Rivers & Roots: A Comprehensive Plan for Round Top Farm, Damariscotta, Maine

Rivers & Roots

A Comprehensive Plan for Round Top Farm Damariscotta, Maine Prepared for Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust Veronica Chudik | Hope Matis The Conway School, Spring 2022

Design concept: Round Top Farm

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Spring 2022

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Estuary Habitat.............................................................6 Site Habitat...................................................................7 Access and Circulation..................................................8 Visitor Experience.........................................................9 Climate Change Effects...............................................10 Summary Analysis........................................................11 Design Alternatives.................................................12-14 Final Design: Overview................................................15 Design Detail: Entry and Arrival..................................16 Design Detail: Pad Area..............................................17 Design Detail: Viewing Area........................................18 Design Detail: Orchard and Event Space...................19 Plant Palettes..........................................................20-21 Potential Site Habitat..................................................22 Exploring a Coastal Landscape..................................23 Invasive Species Management..................................24 Project Phasing Plan..............................................25-26 References.......................................................27

Index of Sheets

Learning from the Landscape......................................1 Landscape and Indigenous History.............................2 Existing Conditions.......................................................3 Slopes and Soil Drainage............................................4 Hydrology and Drainage...............................................5

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Index of Sheets

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Bremen Town Forest 9

Dodge Point 1

Round Top Farm

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Bass Rock Preserve

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Bearce Allen Preserve

Little Falls Brook Preserve*

NORGAL Preserve

Fort Island 1

Moxie Cove Preserve R��� P���

John and Peg Sproul Preserve Pemaquid Mill

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Bristol Recreational Trail 6

Plummer Point Preserve

CONSERVATION LANDS

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Seal Cove Shore

Coastal Rivers Ownership Public Access Fundraising in Progress

Library Park

Coastal Rivers Conservation Easement Public Access Permitted

Beaver Island

OWNERSHIP KEY Witch Island Preserve

Properties not owned and/or managed by Coastal Rivers indicatedas follows:

Coastal Rivers Partial Ownership

Rutherford Island Preserve

3 – Town of Damariscotta

Selected Partner-owned/Managed Properties

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4 – Town of Edgecomb

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5 – Town of South Bristol

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Crow Island

6 – Town of Bristol

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7 – Midcoast Conservancy 8 – Boothbay Region Land Trust

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9 – Town of Bremen

Access by water only 1

2 Miles

Data sources: USGS Seamless server : NED (1/3 arc sec), NHD, NLCD (30m), .

Maine Office of GIS : e911 road data, coastline, town boundaries, parcel data.

Damariscotta River Association : Property boundaries, edits.

All data projected in: UTM 19N, North Amercan Datum 1983.

Little Thrumcap 2

Client Values Public Access & Land Conservation

Water Quality

Primary Client Requests

Partner Owned / Coastal Rivers Co-Managed

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2 – US Fish & Wildlife Service

Citizen scientists monitor the health of the Damariscotta River and learn about the natural and culural history of the region through CRCT's Midcoast Stewards program. CRCT also teaches non-commercial oyster gardening to the public and offers a Wabanaki education program to local grade school students to teach outdoor skills and indigenous culture. CRCT hosts many more workshops on a variety of topics including birding, archeology, coastal erosion, and teacher training for science education.

CRCT recently acquired Round Top Farm, a former dairy farm on the Damariscotta River near the town of Damariscotta, and decided to make it the organization's headquarters. Following the recent restoration of the 1800s-era farmhouse, CRCT is excited to turn its focus to the landscape at the property. It contacted the Conway School to create a comprehensive plan for the site that will better reflect the mission and values of the organization and demonstrate the ecological land management practices that it teaches to the public.

