Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Headquarters by Bian Jing

Temple University School of Environmental Design FALL 2015

Professor Mary E. Myers Professor Patricia Connaughton-Burns Woodland Design Studio

Erin A. Smith Jing Bian Julia Louise Westermeier Kristin Alexanderson Winters Robert Werner Gray Seyed Hamed Miri Lavasani Sean M. Vanderslice William Patrick P. Playdon Zane T. Roskoph

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic world. It is wrong when it tends otherwiseâ&#x20AC;? - Aldo Leopold

CONTENTS Introduction

goals

Inventory Analysis

location and regional context context and regional circulation zoning and land use population center and schools regional green space

site features conservation easement historical and cultural sites viewshed ecosystem service

topography slope soil and geology hydrology

physiographic province vegetation communities vegetation inventory plant stewardship index canopy wildlife

14 16 18

site character 22 24 28 30

natural and physical features 34 38 40

ecology 46 48 56 58 60

Precedent

Group Design

strong entry and restoration walk master plan

demonstration garden and central core master plan

ecological zones restoration master plan

Mater Plan

master plan

proposed entrance perspective and materials

pedestrian entrance

visitor center

educational nodes and demonstration gardens

Acknowledgments

References

INTRODUCTION

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT) has made many successful efforts to restore the areas of land surrounding its entrance compound. PERT has reinvigorated meadows, woodlands, and streams as a part of its effort to preserve the local ecology of the land it protects. However, PERTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance area leaves much to be desired in terms of design, visitor experience, and control of invasive species. We envision a more engaging and visually appealing entrance and headquarters for PERT; one that would better reflect the great work it has done with the surrounding lands.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

GOALS

The goals of PERT are to PROTECT, RESTORE, and PRESERVE the areas in its domain. We will help further these goals by improving visitor experience of the entrance and headquarter areas, providing more opportunities for visitor education, and increasing the legibility of the landscape and trail network. We will create a beautiful, ethical, and inspiring design that will better reflect the work PERT has already accomplished.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

INVENTORY ANALYSIS

Pennsylvania

Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

Montgomery County

Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

Bryn Athyn, Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland

Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Headquarters

Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Headquarters is located in Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 15 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The Headquarters is about 4 miles (10 minutes) southeast of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s (I-276) Willow Grove exit (#343). The Pennypack Preserve has no easy access by public transportation. Roads surrounding the preserve are busy and narrow, and walking and bicycling on the roads are dangerous. The best and safest option for reaching the preserve by public transportation is from the Bethayres Station on SEPTA’s West Trenton regional rail line, and then traveling north on foot or by bicycle on Montgomery County’s new Pennypack Trail.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REGIONAL CIRCULATION

15 miles 10 miles

5 miles

PERT

Miles

LEGEND State Routes Interstates US Highways Regional Railroads

Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation, Source: U.S. Census, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

PERT

LEGEND Residential

Vacant/Agriculture

Industrial

Woodland

Mixed Use

Institutional

Parks and Recreation

County Line

Retail

Office

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

ZONING AND LAND USE The areas surrounding PERT are primarily residential, with a few business parks. There is also a significant amount of land zoned as mixed use, park, and open space. Additionally, many areas of land are zoned as mixed use/revitalization, indicating that restoration is a priority in the neighborhoods surrounding PERT. Approximately 70% of the land surrounding PERT is zoned as residential or mixed-use residential, primarily detached single-family homes ranging in size from one to four bedrooms. This indicates that the people living near PERT usually have higher incomes and can probably afford to spend significant amounts of time and money on recreation. Most of the business and industrial areas are near the Pennsylvania Turnpike north of PERT, with an additional area southeast of PERT. There is a village center southeast of PERT, which may attract people from outside of the immediate area. PERT is natural area, the Pennypack Preserve, is located in Bryn Athyn Borough, Lower Moreland Township, and Upper Moreland Township. The headquarters is located in Upper Moreland. Montgomery County

Upper Moreland Township

Bryn Athyn Borough Lower Moreland Township

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

SPRING HOUSE MAPLE GLEN HORSHAM HATBORO AMBLER FORT WASHINGTON

DRESHER

WILLOW GROVE

PERT BRYN ATHYN

ARDSLEY ABINGTON

ORELAND NORTH HILLS

GLENSIDE

MEADOWBROOK

ERDENHEIM WYNCOTE WYNDMOOR

SOMERTON

JENKINTOWN

BUSTLETON

HOLLYWOOD

N LEGEND 1,000 - 5,000 People 5,000 - 15,000 People More than 15,000 People PERT Private Schools Public Schools

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Major Roadways

POPULATION CENTERS AND SCHOOLS Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT) is located between several small- to medium-sized towns in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. Ranging in population size from 1,000 people to 55,000 people, PERT has the opportunity to serve approximately 85,000 people within a 25 mile radius. Additionally, there are 33 public and private schools in the surrounding area that could visit PERT. The area surrounding PERT is primarily residential, but the Willow Grove Park Mall is approximately 3 miles away. The proximity of PERT to this shopping center could allow for some overlap between mall visitors and park visitors. PERT is not far from Bustleton and Somerton, two large neighborhoods in northeast Philadelphia. This means that residents and students who live in those neighborhoods could easily access PERT. Overall, PERT is in an ideal location to serve many people from different backgrounds and neighborhoods.

SCHOOLS NEAR PENNYPACK ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION TRUST Town

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools

Bryn Athyn

Abington

Willow Grove

Hatboro

Private Schools

Total

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

PERT

5 miles

10 miles 15 miles

Miles

LEGEND Parks Arboretums USA Protected Areas Source: USFWS, Source: USGS, Esri, Source: TPL, Ducks Unlimited,

Unassigned USA National Conservation Easement Lands Esri, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REGIONAL GREEN SPACE Parks and Arboretums There are about 40 major parks, including nature parks, city parks, suburban parks, within a 15-miles radius region of Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. There are 4 arboretums, including Temple Ambler Arboretum, Curtis Arboretum, Awbury Arboretum, and Morris Arboretum, within a 15-miles radius region of Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.

USA Protected Areas The Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) classifies every area with a GAP Status Code as follows: Status 1: An area having permanent protection from conversion of natural land cover and mandated management plan to maintain a natural state; Status 2: An area having permanent protection from conversion of natural land cover and mandated management plan to maintain a primarily natural state; Status 3: An area having permanent protection from conversion of natural land cover for the majority of the area, but subject to extractive uses; Status 4: There are no known public or private institutions so that conversion to unnatural land cover is allowed; Status 1 or 2 are “protected”, and 3 or 4 are “unprotected”. It is useful in designing wildlife corridors or conservation areas, and for knowing where development is possible. Pennypack Preserve Trust is under the USA Protected Areas.

