LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
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148 Landscape Architect and Specifier News s t e w a rd s h i p Leading the Way Toward Sustainable Stormwater Left For visitors to Old Mine Park in Trumbull, Connecticut, exposure to new methods of stormwater management changes the expectation of what rainwater infrastructure should look like. After public debate, a more ecologically-friendly solution was considered and ultimately prevailed. Right Volunteers of all ages planted almost 500 native shrubs and perennials at Old Mine Park. This sediment basin provided much needed stormwater retention capacity to mitigate downstream flooding. Landscape Architect & Specifier News (ISSN 1060-9962) is published monthly by Landscape Communications, Inc., 14771 Plaza Drive Suite M, Tustin, California 92780 Phone: 714-979-LASN (5276); Fax: 714-434-3862. Online version (ISSN 2150-9123). Copyright 2014 by Landscape Communications, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. Periodicals postage paid at Tustin, CA and additional mailing offices. Subscription Inquiries: Send new or renewal notices or change of address (send both new and old addresses) to Landscape Architect & Specifier News, P.O. Box 1126, Tustin, CA 92781- 1126. Subscriptions: Licensed/Registered Landscape Architects free of charge. Others, Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii & Canada: 12 issues, $34.95, 24 issues, $55.00, Mexico: 12 issues, $65.00 per year. Additional copies may be purchased by contacting LASN at circulation@landscapeonline.com or 714-979-5276 ext. 115. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Landscape Architect & Specifier News, P.O. Box 1126, Tustin, CA 92781-1126. The original pond dredging restoration plan for Old Mine Park in Trumbull, Connecticut called for putting back mowed lawn right down to the water's edge. Conspicuously missing, however, was any attempt to address the flow of polluted runoff and eroded sediments sheeting off the parking areas and entering the adjacent Pequonnock River. Landscape architecture firm Site Systems, Inc., working in conjunction with the local conservation commission, volunteered its office time and resources to develop a comprehensive plan addressing the site's erosion and runoff issues. Recognized with a 2014 Design Merit Award from Connecticut Chapter ASLA, the redesigned landscape emphasized low-impact development and stormwater management practices. The plan protected water quality, reduced the impacts of erosion and flooding and created important habitat for birds and cool-water fish. Participation in community outreach projects emphasizing new approaches to nonpoint source pollution represents an incredible opportunity for the profession. Public interest in sustainable design has never been higher, and the need has never been greater. It's time for landscape architects to take charge and influence how stormwater is managed in our communities. Because the site had been identified as a potential pilot project by the Pequonnock River Initiative watershed study, it was eligible for funding through the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program. These federally-funded grants are available for work that supports public outreach, training, pilot projects, monitoring, and other activities that contribute to controlling nonpoint source pollution. In addition to their functional aspects, the new sediment basin and riparian buffers serve as educational tools as well. The Connecticut Fund for the Environment, through its Save the Sound program, coordinated the grant and worked with the firm to oversee the installation of the native riparian buffer and stormwater sediment basin by the town. By Oliver Gaffney, Site Systems, Inc. If you have a project where landscape architectural design services were provided pro bono, you can submit your Stewardship proposal to: stewardship@landscapeonline.com or call Larry Shield at (714) 979-5276 x125. Story Ideas? PhotoS CourteSy of DonalD WatSon, faIa (left) & Save the SounD (rIGht) 148-150.indd 148 3/25/14 3:32 PM