The staff at CRCT have played an important role in identifying crucial information and concerns about the site. They have also engaged with local stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the community and its visions for the Round Top property.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Easement No Public Access

1 – State of Maine

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LaVerna Preserve

Salt Marsh Cove Preserve

Captain Robert Spear Preserve

Tracy Shore 5

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Crooked Farm

Stratton Island Preserve

Hatchtown Preserve

Swanson Preserve*

Big Huckleberry Island

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Walpole Woods 5

Church Property 8

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Ripley Preserve

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New Property Name TBD

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BarrowsLouderback Preserve

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Schmid Preserve 4

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Cosima’s Preserve

Wildlife Habitat

Nature Education

3

Utilize ecological land management techniques to lessen negative impact on the environment and to educate visitors.

• Improve stormwater management systems to have a positive impact on the water quality of the Damariscotta River and to demonstrate ecological practices to site visitors.

• Increase native vegetation in the landscape to increase wildlife habitat and demonstrate ecological landscaping practices to site visitors.

• Highlight diverse natural communities and ecosystems for visitor education.

Create a safe, pleasant visitor experience.

• Increase safety and efficiency of parking and circulation during large events.

• Implement clear and logical wayfinding throughout the site.

• Increase accessibility to include a variety of experiences on the landscape.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

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Half Moon Pond Conservation Area

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

McCurdy Islands Preserve

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Paradise Pond Preserve*

Huston Landing

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Baker Forest

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

New Property Name TBD

Pemaquid Pond Preserve

Goose Ledges 1

New Property Name TBD

Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area 1

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Coggeshall Parcel

Carolyn O'Brien Preserve

Castner Brook Community Forest

Riverside Park 3

Schaller Preserve Tipping Rock Preserve

Sherman Marsh Rest Area 1

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust (CRCT) is a non-profit land trust that owns or manages about 4,000 acres of shoreline, island, and inland conservation land in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region of Midcoast Maine.

Since 1973, protecting land from development has allowed CRCT to build a strong member community of citizen scientists and volunteers. CRCT is committed to protecting places with rich natural and cultural history and diverse estuarine ecology. Through land conservation, educational programming, and several citizen science initiatives, CRCT connects people to the landscape and strives to promote responsible stewardship of the lands and waters of the region.

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Project Overview

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Osborn Finch Wildlife Sanctuary

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Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site 1 Coastal Rivers (Round Top Farm)

Salt Bay Preserve

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Doyle Preserve

Salt Bay Farm

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Spring 2022

Mills Overlook Preserve

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

www.coastalrivers.org

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88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Protecting and connecting the best of the region

Learning from the Landscape

LEARNING FROM THE LANDSCAPE

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1/27

The physical character of Maine (both above- and below-ground) was shaped by a changing climate and melting glaciers. This carved out deep estuaries and long, rocky peninsulas, wide valleys, lakes and bogs.

Round Top Farm is both a working and a recreational landscape. During the colonial period the region was rapidly cleared for farming, and Round Top Farm was no exception. The fields have been farmed for at least 250 years, and at the entrance of the farm is a cemetery with gravestones from the late 1700s. After World War I the farm turned into a dairy operation and opened a locally famous ice cream stand in Damariscotta. In the region, the river supported industries like fishing and shipbuilding, which helped turn the small town of Damariscotta into a regional destination important enough to host the Lincoln County fair until about the 1950s. By 1997 the farm was turned into an arts center where artists used the property to perform, exhibit, and study art. Today, Round Top Farm continues to be a community gathering space, and many stakeholders in town view this place as a valuable community resource. As the newest owners,

A transition from tundra to boreal forest characterized this period, where the tundra grasses turned to open woodlands. This new environment radically changed how people lived. A more temperate climate allowed deciduous trees to move north and increased the biodiversity of Maine's landscape. People lived in oak-grove, wetland, and floodplain environments.

Sea levels became stable and the flow of water brought more fish and shellfish to the coast. Archaic people quickly adapted to the more diverse food chain, and society became more complex. A trade network connected Maine to Massachusetts, Eastern New York, Labrador, and Newfoundland. Technology like the mortar and pestle was used for processing and preserving seeds, nuts, berries, and roots.