USA National Conservation Easement Lands A conservation easement is legal agreement between landowners and conservation entities for the purpose of protecting specified areas for such reasons as open space or wildlife habitats.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

125

250

500

750

LEGEND 1

Main Entrance

Parking

Picnic Tables and Fire Pit Area

Covered Bird Blind

Park Offices

Visitor’s Center, Native Plant Garden and Restrooms

Greenhouse

Executive Director’s Residence

Springhouse

10 Pond and Fishing Platform

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

1000 feet

SITE FEATURES PERT’s Headquarters are located on Edge Hill Road, near Bryn Athyn, PA. The Headquarters houses all services and amenities for the organization including parking, a visitor’s center, restrooms, classrooms, a bird blind, a native plant garden, picnic tables, a fire pit, support and administrative offices, a kitchen that is used to support events, and the Executive Director’s Residence.

Lu n-

A system of trails extend throughout the Area of Interest from the Parking Area and Visitor’s Center. Within the Area of Interest, the trails are for walking only. After leaving the Area of Interest, the walking trails connect with a broader network of walking and multiple use trails. On the multiple use trails, biking, horseback riding, and pets on leashes are permitted.

250

500

1000 feet

LEGEND Area of Interest / Site Boundary

Site Features

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

LEGEND Highest Protection Area

Standard Protection Area

Minimal Protection Area

As part of a conservation plan, PERT has placed restrictions on development and intervention in the area surrounding its headquarters for the purpose of protection water resources, forest and woodland resources, wildlife resources, scenic resources, and to ensure a sustainable use of the land. For this reason subdivision is prohibited, and three protection areas have been established at the site. All improvements to the area are prohibited, except as permitted in the easement.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

CONSERVATION EASEMENT Highest Protection Area

Existing Improvements - Existing improvements may be maintained, repaired and replaced in the same location. Existing Improvements may be expanded or relocated if doing so complies with the rules for additional improvements of the same type. Additional Improvements Permitted - Fences, walls and gates. Fences must be less than 4’-0” unless they are deer fences, and must be made of post-and-rails or other similar method of “open weave construction” to ensure the protection of Scenic Resources. Regulatory Signs. - Habitat enhancement devices. - Trails with porous surfaces. - Subject to review: footbridges, stream crossing and access structures. Access Drives and Utility - Improvements.

Standard Protection Areas

Additional Improvements Permitted - Agricultural improvements Utility and Site Improvements that are reasonably required for activities that are permitted in - Standard Protection Areas. - Subject to Review: Utility and Site improvements that service outside areas. Limitations on Improvement - No construction over 35’-0”. - Fences follow the same restrictions as in the Highest Protection Area. - Impervious Coverage must be less than 1600 SF per roofed improvement, and no more than 2000 SF in the aggregate. This limit on impervious coverage excludes Ponds and Access Drives. - Access drives farm lanes cannot be more than 14’-0” wide, and the aggregate length of access drives and farm lanes must be less than 500’-0”. - Signs that exist in addition to Regulatory signs cannot be more than 16 SF per sign, and 50 SF in the aggregate for all signs on the property. - Utility improvements must be underground wherever possible, except when they are used to generate alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar.

Minimal Protection Areas

Additional Improvements Permitted - Residential Improvements - Improvements “accessory to non-profit, educational or institutional activities including administrative offices, conference rooms, classrooms and laboratories.” - Utility Improvements that service the property. Limitations - No more than two improvements may be used as dwellings on the property. - Impervious coverage in the aggregate must not exceed 32,000 SF. PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

1 2 3

3 2 1 3 5 5

4 4

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

LEGEND Areas of interest within the PERT entrance site 1. 2. 3. 4.

Wynkoop House and Well Visitor Center and Gate Caretaker’s Cottage Spring House

Areas of interest in nearby PERT sites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Bone Hill Mill and “The Falls” 1921 Bryn Athyn Train Wreck Crossroads Marsh/Paper Mill Road Bridge/Hallowell-Langstroth-McDowell Mill Peak Woods Raytharn Trail

Areas of interest in the community surrounding PERT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Charles Shoemaker House, 1901 Terwood Road Willow Grove Park Battle of Edge Hill Lorimer Park Bryn Athyn and Bryn Athyn Cathedral

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SITES Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the PERT headquarters site was home to the Lenni Lenape. On June 7, 1684 a tract of land including the PERT headquarters site was purchased from the Lenni Lenape by William Penn. Around the same time, Penn sold 10,000 acres of land in the region, including the PERT site, to Nicholas More; Penn called this tract the “Manor of Moreland.” Later owners of the PERT headquarters site included Fred Kern in the early 1900s and the Ruck family; Mr. and Mrs. George Ruck bequeathed the property to the Natural Lands Trust, who sold it to the Pennypack Watershed Association (PWA), the Pennypack Trust’s original name. The PWA moved into its headquarters in 1973. The PERT site historically encompassed farms and mills; there may have been 28 mills along the Pennypack Creek from its headwater to its mouth. Much of the land was cleared and the Pennypack Creek was dammed to facilitate these uses. The headquarters contains historic structures, and trails lead to other nearby historic and cultural sites. There is some on-site historical signage, and there is information about historic/cultural sites on PERT’s trail map, which is available at the Visitor Center, in the PERT offices, and online.

PERT entrance site in the 1940s when it was a working farm. View is from the current driveway.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Areas of interest within the PERT entrance site Wynkoop House and Well The original farmhouse was built in 1790, although one source indicates it may have been built by John Van Buskirk in 1734 then purchased later that century by the Wynkoop family. It was expanded in 1833, then expanded again and modernized in 1925. The Wynkoops were involved in politics and friends with 18th and 19th century leaders such as Washington, Adams, and Hamilton.

Visitor Center and Gate A horse barn was converted in 1974 into the Visitor Center. It is connected to the nearby Pump House by a flat-roofed section. The Visitor Center was renovated two years ago.

Caretakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cottage This circa 1920s cottage and its additions now house the PERT offices.

Spring House The Spring House, which is located near the farmhouse, was recently restored by Boy Scouts.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SITES Areas of interest in nearby PERT sites Bone Hill Mill and “The Falls” -- A stone wall remains at the site of the Bone Hill Mill, which was powered by a horizontal waterwheel. “The Falls” are rapids formed when land was displaced and the creek confined during construction of the Reading Railroad. Crossroads Marsh/Paper Mill Road Bridge/Hallowell-Langstroth-McDowell Mill -- Crossroads Marsh springs were a freshwater source for the mills and resident millworkers. The Paper Mill Road Bridge was built in 1817 and is the 2nd oldest surviving bridge in Montgomery County. The Hallowell-Langstroth-McDowell Mill was destroyed by fire in 1858, while the remains of the George Brown Mill are mostly covered by fill resulting from the placement of the Reading Railroad tracks in 1878. 1921 Bryn Athyn Train Wreck -- “The Gulch”, located within PERT northeast of headquarters, is the site of a December 5, 1921 head-on crash between two trains which killed 27 people. Peak Woods -- Some oaks in this old-growth forest may be more than 250 years old. Raytharn Trail -- This trail leads across the restored meadow Raytharn Farm, purchased by PERT from the Pitcairn family in 1997. The trail provides views of nearby Bryn Athyn Cathedral.

