. With more runoff, not only is water not being put back into the landscape through infiltration (which is very beneficial for watering vegetation and lowering air temperature (Norton et al, 2013), it also transports pollution from these surfaces into storm water and natural water systems and degrades them. Roads are inevitable with human urbanisation, making it impossible to get rid of an important transportation connector for those living in the focus site. It is also a large influence on animal ecology (Fahrig & Rytwinski, 2009). Hence, it is essential to consider how the road may be altered so that traffic effects on the environment can be mitigated. By claiming some of the road space back and turning it into green space replaces loss habitat. By slowing down traffic with the decrease in impervious surface space, incidents such as road kill and roads as barriers is reduced. These new streetscapes have the potential to act as corridors within the matrix which would connect the currently fragmented green spaces. By acting as a connections, patches of greenery are no longer isolated from each other (Forman, 1995). Removing existing power lines from the streetscape create a more aesthetic view to the eye and eliminates potential danger for wildlife and birds travelling though the space.
2.
Green space extension (and improvement)
What is it? The green space present at the eastern side of the site bounded by Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek is a large area covering at least 25% of the focus site (the green overlay in figure 1). This large space currently has an extended strip of empty lawn with a playground next to Dalton Rd (figure 7) before having a section of tall trees (see c. in figure 9), a footpath (d. in figure 9) and a few reedy vegetation types at the creek bed. Overall, this space has been poorly developed, particularly in the area closer to Dalton Rd and presents itself with extensive potential to create a green space with a mix of habitat types for a structurally complex green space.
How will it be implemented? The following measures to be implemented aim to change the space between Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek from a barren looking site (figure 7) into a site of vibrant biodiversity, life (figure 8) and complexity (figure 9): -
Reducing the width of road space at Dalton Rd and claiming it back for the environment
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Implementing a new, semi fenced pedestrian footpath next to Dalton Rd to act as a buffer for the green space on the other side (a. in figure 9) Introduce and create a structurally complex habitat space with a range of different vegetation types in the green space o Long native grasses to provide shelter and resources (b. in figure 9) where the existing lawn and playground is o Transition from grasses to native trees to fit in with the existing conditions of tall lean trees (c. in figure 9) and planting larger trees (such as Red Gums in figure 18) o A mix of small and medium bushy plants (e. in figure 9) along either side of the existing footpath (d. in figure 9) for contrast in the environment o Reedy plants to filter any water runoff before it enters the creek (f. in figure 9) to create a healthier aquatic system
Justification Currently, the amount of vegetation is quite sparse and minimal in the area of green space (figure 7). This is an opportunity to propose an extended, denser habitat with mixed vegetation types to create new habitats and ensure that the existing plantings are protected. Through the implementation of WSUD through streetscape improvement on Dalton Rd, the quality of water which enters Darebin Creek in particular will improve significantly. Health of streams improve with filtering of water by vegetation (CIRIA, 2015) and in this scenario, there are a few vegetation types present to filter out the water (figure 9) before it enters the creek. Cutting down trees has proven to affect streams and the landscape (Walsh et al, 2005). By introducing more trees back into the environment would enhance the relationship between quality of habitats, water sources and species richness. Having a semi fenced footpath as a buffer along Dalton Rd can protect the green space on the other side to warn and prevent vehicles from entering the space, which was also seen in Aurora (figure 15). With its extensive space, the grassy area of the green space (b. in figure 9) will further act as a buffer for pollution (such as noise pollution) for the other habitats between Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek (figure 9). Proposed grass plantings and a new pedestrian path next to Dalton Rd lowers the edge effect and creates a buffer to protect the more vulnerable habitats in the space. This grassland extension is an important element as grasslands are vital and should be valued and incorporated into design (Marshall, A 2013). The extension of the creek area with a transition of greenery as you move along from east to west (figure 9) creates a diverse and structurally complex habitat which can be seen in pocket green spaces in newly developed residential areas such as Aurora (figure 16) and Lyndarum (figure 17). Improving available resources to existing species would also attract new species. Extending the green space by claiming back some of the impervious surface of the road and planting a mix of habitats adds complexity at different levels (Brady et al, 2011) and improves the matrix quality. Vertical and horizontal habitat structures such as different vegetation growth forms, tree hollows and leaf litter are elements of the habitat which would become accessible as shelter and food resources for many species. By increasing variety in the landscape, new specie niches are created. With suitability, more users are encouraged to enter the space as a bridge between greenery or as new homes.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
3.