Maize came to Maine and supplied about 65 percent of the Abenaki diet. In southern Maine, maize combined with a richly productive coastal environment led to a population increase. The Micmac of eastern Maine and New Brunswick were skilled mariners and constructed huge canoes as long as 28 feet that could withstand ocean swells.

16th century Europeans encountered the native Wabanaki peoples when they arrived on the coast of Maine in the early 1500s. Prior to European arrival, the Wabanaki – "People of the Dawn" – were part of an Algonquian confederation stretching from New England west to the Great Lakes. Technologies were in flux and complex societies had emerged.

17th century to present French and British colonists conflicted with one another and with native Wabanaki peoples in the century before the American Revolution. European settlements infringed on native land and lifestyles; many Wabanaki were killed or forcibly removed. Maine became an independent state in 1820, and developed an economy based on its natural resources, including industrial manufacturing, lumbering, shipbuilding, fishing, and farming. As “Vacationland,” Maine continues to attract tourists and new residents who are drawn to the forests, waterways, and rugged coastline.

The Wabanaki peoples who still inhabit the land are working to renew traditional practices and relationships with culturally significant places in their homelands.

Coastal Rivers intends to uphold the tradition of being a welcoming community space. The organization offers the land at no cost to local farmers for a weekly farmer's market in the summer, and the farmhouse and barn remain available for both public and private community events and activities.

Once a dairy barn, now a community event space.

Fairgrounds, ca. 1950

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

5,000 to 3,500 years ago “Maritime Archaic Period”

The advent of agriculture, ceramics, and birch-bark canoes created rapid cultural changes and expanded trade networks, and permanent settlements started to emerge in Maine. Today, the most visible evidence of some of these settlements are middens (massive heaps of shells and other debris), the largest of which are found on the Damariscotta Peninsula. The middens give evidence of a varied diet of nuts, berries, waterfowl, deer, moose, bear, beaver, muskrat, porcupine, wolf, fox, otter, marten, fisher, skunk, raccoon, bobcat, alewives, finned fish, shellfish, sturgeon, seal, porpoise, and assorted other foods from this diverse Maine landscape.

1,000 years ago

Round Top Farm was a dairy operation with a popular ice cream stand and helped host the county fair after WWI. Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

MaineStateMuseum.org

100 km

12,000 years ago

Round Top Farm Land Use History

10,000 to 7,000 years ago “Early Archaic Period”

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Approximate sea level extent post-glacier

Traditional indigenous territories in and around present-day state of Maine

Oaks became the dominant species in the forests and a stable environment changed the lifestyle and culture of indigenous populations. People shifted from a nomadic life to moving in seasonal cycles to specific locations to hunt, fish, and collect food.

Patterns of anadromous fish movement became more predictable and abundant, and people on the coast gathered shellfish and captured seabirds, ducks, and geese.

in 1

Gulf of Maine

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The emergent coniferous forest was inhabited by woolly mammoths, herds of mastodons, and giant beavers that built their homes in the wetlands. The first people arrived to Maine, and they followed the caribou using the Saint Lawrence River and the coastal plain of the Maritime Peninsula.

2,700 years ago, “Early Woodland Period”

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

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7,000 years ago

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

The region was covered by massive ice sheets as much as 5,000 feet thick. Everything was covered except the very tip of Mt. Katahdin, which would have looked like a tiny rock.

11,500 years ago

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

What is known today as the Damariscotta River has played an important role in people’s lives for thousands of years. The culture of the indigenous people who live in the region is inextricably linked to the productive and dynamic estuary system. The timeline below is adapted from the Maine Memory Network (MMN), which is developed and managed by the Maine Historical Society (MHS).

18,000 – 20,000 years ago

Landscape & Indigenous History Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Landscape and Indigenous History

2/27

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

The Round Top property consists of approximately 25 acres of sloping hillside between Business Route 1 (Main Street) and the Damariscotta River. Buildings and parking areas are concentrated in a central core area just off the road, which is surrounded on the other three sides by open hayfields. CRCT has full ownership of the property, most of which is covered by a conservation easement and is open for public recreation. Approximately 1 acre in the southwestern portion of the site is leased to a third party for a ground-mounted solar array.