Areas of interest in the community surrounding PERT Charles Shoemaker House, 1901 Terwood Road -- This house, which 1848 records indicate was owned by Dr. Charles Shoemaker, was reported to be a “safe house” on the Underground Railroad during the 1800s. (0.5 miles away) Willow Grove Park -- This amusement park, which opened 1896, was visited by Philadelphians via trolley. John Philip Sousa performed annual concerts nearly every year from 1901 to 1926. The Park was demolished in 1976 and is now the site of the Willow Grove Park Mall. (2.9 miles away) Battle of Edge Hill -- This Revolutionary War conflict consisted of skirmishes in several nearby areas, including Abington and Jenkintown. (3 miles away) Lorimer Park -- The first park in Montgomery County opened in 1938. It was bequeathed by George Horace Lorimer, Editor-in-Chief of the Saturday Evening Post, who “discovered” Norman Rockwell. Council Rock in the park was a 16th-17th century meeting site for the Lenni Lenape. (4.9 miles away) Bryn Athyn and the Bryn Athyn Cathedral (begun in 1913) -- The town was laid out in 1892 and incorporated as a borough in 1916, with landscape plans by Charles Eliot and Frederic Law Olmsted, Jr. from the early 1900s. The borough is the center for two churches which are branches of the Swedenborgian religion, and includes several historic sites within its borders. (3.7 miles away)

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

12 31

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

LEGEND Expansive viewshed Views extend side to side and into the distance, such as views across the meadow.

Moderately open viewshed

Views are open but limited, such as the view of the pond from the Visitor Center.

Long and narrow viewshed

Views are limited side to side but extend into the distance, usually along paths or roads.

Focal point

Object which draws the eye (see list to the right).

Highly valuable viewshed

View encompasses scenery which is especially striking or informative.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Focal points: 1. Dogwood trees in Crabapple Meadow. 2. Visitor Center 3. Wynkoop House 4. Pond 5. Spring House 6. Old oak tree 7. Buildings on Raytharn Farm

VIEWSHEDS Throughout the PERT entrance site there are three primary types of viewsheds. The views are determined by factors such as the surrounding vegetation and buildings, the linearity of paths, and topography. Some of these views are particularly valuable in the visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience of the site, and should be protected or enhanced. The first type of viewshed is expansive. There are many wooded areas on the site, so these expansive views are all along the edges of the site where the woodland meets early successional landscapes. In these viewsheds the visitor can see for long distances and to both sides. Most of the expansive viewsheds are into the restored meadow, including the Raytharn Farm area. One of the more valuable views is toward the buildings of Raytharn Farm, a focal point which can just be seen over the rise of the meadow. Another valuable view to the southeast provides an especially broad prospect. Most of the expansive views from the trail along the edge of the woodland are enhanced by the contrast between shadow (the trees) and light (the sunlit meadow). The contrast between light and shadow occurs naturally in many instances, but is something which can also be created or encouraged. The second type of viewshed is those which are fairly open, but are limited at a nearer point than the expansive views. These views seem to typically end at focal points and are within the boundaries of the woodland. Particularly valuable viewsheds of this type are the view down the hillside from the Visitor Center (which is the highest point on the site) and the view across the Pond. The third type of viewshed is long and narrow. These views tend to occur along areas such as the driveways, roads, and straight paths. The view along the length of the Old Lane, the original entrance into the site, is valuable due to its combined sense of enclosure and distance, as well as its historical importance.

Meadow and Raytharn Farm

Pond

Old Lane

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

LEGEND

125

250

500

750

*Ecosystem Services are Supporting (S), Provisioning (P), Regulating (R), or Cultural (C) and are concentrated in:

Woodland Areas • photosynthesis (S) • cool temperatures (C) • store carbon (R) • clean air (R)

Vegetated Areas • biodiversity (S) • habitat (S) • soil formation (S) • pollination (P)

Wetland Areas • clean water (P) • sh (P) • control ooding (R) • purify water (R)

Restoration Sites • stewardship (C) • education (C)

*source: freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org

30 PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN 1 PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Entire Site • recreation (C) • aesthetic (C)

1000 feet

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES “Ecosystem goods and services are the many life-sustaining benefits we receive from nature - clean air and water, fertile soil for crop production, pollination, and flood control. These ecosystem services are important to environmental and human health and well-being, yet they are limited and often taken for granted.” The natural processes and landscape elements on the PERT site provide many ecosystem services to the surrounding community. These services can be classified as Supporting, Provisioning, Regulating, and Cultural. Supporting services include the biodiversity of flora and fauna present in the site’s vegetated areas, which provide healthy habitat for a variety of living things. The woodland helps cool temperatures, while the wetland helps clean water; both of these are Provisioning services. Examples of Regulating services on the site include the storage of carbon by the many trees, and the flood control provided by the wet meadow and pond. Visitors to the site benefit from the Cultural services provided by the site, such as beautiful views (aesthetic) and fishing (recreation). A primary focus at PERT - the restoration of healthy meadow, woodland, and ecosystems - benefits the plants and wildlife, but also provides opportunities for stewardship and education for the site’s human visitors.

SUPPORTING

CULTURAL

PROVISIONING

REGULATING

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

290 0

0 31 HP1

LP2

28 0

280

270 260 25

LP1 N LEGEND High/Low Point Indicator

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

TOPOGRAPHY The PERT headquarters consists of roughly 25 acres and displays various degrees of slope throughout the parcel. A recognizable high point is located in the northern portion of the site at an elevation of approximately 310 feet above mean high sea level. The knoll at the high point slopes gently toward the southern portions of the property. From north to south, the slopes progress from moderate to steep and become shallower once again southeast of the sites main high point. The lowest point of the site resides just south the pond located near the southern tip of the property. At an elevation of 248 feet above mean high sea level, the site’s lowest point provides a clear indication of runoff direction. Drainage is interrupted by a constructed farm pond, the site’s main hydrological feature. In addition, a secondary low point exists at the eastern corner of the site, adjacent to Huntingdon Road, at an elevation of approximately 250 feet above mean high sea level. These subtle, but interesting topographic zones provide opportunities for viewsheds, points of interest and overall site diversity.

HIGH POINT Located at PERT’s main entrance off of Edge Hill Road, the high point of the site offers the perfect opportunity to provide a striking first impression for visitors. Conversely, the primary low points of the site provide two dynamic destinations that can undoubtedly encourage exploration through the eastern and southern portions of the property. HP1 located just beyond the main entrance of PERT.

LOW POINTS

Steep slopes distribute runoff to the wet meadow and pond located near LP1.