Proposed Corridors
What is it? Through streetscape improvements, the existing road network within the focus site will become a series of small corridors spread along the matrix. In addition to this, three larger corridors are proposed (orange in figure 1) to enhance movement of species within these spaces in particular.
How will it be implemented? Currently, the three larger roads at the site border; Park St, High St and Memorial Ave (figure 1); are larger roads with more green space on at least one side of the road (figure 10). Along with the implementation of streetscape measures, these streets will have additional changes to act as direct, linear paths of movement for wildlife wanting to move into the site from surrounding green spaces (figure 2) or vice versa. These additional changes (proposed in figure 11) include: -
Adding a fence as a barrier between vehicles and the green corridor space Planting larger native trees (left side of figure 11) compared to the trees planted in the streetscape proposal (right side of figure 11) as a resource and habitat for biodiversity along the corridor
The result of both streetscape improvement and corridor measures combined (figure 13) will offer an increased permeable surface in the environment, which contrasts the existing conditions of the streets.
Justification Corridors are versatile and have many functions. They can act as a habitat, barrier and a conduit for movement along the space in order to disperse species (Forman, 1995). The proposal of what the space would look like (figure 11) shows that in addition to the proposed streetscape implementations, these three main streets will have taller trees planted to facilitate for movement along the corridor. By having more vegetation and taking away car space, it will ensure that disturbance levels are lowered and at the same time, allow for more movement of biodiversity. Grasslands are important as providers for biodiversity (Marshall, A 2013), and by providing more in the landscape will create improved connections. Reduced road space and increased green space within corridors maximises its width and enhancing its effect.
4. Proposed patches (at intersections) What is it? Patches provide potential to be stepping stones within the Epping North focus site as pockets of greenery to connect to other vegetated spaces along the streetscape corridors. The current conditions show minimal vegetation, with only two sites that have larger native trees (largest circles in figure 1).
How will it be implemented? A series of patches will be created at intersections of roads (brown circles in figure 1) at varying sizes depending on the size of the intersecting space. Currently, these spaces are mostly impermeable (figure 12). Along with streetscape improvements, these patches will have:
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Reduced road space to allow for an increase in greenery and vegetation An increase in large trees (figure 14) (such as Eucalyptus trees in figure 20) to provide wildlife using the streetscape corridors a stopover space for shelter and food resources
By having a few patches wedged into the matrix, these patches provide multiple paths and options for species to travel through and use.
Justification Trees (such as large native ones with hollows in figure 14) are keystone structures which assist in restoring ecosystem services as they are important ecological resources (Harper et al, 2005). They also remove pollution (McPherson et al, 1994), reduce urban heat island (UHI) affects by reflecting heat and assisting with infiltration (McPherson & Simpson, 2003). Vegetation removal, increased impermeable surfaces and air pollution are all drivers of the UHI (Norton et al, 2013), so simple tree plantations makes them an ideal cost effective and efficient solution to creating a healthier environment. There is lots of impervious space (figure 12) at intersections, and by converting these spaces so there is an emphasis on native vegetation (with a mix of larger trees such as Eucalyptus trees in figure 18 and figure 20 and smaller trees such as Honeysuckle trees in figure 23 and Dwarf Pink trees in figure 24, not only are native trees kept in the matrix, but species are given a very important resource. Similarly, by increasing the number of patches within the Epping North matrix, if one patch doesn’t work for a certain species, there are options for them to travel through another patch close by. This stepping stone method allows for multiple movement paths across the space, which incurs a higher success probability (the Island Biogeography Theory (McArthur & Wilson, 1967)).
5. Connections to other green spaces What is it? This site in Epping North has green spaces surrounding it (figure 2) and with a central position to access other green areas in all directions, it could become a space which species can use to travel to other habitats within the surrounding context. In particular, this plan looks at the potential for the site to have a strong connection to the east (from Darebin Creek) and the north (with its existing vast green space).