Round Top Ice Cream

Damariscotta River

A

C A

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B

M a in

Stre

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Main

D

Stree

C

Hayfields

A

An accessible gravel trail links the site to the historic shell middens site to the north.

C

The waterfront offers picnic tables and pleasant river views.

B

The fields around the main core are cut for hay by a local farmer, and CRCT maintains some mowed paths to provide access to the waterfront.

D

The solar array is laid out in 8 rows tucked behind a ridge in back of the barn, giving it a very low profile from most of Round Top Farm.

A

Main Street is a busy commercial zone. The site entrance sports a large sign and a late-1700s-era cemetery.

E

The newly renovated farmhouse contains CRCT’s offices and a flexible classroom/ gallery space.

B

The first visible building is the original ice cream stand (now vacant). The oak tree visible in the center is in poor condition.

F

The Darrows Barn is to the west. CRCT rents out the barn for private events. The lower portion of the barn is used as a distribution hub for a local food bank.

C

An open lawn area is adjacent to the entrance. Usually it is vacant, but Friday mornings during the summer it hosts a very popular farmers' market.

G

D

Local grade school students and YMCA volunteers maintain a garden area near the gravel trailhead. The local Rotary Club chapter has recently installed two native shrub beds nearby.

The lower flatter portion of the area between the house and barn is used as an extension of the Darrows Barn event space.

Picnickers enjoy the old orchard above. Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

E

G

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

B

Existing Conditions

F

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

D

Spring 2022

EXISTING CONDITIONS

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Cohen Accessible Trail

3/27

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Slopes & Soil Drainage

r Fine Glaciomarine Deposits

The site drops approximately 90’ from the highest point in the northeast corner down to the waterfront (i.e., sea level).

Typical regional surficial geology

Silt loam

Most of the site consists of areas of between 2 and 10% slope interrupted by narrow bands of significantly steeper terrain. Very broadly, the flattest parts of the site lie on the eastern side, while the western side is more variable. The average total slope across the site is approximately 7.5%. The pad where the farmers' market is held is easily visible on the map below and is the flattest area of the site with slopes of 2% or less.

Fine Sandy Loam

Hydric silt loam

Damariscotta River

Pad

low spots

0

50

A small portion of the site is underlain by a hydric silt loam that extends offsite to the east. This type of soil tends to hold water and is often associated with wetland areas. The pad area sits directly over this soil type. Created artificially using sandy fill, the pad is now the flattest area on site, but poor leveling has resulted in low spots that hold water.

Spring 2022

ve

Slopes

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Ri Stratified Bedrock

Soils on site include Boothbay silt loam across most of the lower slope and a Marlow-Berkshire fine sandy loam complex on the upper slopes. Both soil types are classified as important farmland, and have been used for agriculture for centuries. The silt loam is derived from fine-grained glaciomarine deposits and is somewhat slowly draining. The sandy loam derives from a mix of till from both above and below the glacial ice, and, while well-draining, may exhibit a hardpan layer below the surface due to compaction from the ice sheet as well as subsequent years of agricultural use. Both tend to be moderately acidic.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Till

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Moraine

Slopes & Soil Drainage

Topography, soil characteristics, and land use history affect water flow and drainage patterns across the site and the types of vegetation that will thrive across the property. Saturated conditions and/or pooling occur in areas where poorly draining soils and flatter slopes coincide, while erosion from flowing water may occur in more steeply sloping areas.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Soil Drainage

100 ft

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

4/27

F

A Exposed mineral soil and incision below the level of the surrounding fields— becoming deeper as they approach the river—indicates that these drainages may also carry volumes of water during and after heavy storms significant enough to cause erosion in the channels.

F

G D

Sinkholes and underground channels occur in the fields below the barn and near the solar array.