Located at the eastern edge of the property, LP2 culminates at the end of a moderately steep pathway.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

N LEGEND Steeper than 25% slope 15% - 24% slope 8% - 14% slope 3% - 7% slope Shallower than 3%

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

SLOPE ANALYSIS The slope analysis of the PERT site demonstrates a clear diversity of topographic formations. The steepest slopes (25% or steeper) are concentrated below the 300’ contour line, directly to the south and to the east of the visitor’s center. In both locations the slopes originate from a relatively flat plateau-like formation, and descend a downward decent toward the edges of the property. To the south, the steep terrain gives way to more gradual slopes that descend into the wet meadow and pond area. Infiltration trenches have been created along these southern slopes to capture storm water runoff for approximately three acres of the property. Directly to the east of the entrance and visitor’s center, a concentration of steep slopes lead to a secondary low point near the intersection of Edge Hill Road and Huntingdon Road. The changes in elevation are clearly felt during a casual walk down the trail originating near the entrance heading toward the most eastern edge of the property. To the west and southwest of the visitor’s center, the slopes become much more shallow as they descend toward the Raythorn Farm grasslands. Less water flow directly to the west of the wet meadow and pond contributes to the dry meadow ecosystem, which contains many dry-adapted plant species including several grass species.

SECTION A-B 330 310 290 270 250 230

SECTION C-D 330 310 290 270 250 230

125

250

500

750

1000 feet

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Slope Model of PERT Headquarters

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

SLOPE MODEL Although the majority of the site contains what are considered moderate to shallow slopes, the aforementioned areas containing steep slopes should be considered vital areas to any design work done at PERT. The slope analysis and model to the left clearly demonstrate the movement of water throughout the site, as well as areas of opportunity for dynamic circulation and view sheds. As seen in the accompanying hydrology diagram, the slopes effectively guide water flow away from the visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center area and toward the property boundaries to the south and east. Due to the natural value of these slopes as well as conservation easement restrictions, these slopes cannot, and should not be disturbed through any proposed design alterations. Understanding the topography of the PERT site is crucial to any design work that will be done. The dynamic topography is both functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The character of this particular site can be intensified by placing greater emphasis on the shape of the land itself.

Model view of the high point descending toward the pond and wet meadow area.

The eastern edge low point provides an opportunity for increased exploration of the site.

A strong viewshed originating from the main entrance.

This stunning view of the dry meadow to the west offers a glimpse into the possibilities for improvement of the western edge of PERT.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

LEGEND Gdc GdB CaB

Soil Symbol

Soil Name

Slope

Depth to Water Table

Depth to Restrictive Feature

Restrictive Feature

CaB

Califon Loam

3-8%

6-36"

20-30"

Fragipane

>80"

60-100"

>80"

60-100"

GdB GdC

Gladstone 3-8% Gravelly Loam Gladstone 8-15% Gravelly Loam

Lithic Bedrock Lithic Bedrock

The Headquarters contains two primary soil types: Gladstone Gravelly Loam and Califon Loam. The Gladstone Gravelly Loam is present on two slopes: a 3-8% slope, and a 8-15% slope. Both of these soils types occur in temperate, humid climates, with a mean annual air temperature of 45-55 degrees, a mean annual rainfall of 40-48 inches, and between 130-190 frost free days. The Gladstone series consists of deep, well drained soils, uplands and on rolling hills. The Califon series consists of very deep, moderately well to poorly drained soils often on old glacial till landscapes. 38

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

SOIL AND GEOLOGY

LEGEND Chickies Formation Felsic Gneiss

The Headquarters is underlain by two geological formations: felsic gneiss and the Chickies formation. Bother of these formations provide the area with mineral-rich soils that support a widely diverse floras. Felsic gneiss (Precamian pyroxene-bearing gneiss, refering to the presence of silicates common in igneous and metamorphic rock) is most often coarse grained. It is composed primarily quartz and feldspar with other minerals. The Chickies formation is comprised of Cambrian aged quartz and quartzite schist. This formation occurs less extensively on the site, specific to the north/northeast region.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Pennsylvania Major Watersheds

The Pennypack Trust Haedquarters lies within the Pennypack Creek watershed, which is part of the greater Delaware River watershed. Pennypack Creek is currently classified as Trout Stream Fishes (TSF)-Migratory Fishes (MF) waters by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in Title 25, Chapter 93 of the Pennsylvania Code. This TSF-MF status extends to all the surface water resources of the PERT Headquarters including its spring(s), pond and hydric/high water table soils. According to the Chapter 93 Antidegradation Requirements for existing use of surface waters, TSF-MF waters are recognized as having a water quality level that shall be maintained and protected in order to preserve the existing level of both water quality and instream uses. State regulations to protect water quality comply with those mandated by the federal Clean Water Act. The Headquartersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TSF-MF waters are subject to these regulations. Protection of the water resources, through a conservation easement, positively affect the quality of the surface waters and other natural resources dependent on them, including soils, vegetation and wildlife throughout the Pennypack Creek and greater Delaware River Watersheds.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

HYDROLOGY

Pennypack Creek Watershed LEGEND Pennypack Preserve

Hydrologic Feature

Park (municipal and county)

Pennypack Watershed

Golf Course

Philadelphia

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

125

250

500

LEGEND

Springhouse

Pond

Rain garden

Intermittent stream

High water table soils

Infiltration trenches

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

750

1000 feet

HYDROLOGY The Pennypack Headquarters water resources include: 1. A pond, estimated at 1/3-acre in size 2. A spring under cover of a springhouse west of the pond 3. Occasional wetland inclusions (depressions) along the lower southwest boundary 4. Two hydric/high water table soils, covering approximately of 2 acres of the property mostly in the region of the pond and vicinity. 5. Rain garden along the existing parking lot collects the run-off water from the entry. 6. An infiltration trench that captures run off from the developed areas of the site and allow it to recharge the groundwater. Springs and seeps are critical to water quality because they contribute cool water that moderates seasonal fluctuations. High water table soils store groundwater and provide a source of water for springs and seeps. Seeps are critical because they help to maintain stable stream flow during times of drought. Water may stand or ‘pond’ on the soil surface during wetter periods. Drainage from the property impacts the local and regional water quality. Both the elevation and steep slopes increase water discharge capacity and surface water run-off; primary drainage from the property is toward the southeast impacting the conservation easement area’s surface water resources and off-site, downstream water resources of Pennypack Creek and river watershed. The established forest cover of property benefits the hydrological integrity of the local and regional watersheds by providing optimum surface conditions for the recharge of the groundwater supply, particularly on sloping land with a greater potential for run-off. In order to manage the storm water, three infiltration trenches were dug perpendicular to the highlighted hill to capture overland stormwater runoff and allow it to percolate into the soil.

Pond View

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Mid-Atlantic Piedmont Province The Pennypack Preserve lies within the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont Province that extends through southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and north-central New Jersey. This province is characterized by deep, fertile soils derived from metamorphic rock (e.g. gneiss and schist). Typical canopy trees include American Beech, White Oak, Northern Red Oak, Black Oak, Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory, Black Birch, Linden, White Ash, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Black Cherry and with Eastern Hemlock on the north slopes. This province, at the intersection of several forest communities, supports Mixed Oak (formerly Oak-Chestnut) plant communities. Also typically present are successional forest and riparian forest communities. Understory trees include Flowering Dogwood, Hop-hornbeam, American Hornbeam, and Paw paw. The shrub layer includes Spicebush, Viburnum, Witch Hazel, Mountain Laurel, and Bladdernut. Vines include Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper, and Wild Grape. Herbaceous plants include Mayapple, False Solomonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seal, White Wood Aster, Jack-in-the-pulpit, White Baneberry, and a number of ferns such as Marginal Wood Fern.