How will it be implemented? As there is a larger area available for development at the intersection between Dalton Rd and Park St (purple arrows in figure 1) and to the north and east of the proposed extended green space (dark blue arrows in figure 1), these parts of the site will have more extensive planting of native vegetation (of different heights) to cater for a wide array of wildlife needing different types of vegetation to move through.
Justification The extension of the green space between Dalton Road and Darebin Creek (figure 1) will become a space in which animals and birds can travel through and connect to surrounding green spaces around the area. Similarly, Park St connection extensions (figure 2) where Park St meets the north western corner of the proposed extended green space provides a similar movement path when it becomes retrofitted (figure 13). The reason why these areas are seen as great connection nodes is due to its large
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015 space, resulting in the opportunity to extend to other spaces in the surrounding environment to enhance ecosystem richness.
Diagrams
Figure 1: A map of the site in Epping North (bounded by Park St in the North; Memorial Ave in the South; Darebin Creek in the East; and High St in the West) in which the proposals of different measures
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015 to improve the biodiversity habitat values and ecosystem services are shown. The source of this proposals map uses Google Maps imagery as a base which was then edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Figure 2: Context map of the site area and its surroundings. Assessments of surrounding green space was made using Google Maps imagery and edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 3: An illustration showing a cross section of the current streetscape conditions consisting of private property, a pedestrian footpath (grey line), green buffer space (green line) with minimal streetscape greenery and plants, and a two lane road with parking and power lines. This image was translated and created from observation on fieldwork to Epping North in May by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Figure 4: An illustration showing how the newly proposed streetscape would look. It consists of an extended green space (with long native grasses, and a mixture of smaller and larger native trees) between the pedestrian footpath and road, implementing curb cutouts and swales (green line), reducing the road space (and thus minimalizing impervious surface), and removing power lines. This image was created by Michelle Jia Mei Xu to reflect the proposal.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 5: Example of creating a more sustainable environment through the implementation of water sensitive urban design such as curb cutouts and storm water runoff infiltration. The cutout of the curve (1) allows for runoff from impervious surfaces (solid dark blue arrows) to flow into the swale (2). Water which flows into the soil has opportunity to infiltrate into the soil (dotted dark blue arrows) allowing water to return back into the environment and act as a filtering agent for the storm water. Excess water then flows (light blue arrow (3)) towards the drain (4) where it finally enters the storm water pipe and is carried away in the system (dotted black arrows). This image was taken during fieldwork to Aurora in May and edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 6: An example of what the proposed streetscape would look like with implementations of curb cutouts (dotted orange rectangle), removal of power lines (dotted red rectangle), swales (black line) and improved streetscapes with more greenery present (blue oval). This image taken during fieldwork to Aurora in May (and edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu) is used as a precedence to show how the proposal of the streetscape could look at the project site.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 7: The current conditions of the space between Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek. The two lane road and parking space along the side is an example of how much impervious surface is present. The extensive green lawn between the road and taller trees along the creek shows how much potential and opportunity this space has to provide an opportunity to improve the biodiversity and ecosystem service values with its vast land. This image was taken on fieldwork to the Epping North site in May.
Figure 8: Proposed development of the green space between Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek. From left to right, the image shows Dalton Rd narrowed down to a one lane street with parking, fencing as a buffer,
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015 a new pedestrian path, and a mix of new vegetation in the green space (long native grasses, smaller shrubs and bushes, and larger native trees). This image used was taken on fieldwork in May and was edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu to show what the space could look like to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Figure 9: A diagram of what the proposed green space between Dalton Rd and Darebin Creek would look like with images of the proposed different and contrasting habitats. The current Dalton Rd will be reduced in width and a new pedestrian footpath and fence buffer will take its place (a), plantations of long native grasses providing habitat and shelter (b), larger native trees (c) which are currently present, small and medium bushy plants (5) on either side of the existing footpath (d) and reedy plants to filter out water before it enters the creek (f). Images used were taken during fieldwork in May and the illustration was created by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 10: High Street is an example site of where the proposed corridors would be and what they currently look like. This image was taken during fieldwork in May.