E D

Water pooling in orchard

C B

Culvert

E

Erosion in drainage

B Drainage path Concentrated runoff from road

C

Pad area

A section of Main Street just north of the Coastal Rivers property cuts through a slight rise such that the road sits slightly below ground level on either side. As a result, stormwater falling on the road and parts of the neighboring parking lots is channeled down the road to a catchbasin across the street from the site. A culvert from the catchbasin discharges this runoff into the pad area on the site.

Sediment deposition

Drainage area (catchment)

Impervious area draining to culvert

Stormwater runoff contains many potential contaminants such as sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons as well as road salt and debris. This material accumulates in the catchbasin and culvert, which must be periodically cleaned out.

Between cleanouts, however, these materials can overflow and be deposited onto the Coastal Rivers property. This is a major issue since this area is one of the most visible and intensively used parts of the site. Water ponding and unsightly debris piles interfere with public use and enjoyment of the area and can negatively impact vegetation and water quality downstream.

Water pooling at trailhead parking

Other areas where water pooling can be problematic include near the head of the gravel path and in the orchard area. These areas receive water flow from the Round Top Ice Cream parking lot and western side of Main Street (in the case of the path area) and from part of the driveway and farmhouse gutters and footing drains (orchard).

Wet areas can interfere with visitor activities and lead to accelerated erosion and damage along trails and in low spots.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Sinkhole

A

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Hydric soil

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Outcrops of shallow bedrock create areas where the water table is close to the surface, resulting in seeps. Flow from these as well as rainwater falling on the site is channeled by topography into several drainages that flow downhill across the site.

None of these drainages are classified as perennial streams; they typically flow during spring when groundwater levels are high, but are often dry the rest of the year. Runoff produced on the property either infiltrates into the ground or flows via these drainages into the Damariscotta River.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Overall direction of drainage

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The site receives stormwater runoff from neighboring impervious surfaces. Stormwater runoff contributes to pooling as well as concerns over water quality, which should be addressed as part of promoting wetland habitat on site.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

A soil sample taken from one of the drainages near the gravel path shows redoximorphic features characteristic of frequently saturated soil.

These features are one piece of evidence used to define wetland areas.

G

Hydrology & Drainage

Hydrology & Drainage

5/27

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

DAMARISCOTTA ESTUARY HABITAT

This region once supported massive numbers of natural shellfish beds, as evidenced by the piles of shells (middens) left behind by indigenous harvesters.

The shellfish aquaculture industry continues to thrive here today; this area is responsible for 80% of Maine's oyster production.

HORSESHOE CRAB BREEDING GROUND

This area is one of the best horseshoe crab breeding grounds in the state. Horseshoe crabs are an important food source for many species. In addition, their blood has unique properties that make it useful in pharmaceutical testing.

Horseshoe crabs are currently protected in Maine.

ALEWIFE BREEDING GROUND

Diadromous fish such as the alewife are abundant in the estuary. These species use both marine and freshwater habitats during their life cycle. Historically, the Damariscotta alewife fishery was the largest in the state, and the spring spawning run provides an important food source for birds of prey like osprey and bald eagles.

DEER OVERWINTERING AREA

Maine lies towards the northern edge of the current habitat range for white-tailed deer. Woodlands, especially scattered stands of conifers, provide shelter and browse that are critical for deer survival through the winter. Maintaining these areas plays an important role in the long-term management of this species.

TIDAL WADING BIRD/WATERFOWL HABITAT Many of the shoreline features and intertidal areas provide valuable habitat and forage for wading birds and waterfowl. In addition, this is an important stopover site for migrating shorebirds.

BALD EAGLE NESTING HABITAT

Bald eagle nests are scattered along the sea coast and river shores. They prefer large trees like old white pine near water and away from human disturbance for breeding habitat. Several decades ago, bald eagles were nearly extirpated from Maine, but concentrated recovery efforts and ongoing protections have resulted in increasing populations today.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

SHELLFISH GROWING HABITAT

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

ROUND TOP FARM

Eelgrass beds are located throughout the estuary. These are extremely productive and ecologically important plant communities that provide shelter, habitat, and feeding areas for many fish, birds, invertebrates, and other species. They also absorb nutrients and other water contaminants and help dissipate tidal and wave energy, stabilizing shorelines and reducing erosion.