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PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCES Pennypack Creek Watershed The Pennypack Creek Watershed drains four sub-sections of the Piedmont Province (i.e., Gettysburg Newark Lowland, Piedmont Lowland, Piedmont Upland and the Lowland / Intermediate Upland) and a small section of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province. The Pennypack Trust’s lands are within the Piedmont Upland sub-section and a small section of the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland sub-section. The Headquarters is located on the Piedmont Upland. The southernmost 2 miles of the Pennypack Creek Watershed lie on the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province. The Fall Line is at Frankford Avenue. Pennypack Creek Watershed Comprehensive Characterization Report Section 2 • Characterization of the Study Area

Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Piedmont Lowland Piedmont Upland Lowland and Intermediate Upland

Figure 2.6 Pennypack Creek Watershed Physiographic Provinces

2-14 • PCWCCR • June 2009

Philadelphia Water Department.

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N LEGEND

Young Successional Woodland Conifer Plantation Old Field/Meadow Pond/Wet Meadow Built Environment

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

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VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Community Composition The Pennypack Ecological Trust headquarters site consists of five basic types of vegetation communities: Young successional woodland, old-field/meadow, a wet meadow and pond, plus two man-made communities -the conifer plantations and the landscaped areas surrounding the built environment buildings, circulation and parking. Young Woodland - The area associated with the former residential parcel to the west of the original Pennypack parcel would also be categorized as young woodland. These vegetation communities are all relatively young when compared to mature forests. With the exception of a few specimen trees, it is estimated that the vegetation is less than 75 years old. Aerial photos from 1942 show only scattered vegetation around the original farmstead, with the balance of the site clear or in agricultural production. Conifer Plantation - Much of the site was planted by the former owners in conifers - or in more recent years has been allowed to revert to young woodland status. An original access road from the northern corner was lined in Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum)and Eastern Red-cedar (Juniperous virginiana)- the latter having been largely lost as the canopy trees gained dominance. The conifer plantations contain a large concentration of Norway Spruce (Picea abies), with a number of other spruce species from northern and western reaches of North America, Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens) being one example. Many of the species of northern and western origins are in decline. In addition a number of mature native White Pine (Pinus strobus) are present - primarily along internal roads. Wet Meadow - A wet meadow exist in proximity to the pond and spring house, benefittijng from a nearby infiltration basin that intercepts surface flows from the paved and landscaped areas. Meadow/Old Field - A small upland old field/meadow exists west of the entrance road, and similar conditions exist uphill from the pond and wet meadow. The landscaped areas contain a wide variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs, understory trees and canopy trees, including some introduced, but primarily native species. Specimen Trees - At least three specimen trees exist on the property, including a Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) adjacent to the original farmstead, and a White Oak (Qurcus alba) (59â&#x20AC;? dbh) and Red Oak (Quercus rubra) (46â&#x20AC;?) southwest of the spring house.

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Young Woodland Plot 50’x100’

Wet Meadow - 3’x3’ Quadrats on Transect 50’x100’ Meadow - 3’x3’ Quadrats on Transect 50’x100’

N LEGEND

Perimeter of Inventory Plot Inventory Transect Line

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

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VEGETATION INVENTORY Communities The following vegetation communities are represented in the three surveys: Young Woodland A young woodland is an advanced stage of the old-field succession process. It typically contains early succession canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs. It will also contain remnants of old-field grasses and herbaceous plants plus successsional species tolerant of shady conditions. Such woodlands exhibit limited vertical and horizontal structural composition. The composition is influenced by the age of the succession process, connectivity to neighboring plant communities, proximity of invasive species and availability of late succession seed stock. Composition is also affected by the extent of deer browse. Meadow A meadow in an upland area supports a variety of early successional and facultative upland grasses and herbaceous plants plus early successional seedlings of upland trees and shrubs. The plant community is influenced by underlying geology, soil types, aspect (orientation - i.e. south), surface and ground water. The community will also be influenced by surrounding edge conditions, invasive species exposure and connectivity to other meadow communities. In southeastern Pennsylvania, most meadows rapidly evolve to old field and young forest without disturbance / management efforts. Wet Meadow A wet meadow is typically a lowland area or area influenced by surface water or groundwater near the surface that contains a variety of obligative or facultative wetland grasses and herbaceous plants. The area frequently contains successional lowland trees and shrubs that tolerate or require wet soils. A wet meadow is influenced by the underlying geology and soils as - these may be the major contributing factor in the wet condition. As with a dry meadow, a wet meadow is influenced by surrounding edge conditions, invasive species exposure and connectivity to other plant communities. Disturbance and /or management is required to maintain many wet meadow communities in southeastern Pennsylvania, where such conditions are hospitable to facultative wetland shrubs and trees.

Survey Methodology Young Forest Canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants within a 50’ x 100’ plot were identified. Diameters of Tree Trunks (DBH) were recorded. Canopy coverage was estimated. Meadow Six 3’ x 3’ quadrats were spaced equidistant around a 50’ x 100’ transect box. Grasses and herbaceous plants were identified and relative proportions estimated. Wet Meadow Six 3’ x 3’ quadrats were spaced equidistant around a 50’ x 100’ transect box. Grasses, herbaceous plants, seedling trees and shrubs were identified and relative proportions estimated.

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PERT YOUNG WOODLAND PLOT HEADQUARTERS

Paw paw

PLOT SIZE: 100x50 FEET SCALE: 3/4”=1’ LEGEND

Ash

Red maple

Sassafrass

Paw paw

Flowering dogwood

Iron wood

Crab apple

Black cherry

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PERT OLD GROWTH REFERENCE PLOT

BIG WOOD

PLOT SIZE: 100x50 FEET SCALE: 3/4”=1’ LEGEND Tulip tree

Black walnut

Yellow birch

Dead Ash

Slippery Elm

Spice bush

Mockernut hickory

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Percent of Canopy

Percent 30

Sassafras Black Cherry

Red Maple

Ironwood

Open

Understory Tree / Saplings Percent Cover

Percent

Ash sp.

Flowering Crabapple Dogwood

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Paw paw

Red maple

Open

YOUNG WOODLAND PLOT COMPOSITION Canopy and Understory Composition This young successional woodland displays a relatively sparse composition - both in terms of vertical and horizontal structure. The vertical layers are limited to the canopy, some understory species and a thick layer of shrubs, vines and herbaceous material. Missing are the layers associated with successional trees of varying ages that create complexity in the vertical layers. Also missing are significant numbers of canopy tree saplings and seedlings. The horizontal complexity within the layers is also relatively limited. The canopy is dominated by native species - but all are early succession species - chiefly ash, black cherry and sassafras. The understory layer also consists primarily of native species - but is limited in variety. Flowering dogwood is the dominant species.