Figure 11: What the proposed corridor would look like at a street level. Increased greenery (native trees and grasses) and a buffer will provide resources such as a path, protection and shelter for wildlife. This image was taken during fieldwork in May and edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 12: Current conditions of intersections with large spaces shows the potential these spaces have to become patches within the site matrix. This image was taken during fieldwork in May.
Figure 13: Park St and its current conditions (left) and proposed change (right) shows an example of how the proposed streetscape and corridor may look when combined. This image was taken during fieldwork in May and edited by Michelle Jia Mei Xu to show the contrast in environment.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 14: An example of a large native tree with hollows and foliage, which provides habitat and shelter for wildlife, particularly birds. At the base of the tree is a mix of leaf litter, soil and dropped branches which provide complexity and an alternative habitat. This image was taken during fieldwork to the site in May.
Figure 15: An example of a buffer seen in Aurora. This image was taken during fieldwork in May.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 16: Example of a mix of habitats in one space in Aurora, which serves as inspiration for the proposal of the development of the green space in the proposed site. This image was taken during fieldwork in May.
Figure 17: An example of a mix of native vegetation including prickly bushes, long grass and other plants which could be translated into the proposed older site in Epping North. This image was taken during fieldwork to Lyndarum in May.
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 18: Eucaluptus camaldulensis (Red Gum) is a large tree which can grow up to 45 meters tall. This flowering and seeding native tree is a good example of a type of large hollow bearing tree. The source of this image is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (http://www.cpbr.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC/Eucalyptus-camaldulensis/).
Figure 19: Acacia melanoxylon (Australian Blackwood) is a drought tolerant and fast growing seeding tree, indigenous to Victoria. It is a good shade tree which stays leafy all year, attracting birds. The source of this image is from Flora Bank Australia (http://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Acacia_melanoxylon.htm).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 20: Eucalyptus leucoxylon “Rosea� (Red Flowering Yellow Gum) is a larger tree when matured (reaching 10-30m in height). With its bright red flowers, this indigenous tree attracts birds. The source of this image is from the Australian Native Plants Society (http://anpsa.org.au/e-leu.html).
Figure 21: Acacia implexa (Australian Lightwood) is a small to medium native tree growing up to 15m tall. It is a native tree with a long, slender and upright appearance. It is fast growing and drough tolerate, making it a versatile tree to have in the environment. The source of this image is from Flora Bank Australia (https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/Species%20Navigator/Media/Html/Acacia_implexa.htm).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 22: Eucalyptus leucoxylon “Euky Dwarf� is a shorter tree up to 6m when it matures. This native tree would be a good example of a smaller to medium sized tree which flowers (shown in this image). The source of this image is from Austraflora (http://www.austraflora.com/?attachment_id=5362).
Figure 23: Banksia marginate (Silver Banksia Honeysuckle) trees are dense growing native trees. They are medium heights at around 5m and can survive in dry conditions. They attract birds due to their flowering and add colour to the landscape. They are suitable to act as a hedge or shrub plant up to 2m tall. With low maintenance needed and a fast growing nature, this tree is a good example of being a shorter habitat type. The source of this image is from Australian National Botanic Gardens (https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2012/banksia-marginata.html).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 24: Corymbia citriodora “scentuous” (Dwarf Pink) are lightly narrow domed trees which don’t shed branches and grow up to 3m tall. Due to its characteristic as a smaller sized tree and high tolerance to drought, it is a versatile tree suitable to be planted. The source of this image is from Specialty Trees (http://www.specialitytrees.com.au/library/corymbia/citriodora/scentuous-syn.-dwarf-pink).
Figure 25: Themeda triandra (Kangaroo grass) grows up to around 1.5m tall and is a warm season, deep rooted grass. This native grass has high drought and heat tolerance as well as fire tolerance, which could act as a perfect buffer and fire break in the landscape whilst adding to complexity within the habitat. The source of this image is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens (https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2004/themeda-triandra.html).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Figure 26: Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a native seeding grass which can grow from 40cm to 1m long. The source of this image is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens (https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2007/lomandra-longifolia.html).