Estuary Habitat

EELGRASS MEADOWS

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The Damariscotta River system is an area of exceptional ecological value and productivity.

6/27

In addition to the shoreline ecosystems associated with the estuary/river, there is a large freshwater wetland system to the east of the site. These wetlands are underlain by the same hydric soil type that is under the pad area on site and suggests that this system may have extended farther into the site in the past, providing water and wildlife connectivity. While several roads and associated development now cut through this system, it is anticipated that it still constitutes important habitat for many animal species and provides ecological functions such as water storage and flood mitigation.

National Wetlands Inventory maps indicate a wetland area on site along the large drainage on the south side. The lowest area of this drainage is classified as an estuarine intertidal wetland characterized by emergent perennial vegetation. As elevation increases, the drainage area transitions to a freshwater wetland system with emergent vegetation and some shrubs and small trees.

Other areas on site not shown on NWI maps but visually observed to support wetland or wet meadow vegetation include the wooded area to the north of the Church Street entrance and the drainage that runs beneath the accessible trailhead area. Despite the presence of wet areas, CRCT staff do not report evidence of amphibian activity on site. This may be due to poor connectivity or water quality impacts from the nearby roadway.

Estuarine Intertidal wetland

There is a variety of mature trees around the farmhouse including an old apple orchard and several noteworthy individual trees, mainly red oaks and sugar maples. Most of these trees appear to be healthy, but there may be some stress on the roots since most are very near the driveway. The red oaks have experienced defoliation from browntail moth infestations in the past.

Brushy hedgerow/drainage buffers

Hayfield

Rushes and cattail sprouts in swale

Site

Riparian woods

Mature trees Church st. wet area

NOTE: Wetland extents shown are from the National Wetlands Inventory database. NWI evaluations are based on interpretation of aerial imagery and do not constitute formal delineations.

Freshwater wetland

Mowed lawn

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Spring 2022

Site

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Regional

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Wetlands Habitats

Damariscotta lies within the Midcoast ecoregion, which marks a transition between oak-Northern hardwoods forests and northern coniferous forests. Oak, beech, birch, maple, and white pine are common tree species. However, Round Top Farm has very limited woodland habitat. Major plant communities on site include hayfield, mowed lawn, and hedgerows and riparian buffers. The buffers in this area have been greatly reduced by past and current farming and haying practices, which may limit their use as wildlife corridors, but they do provide habitat for edge species. There is also pressure from invasive species such as multiflora rose, Oriental bittersweet, and glossy buckthorn along these edges. CRCT staff report sightings of generalist animals such as deer, coyote, and fox along the river and in the lower fields. Bobolinks, which are a ground-nesting bird on Maine's conservation watchlist, have also been observed in the fields. Haying is delayed until mid-July to avoid disturbance during the nesting season.

Site Habitat

The site lies in a region with very diverse and ecologically productive ecosystems, including many wetland and shoreline habitats. However, the site itself currently has relatively limited diversity in vegetative type, age, and species due to the prevalence of hayfield, mowed lawn, and very narrow buffers along water bodies. This low diversity creates vulnerability to pressure from aggressive non-native species, especially along habitat edges, and thin buffers increase the risk of erosion and water quality impacts.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Terrestrial Habitats

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Site Habitat

7/27

Farmhouse

One Way Traffic barn

Upper Parking

Farmhouse Lower Parking

Main St.

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St

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Overflow Parking

Conflicts Because of the one-way loop, many vehicles navigating the site must drive past any events happening at the barn, which reduces privacy and poses a potential safety issue. During very busy times such as the farmers' market, the entry area can also be a conflict point as pedestrians cross the flow of traffic to reach the PortaPotties or other areas on the north side of the site. Vehicles also tend to park erratically along lawn edges and other undesignated areas when the formal parking areas are full.