Shrub, Vine and Herbaceous Layer The shrub, vine and herbaceous layers are intermixed in a three to four foot tall thicket across most of the plot. The shrub layer is dominated by Multiflora Rose, followed by Spicebush and a mix of Blackberry, Wine berry and Raspberry. Vines are dominated by Japanese Honeysuckle and Mile-a-minute Weed, with a smaller share of Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper and Porcelain-berry. The herbaceous layer contains relatively few species dominated by Pokeweed, Jewelweed and Japanese Stiltgrass. Shrubs Vines Herbaceous Multiflora Rose (I) Japanese Honeysuckle (I) Pokeweed Spicebush Mile-a-minute Weed(I) Japanese Stiltgrass (I) Blackberry Poison Ivy Jumpseed Raspberry Virginia Creeper Sensitive Fern Wineberry (I) Porcelain-berry (I) Viburnum sp. Grape Greenbrier (I) = Introduced

Young woodland plot

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Wet Meadow

45 40 35 30 Percent 25 20 15 10 5 0

Percent Cover

Dry Meadow

40 35 30 25 Percent 20 15 10 5 0

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Percent Cover

WET AND DRY MEADOW PLOT COMPOSITION Wet Meadow The wet meadow plot is located adjacent to the pond running in a northerly direction. The area of the plots was generally flat with an elevation difference of approximately two feet from the lip of the pond to the northern most plot. The vegetation was evaluated using the point interceptor method consisting of six - 3’ x 3’ quadrats evenly spaced around a 50’ x 100’ transect. The plots exhibit a varied composition with a high percentage of two introduced plants, Japanese Stiltgrass and Porcelainberry, followed by a number of native facultative and facultative wetland species. In addition to the more prominently represented species noted in the chart are a number of other species were scattered within the plots, including Jumpseed, Pokeweed, Blackberry, Stinging Nettle, Multiflora Rose, Wineberry, Buttonbush and Black Walnut. Notable species in proximity to the plots included aster species, panic grass, sedges and grasses. Portions of the area are shaded by a nearby trees.

Dry Meadow The dry meadow plot is located in the Raytharn Farm. south and west of the Headquarters. The area of the plots was gently sloping to the north with an elevation difference of several feet across the transect area. The vegetation was evaluated using the point interceptor method consisting of six - 3’ x 3’ quadrats evenly spaced around a 50’ x 100’ transect. The plots exhibit a varied composition with Indian-grass being the dominant species, followed by a number of facultative and facultative upland species as noted on the chart.

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Plant Stewardship Index Native Plant Mean C 10 9 8 7 6 Native Mean C 5

4 Native Mean C

3 2 1 0 Metric

Mean C Metric

Young Woodland Metric

Plant Stewardship 0 - 2.4 Index Severely Degraded Native Mean C 2.5 - 3.4

Severely Degraded Degraded 3.5 - 4.4 Quality 4.5 - 5.4 5.5 + High Quality

Exceptional 56

Degraded Natural Area

2.4

Quality Natural Area

Wet meadow

Young Woodland 3.19

3.4

High Quality4.4 Natural Area

Exceptional 5.4 Value Natural Area

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Axis Title

Dry Meadow

Wet meadow 2.57

Dry Meadow 4.67

Paw paw

PLANT STEWARDSHIP INDEX Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) The PSI is a gauge of the quality and degree of specialization of the plant composition of a given location. Created by Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA, it uses the principles of Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA, assigning a value of 0 to 10 for each species, with the species of highest value scoring 10. Introduced species and “generalists” score 0. The methodology generates four metrics: Native Mean C - Measure of the floristic value and a site’s intrinsic value - summing the “specialized value” of the individual native species. Total Mean C - Measure of the florisic value taking into consideration the presence of the introduced (exotic) plant community in the area. FQI - Floristic Quality Index - Measure of the floristic value accounting for the number of native species in the population as well as their intrinsic value. PSI - Plant Stewardship Index - Measure of the floristic value accounting for the number of native and introduced species - giving most weight to the native population. Community Native Mean C Young Woodland 3.2 Wet Meadow 2.6 Dry Meadow 4.7

Total Mean C 2.2 1.3 1.8

FQI 12.8 6.8 8.1

PSI 8.9 3.4 3.0

The Native Mean C evaluation suggests that the young woodland and wet meadow exhibit a relatively sparse native population other than relatively common species adaptable to a wide range of conditions. as evidenced by scores in the Degraded Natural Area category. The dry meadow scores in the High Quality Natural Area Category as a result of the Big Bluestem and Indian-grass components. The Total Mean C scores are low across the three communities because of a substantial introduced species component in each group. The Floristic Quality Index favors the woodland because of the number of native species in the community. The PSI is relatively low across all communities as a result of the introduced species component.

Wet meadow

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N Fraxinus (Ash) sp Concentration 40% - 60% Ash sp Component 20% - 40% Ash sp Component

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CANOPY Threatened Canopy A substantial portion of the tree canopy in the Headquarters area is made up of Ash species (Fraxinus, e.g. Green Ash, White Ash, Red Ash primarily). As noted on the facing illustration, concentrations are estimated to range between 40 to 60% in the northern and eastern sections of the site area. The former residential property in the north western portion of the site contains Ash concentrations ranging from 20 to 40 percent. Areas of low concentrations are scattered elsewhere. Ash species in Pennsylvania have been under pressure from various diseases in recent years, but are now severely threatened by the introduced Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). This insect has been detected in 38 counties in Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County in 2013. Larval feeding in the cambial region of the bark disrupts water and nutrient flow to the tree, resulting in 99% tree mortality within four to five years. The potential loss of a substantial share of the tree canopy in the noted areas is anticipated within the next decade. As noted in the photo of the canopy below, Ash trees within the inventoried plot were showing symptoms of substantial stress. Also as shown in the photo, virtually the entire canopy in this location is Ash. The effects of this substantial loss of canopy will be significant, suggesting that specific planning and management strategies should be explored to evaluate and potentially mitigate the impact of the loss.

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Zane T. Roskoph

Wikimedia Username: Aiwok (Actual name unavailable)

Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans

European Ear Snail Radix auricularia

Piet Spaans

Public Domain

Common Carp Cyprinus carpio

Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius

LEGEND

Young Successional Woodland Conifer Plantation Old Field/Meadow Pond/Wet Meadow Built Environment

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REPRESENTATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES

Zane T. Roskoph

Porcelainberry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata

Poison Ivy* Toxicodendron radicans

Matt Reinbold

Shimizu May

Mile-a-minute Weed Persicaria perfoliata

Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora

Zane T. Roskoph

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Japanese Stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

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Zane T. Roskoph

Snowberry Clearwing Hemaris diffinis

Luna Moth Actias luna

Zane T. Roskoph

Common Wood-nymph Cercyonis pegala

Eastern Comma Polygonia comma

LEGEND

Young Successional Woodland Conifer Plantation Old Field/Meadow Pond/Wet Meadow Built Environment

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REPRESENTATIVE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Zane T. Roskoph