Figure 27: Acacia paradoxa (Hedge Wattle) is a hedging plant which requires low maintenance. With a high tolerance of surviving and adapting, it is a great plant to plant along side roads. This native plant would be a great example for streetscape planting as it also flowers and provides shelter to smaller wildlife with its stiff spined stems. The source of this image is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens (http://www.anbg.gov.au/acacia/species/A-paradoxa.html).
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015
Conclusion This proposal has aimed to look at improving biodiversity and ecosystem services through the removal of impervious surfaces and revegetating the matrix to have a structurally complex habitat space. By creating new habitats and opportunities for wildlife to choose how they want to move through streetscape improvements, corridors and patches, there are higher chances that they will use these connections, which increases the biodiversity of the site over time. Edge effects, disturbances and fragmentation issues will decrease. WSUD implementations including water infiltration and recycling through measures such as curb cut outs and swales have been proven successful in newer developed areas, which could be applied and recreated on this site. Not only will vegetation and water quality benefit from WSUD, by returning water back into the landscape, there are extended benefits which will affect and improve the conditions and health of the people in the matrix.
References Austraflora (www.austraflora.com) Australian National Botanic Gardens (www.anbg.gov.au) Australian National Botanic Gardens Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (www.cpbr.gov.au) Australian Native Plants Society (anpsa.org.au) Brady, M. J., McAlpine, C. A., Possingham, H. P., Miller, C. J., & Baxter, G. S. (2011) Matrix is important for mammals in landscapes with small amounts of native forest habitat, Landscape Ecology, 26(5), 617628). CIRIA (www.ciria.org) CSIRO, (2006) Water Sensitive Urban Design. In CSIRO (Eds.), Urban Stormwater: Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines. CSIRO Publishing. Daily, G. C., Alexander, S., Ehrlich, P. R., Lubchenco, J., Matson, P. A., Mooney, H. A., Postel, S., Schneider, S. H., Tilman, D., & Woodwell, G. M. (1997) Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems. Issues in Ecology, 2, 1-17. Fahrig, L., & Rytwinski, T. (2009) Effects of Roads on Animal Abundance: an Empirical Review and Synthesis. Ecology and Society, 14(1), 21. Flora Bank Australia www.florabank.org.au Forman, R. T. T. (Ed.). (1995) Land Mosaics: The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge - UK. Harper, M. J., McCarthy, M. A., & van der Ree, R. (2005) The abundance of hollow-bearing trees in urban dry sclerophyll forest and the effect of wind on hollow development, Biological Conservation, 122, 181192. Doi – 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.07.003
Michelle Jia Mei Xu_635683_EVSC30006 Ecology of Urban Landscapes_Semester 1_ 2015 Google Maps (maps.google.com.au) MacArthur, R. H., & Wilson, E. O. (Ed.). (1967) The Theory of Island Biogeography. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Marshall, A. (2013) Start with the grasslands: Design guidelines to support native grasslands in urban areas. Melbourne, Victorian National Parks Association. Marzluff, J. M. (2005) Island biogeography for an urbanizing world: how extinction and colonization may determine biological diversity in human-dominated landscapes. Urban Ecosystems, 8, 157-177. McPherson, E. G., Nowak, D. J., & Rowntree, R. A. (Ed.). (1994) Chicago’s Urban Forest Ecosystem: Results of the Chicago Urban Forest Climate Project. Randor - PA. McPherson, E. G., & Simpson, J. R. (2003) Potential energy savings in buildings by an urban tree planting program in California, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2, 73-86. Melbourne Water, (2015) WSUD Approach. Retrieved May 10, 2015 from http://www.melbournewater.com.au/Planning-and-building/Stormwater-management/WaterSensitive-Urban-Design/Pages/The-WSUD-approach.aspx Norton, B., Bosomworth, K., Coutts, A., Williams, N., Livesley, S., Trundle, A., Harris, R., & McEvoy, D. (2013) Planning for a cooler future: Green infrastructure to reduce urban heat. In Victorian Centre for Climate Change Aadaptation ResearchClimate Adaptation for Decision Makers. Specialty Trees (www.specialtytreas.com.au) Walsh, C. J., Roy, A. H., Feminella, J. W., Cottingham, P. D., Groffman, P. M., & Morgan II, R. P. (2005) The urban stream syndrome: current knowledge and the search for a cure, J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc, 24(3), 706-723.