PortaPotties

barn

Farmhouse

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Accessible Gravel Trail

Vehicle entry and exit to the site occur via marked one-way drives off of Main Street. Immediately after entry, these merge and visitors are confronted with a wide gravel space which may cause confusion over whether to park or continue, especially since major destinations are not visible from the entry. Further into the site, the driveway narrows to one-way again and loops around the core area. A gravel parking area near the trailhead accommodates about eight vehicles. Another larger area near the barn fits approximately thirty vehicles. During very large events, the reinforced lawn area to the south of the driveway is used for overflow parking. Some vehicles exit this area by driving up over the pad. Semi trailers needing to access the food pantry in the rear of the barn must back through the parking lot and around the corner, and also navigate a tight S-bend on the way out. Maintenance staff use a workshop located in the basement of the farmhouse.

Spring 2022

Vehicles

School

Church St entrance

Shortcut to Church St.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Crosswalk

Shortcut to Ice Cream

barn

Many pedestrians use the driveway to cross through the entry area.

The area in front of the barn is used during events and many people can gather there. CRCT staff report seeing people with limited mobility using the driveway loop for short walks or to do physical therapy.

There is also foot traffic between the neighboring ice cream store and the site.

Shell Middens

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Accessible path to Crosswalk

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

There is no formal pedestrian access to the site. Pedestrians can access the site indirectly from either the north or the south. From the north, a crosswalk at the shell middens historic site provides a route for Great Salt Bay school students and other visitors to cross Main Street to the accessible gravel path. From the south, walkers commonly take an informal shortcut through a right-of-way off Church Street to avoid walking on Main Street, which currently has no sidewalks (although these are planned in the future).

Ice Cream Store

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The core of the site consists of the buildings and driveway loop, with open space on three sides and activities occurring in various zones across the site. Visitors arrive and traverse the site both by car and on foot, which can create the potential for conflict during very busy times. A network of mown paths links to the core with the waterfront and to various points in the fields.

Pedestrians

Access & Circulation

Access & Circulation

Conflict Areas

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

8/27

Shady

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu Gravel road surfaces

Turf trails

Hot, sunny

Wayfinding

Shady

CRCT staff reported that efficient circulation during very busy times such as the farmers' market and other large events is an issue.

Ambiguity in the entry area and sheer visitor numbers can result in erratic parking patterns.

CRCT currently relies on signs to guide people through the front part of the site. Many have a negative connotation (e.g., "No Parking"), which may produce an unwelcoming feeling to those arriving.

The best views are along the terrace between the northern end of the barn and the northern property boundary, looking across the fields towards the river. Views to the east are mainly of the busy road and large commercial properties across the street, which are largely unscreened by vegetation or structures. Views to the southwest overlook the solar array and neighboring residences. The lower parking area is readily visible from the front of the barn where most events take place.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Damariscotta was approximately 1,200. Of these residents, 33% were age 65 or older, and 20% of residents self-identified as having some type of disability. The gravel accessible path to the shell midden has been very popular with older stakeholders, many of whom expressed a desire for more extensive paths with a similar surface around the site. Other path surfaces on site vary in type from mown grass to deteriorated asphalt.

Unpleasant views

Road Noise

Pleasant views

Farmhouse Barn

No shade on trail

Views to East

Views to West

Turf Trail

Old Asphalt Drive

Stone Patio

Compacted gravel

Sand/gravel drive

Mowed Lawn

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Accessible Gravel Trail

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

A band of steeper slopes (>10%, shaded purple) runs through the middle of the site and divides the property into an upper and lower zone. Paths within each zone are typically less than 10% slope but visitors with mobility challenges may not be able to cross between the zones. The upper terrace contains the flattest and most accessible areas, but most of these are currently also vehicle routes.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

The southwest aspect of the sloping hillside may make the site cooler in the mornings and warmer in the afternoons. Much of the site is open, leading to very hot and sunny conditions during the summer months along most of the existing walking paths and activity areas. The mature trees around the farmhouse do provide some shade, but other than a few picnic tables there are no formal seating areas for visitors to stop and rest.