Monarch Danaus plexippus

Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme

Zane T. Roskoph

Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis astyanax

Silver-spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus

Zane T. Roskoph

Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Public Domain

Zane T. Roskoph

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea

American Kestrel Falco sparverius

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus

Zane T. Roskoph

Dominic Sherony

Zane T. Roskoph

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Zane T. Roskoph

Public Domain

Great Egret Ardea alba

Wood Duck Aix sponsa

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon

Public Domain

Zane T. Roskoph

Public Domain

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor

Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REPRESENTATIVE BIRDS

Greg Smith

Zane T. Roskoph

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum

Zane T. Roskoph

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora cyanoptera

Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia

White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus

Zane T. Roskoph

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa

Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo

LEGEND

Young Successional Woodland Conifer Plantation Old Field/Meadow Pond/Wet Meadow Built Environment

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Amphibians

Reptiles

Zane T. Roskoph

Public Domain

American Toad Anaxyrus americanus

Northern Water Snake Nerodia sipedon sipedon

Public Domain

Zane T. Roskoph

Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer

Northern Red-bellied Turtle Pseudemys rubriventris

D. Gordon E. Robertson

Public Domain

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum

Northern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

R.K. Lawton

Albert Herring

Redback Salamander Plethodon cinereus

Northern Brown Snake Storeria dekayi dekayi

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REPRESENTATIVE AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES AND MAMMALS Mammals

Zane T. Roskoph

Tim Felce

Zane T. Roskoph

Groundhog Marmota monax

Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus

Public Domain

Ryan Hodnett

Charles J Homler

Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus

White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus

Al Hicks/NYDEC

Zane T. Roskoph

Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis

Northern White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus borealis

Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana

Public Domain

Raccoon Procyon lotor

LEGEND

Young Successional Woodland Conifer Plantation Old Field/Meadow Pond/Wet Meadow Built Environment

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

PRECEDENT

Several sites and designs inspired our redesign of PERTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance compound. The Ottosen Entry Garden at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona provided the inspiration for the demonstration gardens included in our final design. Designed by the firm Spurlock Poirier, headed by Andrew Spurlock, it was awarded the 2013 ASLA Professional Honor Award, General Design Category. It was opened to the public in 2009 and covers 1.6 acres within their 80 acre botanical garden. The goals of this design were to improve visitor orientation and circulation, impart the many hospitality activities of a lobby, and immediately and viscerally engage visitors with dramatic sensory enjoyment of the desert. It features program elements such as dedicated areas for tour gathering, special events, visitor orientation, shaded seating, and improved access to amenities. The elements of this design that we applied to PERT include the preservation and emphasis of specimen plants, the use of plantings and built elements to frame views, the creation of a sense of continuity between the entrance and the rest of the site, improved relation of the design to the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topography, and the use of pathways to guide the visitor into the landscape.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

PRECEDENT

Another design that helped inspire our redesign of PERTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance compound was the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center at Monticello. Located in Charlotesville, Virginia and designed by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, this design was awarded the Potomac and Maryland ASLA Honor Award in 2009. In addition to its visual appeal, Monticelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new visitor center is also environmentally friendly, capturing and treating 90% of average annual rainfall of the building site and features vegetated swales, green roofs, underground stormwater storage, vegetated bioretention gardens, and a retention pond. In addition to its environmentally-friendly components, Monticello has greatly improved the number of visitors it attracts since it opened in 2009. Monticello has seen an increase in visitors from 3,300 in 2009 to 12,500 in 2013. The design also restored the natural forest surrounding the visitor center and used mostly cultivars of North American native species to blend the new area into the existing woodlands. The plants were chosen to provide vibrant color and visual interest in all seasons. The design also incorporates locally inspired materials such as cedar and fieldstone which keeps the design from feeling out of place. The thoughtful design of the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education center helped increase retail sales by 19% and revenue from special events by 250% between 2009 and 2013.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

GROUP DESIGN

The Strong Entry and Restoration Walk Master Plan focuses on a new location for the vehicular entrance to the site and a Restoration Walk that guides visitors through the various restoration areas. The procession through different ecological areas begins before visitors even leave their cars, as the redesigned entrance takes visitors through several distinct ecosystems before they arrive at the parking lot. This design also features a 0.75 mile Restoration Walk that is ADA accessible and gives visitors a guided experience of PERT. Along this walk are educational nodes where visitors can learn more about restoration and local ecosystems.

Above Left: The proposed automobile entrance. Above Right: A rendering of the interior of the new Visitor Center. Above: A section view from the high point of the site through a meadow and down to a woodland. 74

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

STRONG ENTRY AND RESTORATION WALK PLAN

A plan view drawing of the proposed master plan for Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

The Demonstration Garden and Central Core Master Plan features an entrance loop that utilizes the existing entry point to the site and includes accessible walkways that explore the proposed demonstration gardens. These demonstration gardens will have plants that are native to this area of Pennsylvania and are designed to encourage and inspire people to do restoration work in their own yards. The redesigned Visitor Center area is a central hub of activity for the headquarters of PERT. The Visitor Center, PERT offices, storage, and maintenance sheds will all be in one central location surrounding a courtyard area with planting beds and seating.

DEMONSTRATION GARDENS 5 RIPARIAN CORRIDOR

Grass trum nutans

Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus

uestem ogon gerardii

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

fly Weed as tuberosa

Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum

Love Grass tis spectabilis

Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis

6 6 WOODLAND

berry Holly ticillata

Common Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana

pp.

n Redcedar us virginiana

h Sumac abra

Paw Paw Asimina triloba

Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis

7 EVERGREEN

d Sedge rinita

American Holly Ilex opaca

ork Ironweed a noveboracensis

Rhododendron Rhododendron spp.

ush ffusus

Partridgeberry Mitchella repens

Milkweed as incarnata

Drooping Leucothoe Leucothoe fontanesiana

LEGEND 2

mon Buttonbush anthus occidentalis

Birch nigra

0’

10’

25’

50’

100’

wig Dogwood sericia

Willow iscolor

Above Left: The proposed entrance loop. Above Right: A plan view of the new Visitor Center courtyard area. Above: A section view from the high point of the site through the Visitor Center and down to the pond area. 76

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Visitor Center

Expanded Pol

Garage and St

Expanded Pic

DEMONSTRATION GARDEN AND CENTRAL CORE PLAN

A plan view drawing of the proposed master plan for Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

This Ecological Zones Restoration Master Plan focuses on the experience of the visitor and the restoration of the natural areas surrounding the headquarters and visitor center. With eight ecological zones defined in the approximately 25 acre area, visitors would be able to experience many different ecosystems in one visit to the park. Other features include new vehicular and pedestrian entrances that were inspired by the existing spring house on the property, and a renovated pond boardwalk area that is ADA accessible. The renovated Visitor Center will include space for offices, a viewing deck, a green roof, and a three-story silo to take in views of the park and the surrounding areas. A rendering of the proposed pedestrian entrance. Left: A plan view of the proposed changes to the visitor center area. Below: A section view showing the new walkway and pond area

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

ECOLOGICAL ZONES RESTORATION MASTER PLAN

A plan view drawing of the proposed master plan for Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

MASTER PLAN

The final master plan for Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust features a redesigned entry drive and loop. There are also demonstration gardens, educational nodes along the trails, and a more centralized Visitor Center and office area. The trail system was simplified to improve visitor experience. 82

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

MASTER PLAN

A plan view drawing of the proposed master plan for Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

Proposed Edge Hill Road Eentrance ill R ge H

oad

Ed nce

tra in En

Old Field

Conifer Plantation Restoration Walk Node

Maturing Woodland

Pedestrian Crossing

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

15’

30’

60’

90’

150’

PROPOSED ENTRANCE PERSPECTIVE AND MATERIALS

Proposed main entrance design with permeable pavers to contrast Edge Hill Road

ENTRANCE AS AN “ECOLOGICAL PROCESSION”

MATERIALS

The main entrance of PERT has been designed to guide visitors through a diverse arrangement of ecosystems before they even leave their vehicles. The visitor travels through a maturing woodland, a strip of conifer plantation and finally arrives at an old field meadow. Each section of the entrance wall is designed using materials that are characteristic of the Spring House located in the southern portion of the site. In addition, the wall sections include the words preserve, restore and protect in order to provide an immediate introduction to the mission statement and goals of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. The areas in front of the walls and directly behind the center wall offer space for striking and dynamic planting patterns. Low growing native plants will be planted in front of the wall structures to grab attention of vehicular traffic from Edge Hill Road, while larger native shrubs and trees will be planted to emphasize the focal point directly behind the central wall structure. The entrance road is split into two 12’ lanes directly off of Edge Hill Road until the road merges into a single 12’ lane with pull offs to accommodate traffic entering, or exiting the site. The sweeping curve entry introduces visitors to the major ecosystems that can be explored on foot throughout the site.

Wall Stone

Permeable Pavers

Carved Inset Lettering

Geoblock Pull Offs

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

A perspective rendering of the pedestrian entrance.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE

After leaving the mature woodlands and the row of conifers the visitor enters the open â&#x20AC;&#x153;old fieldâ&#x20AC;? and meadow area. From this opening the drive sweeps around three specimen pin oaks on the edge of the meadow before entering the shade of the conifer plantation. Shortly thereafter, the visitor approaches the dedicated lane for visitor drop-offs, the pedestrian entrance to the visitor center and visitor parking. A separate drive to the service courtyard is provided for pick-up of merchandise from the visitor center, for service vehicle access and for access to the executive directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. The design of the pedestrian entrance is inspired by the stone walls of the historic spring house. Related details include walkways of stone pavers, drive lanes defined by Belgian block, pervious paving for the parking bays, a rain garden to manage storm water and extensive native plantings. The new curved alignment of the parking area and generous planted islands separates pedestrians from vehicles, creates a convenient driving loop for visitor and seed pick-up, and provides easy access to the trails. The specimen American beech trees in the parking area and the European horse chestnuts near the entrance path are preserved.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

The design for the new Visitor Center focuses on making it both an enjoyable and centralized area that visitors and staff can share. A new office building partially surrounds a demonstration rain garden area that also serves as a courtyard for people to walk around in and enjoy. Behind the existing visitor center building will be a silent garden where visitors can sit and contemplate nature while enjoying the scenic views of the property. An additional rain garden sits beyond the silent garden and will reduce any runoff from the visitor center and its associated driveways.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

VISITOR CENTER

A plan view of the visitor center area.

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

EDUCATIONAL NODES AND DEMONSTRATION GARDENS

2 OLDFIELD FIELD OLD Winterberry Holly Ilex verticillata Aster Aster spp. Eastern Redcedar Juniperus virginiana Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra

90 PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN 1 PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

EDUCATIONAL NODES AND DEMONSTRATION GARDENS Along the simplifed trail system, visitors can easily access the five educational nodes: • • • • •

Young Woodland/Conifer Plantation Node Old Field Node Meadow Node Riparian Corridor/Springhouse/Stream and Pond Edge/Wet Meadow Node Woodland Edge Node

Each node has benches for resting and observing nature. There is also a demonstration garden at each node which provides examples of native plants found in the particular ecosystem. The gardens serve as models of restored landscapes and help educate visitors regarding the value of the restoration work done at PERT. The plants are labeled with arboretum tags, so visitors can identify them and consider planting them at home. Most of the gardens have a walkway extending all the way around them, so visitors can easily view the plants. In the Stream/Pond Edge and Young Woodland/Conifer Plantation nodes the demonstration gardens are not contained within the walkways, but instead extend directly into the landscape. Between the benches there are planters which also contain labeled examples of plants which can be part of the home landscape. The open gravel walking areas at each node contain words from the PERT mission statement, continuing this theme from the road entrance and amphitheater.

5 RIPARIAN CORRIDOR RIPARIAN CORRIDOR

4 STREAM BANK EDGE STREAM/POND

3 WETMEADOW MEADOW WET

Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus

Common Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis

Fringed Sedge Carex crinita

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

River Birch Betula nigra

New York Ironweed Vernonia noveboracensis

Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum

Red Twig Dogwood Cornus sericia

Soft Rush Juncus effusus

Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis

Pussy Willow Salix discolor

Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata

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AWKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The students of the Woodland Design Studio would like to thank the following people for their invaluable assistance: - Dr. Mary Myers for her feedback and guidance, without which this project would not have been possible - Patricia Burns for sharing her knowledge of forest restoration and ecology - PERT Executive Director Dr. David Robertson for his time, insight, and feedback for the design of the site - The board of Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust for allowing us to design a master plan for their property - Our friends and family for their undying loyalty and patience Thank You!

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN

REFERENCE All images and photos produced by Woodland Design Studio unless othersie noted. page 12 source: http://pennypacktrust.org/visit/hours-directions/ page 19 http://templel.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=3f7c3c41a36f4fa5b58eff120009286c http://templel.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=54eb3bb297c54e568ac374be12e036ac# page 25 Atlas of the Properties on the Reading Railway Embracing Cheltenham, Abington, Springfield and Parts of Moreland and Whitemarsh Townships A. H. Mueller, 1909 - a Franklin Map accessed via www.oyrhs.org Photo Source: David Robertson, PERT page 26 Source: www.uppermoreland.org Source: David Robertson, PERT Sources of historical information: PERT Trail Map; Old York Road Historical Society; Upper Moreland Historical Association; A Synopsis of the History of Moreland Township and Willow Grove (Joe Thomas, UMHA); www. montcopa.org; The Morelands and Bryn Athyn (OYRHS); www.heritageconservancy.org; www.uppermoreland.org; www. pennypacktrust.org; www.abington.org page 31 source: http://www2.epa.gov/eco-research/ecosystems-services page 38 Image NTS Soils information obtained from https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/ page 39 Image NTS Geoligcal information obtained from http://mrdata.usgs.gov/geology/ page 47 Diameter source - 2008 Montomery Co. Trust

PERT HEADQUARTERS PLAN