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Accessibility

Visitor Experience

The visitor experience on site is influenced by topography and sensory character. The east side is more accessible, but is exposed to road noise and puts cars and people in close proximity. The west side feels quieter and more scenic, but is not accessible to everyone due to topography. Arrival at the site feels ambiguous due to the lack of a clear destination and reliance on signs for direction. The combination of buildings, vegetation, and topography creates a variety of microclimates in the core area which may be used differently in different seasons and at different times of the day. Pleasant views and microclimates should be preserved, while screening should be considered for unpleasant views and noise.

Views & Microclimates

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Visitor Experience

9/27

Global sea level is projected to rise up to two feet by the end of the century.

Much of downtown Damariscotta is already vulnerable to high water levels such as those anticipated during 100-year storms. Except for the area immediately along the waterfront and the large drainage in the southern part of the site, Round Top Farm's elevation will prevent widespread flooding from the river on the property. However, most of downtown and other low-lying areas along the river are likely to be inundated by increases in sea level with damaging effects for the community.

www.forestadaptation.org Round Top Farm currently has many mature shade trees around expectations.

It’s perhaps best to think of these projections as indicators of possibility and potential change. the buildings on site, primarily northern red oak and some maples. These trees appear to be in SOURCE: This handout summarizes the full model results for Eastern and Coastal Maine, due to browntail moth. The most immedigenerally goodavailable to fair condition despite past defoliation at www.fs.fed.us/nrs/atlas/combined/resources/summaries. More information on vulnerability and adaptation in the New England region can be found at www.forestadaptation. ate danger to most of the individual trees is root compaction from the adjacent driveway. org/new-england. A full description of the models and variables are provided in Iverson et al.

2019 (www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/57857 and www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/59105) and Peters et al. 2019 There are two particularly notable red oaks near the farmhouse that are believed to be the oldest (www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/58353). www.forestadaptation.org specimens on site and are much loved for their distinctive size and growth patterns. While oaks are projected to fare well in this area in the future, Coastal Rivers will need to monitor for pest activity and may need to take specific measures to protect and extend the lifetime of the two oldest trees.

Despite these limits, models provide useful information about future

Sea Level Rise

Round Top Farm

Many of the trees currently growing along the riverfront and drainages are white pine and hemlock, many of which already appear to be in poor health. Coastal Rivers will need to plan for succession of these trees to maintain a vegetated buffer along these sensitive waterways, particularly as many are similar in age and likely to leave large gaps upon mortality.

Predicted inundation zones from sea level rise (Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission/ Maine Geological Survey)

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

SOURCE: This handout summarizes the full model results for Eastern and Coastal Maine, available at www.fs.fed.us/nrs/atlas/combined/resources/summaries. More information on vulnerability and adaptation in the New England region can be found at www.forestadaptation. org/new-england. A full description of the models and variables are provided in Iverson et al.

2019 (www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/57857 and www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/59105) and Peters et al. 2019 (www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/58353).

Climate Change Effects

leaf diseases affecting beech and pine species.

Browntail Despite these limits, modelsarea, provide useful information about future success. If a species is rare or confined to a small model results may expectations.

It’s perhaps best to of these projections be lessresult reliable. These factors, and others, coulddefoliation causethink a particular speciesas indicators of moth infestations in partial or whole of Projected summer climate equivalent for the state possibility and potential change. to perform better or worse than a model projects. Human choices will also of Maine under different climate change scenarios hardwood trees, particularly oakdistribution, and apple, which Photos: (from top) iStockphoto.com/Andy Thorington; Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; iStockphoto.com/Greg Nicholas; Captains of Industry; iStockphoto.com/Ben Thomas continue to influence forest especially for treecan species that (Union of Concerned Scientists) are projected to increase.

Planting programs may assist the movement of lead to tree mortality. future-adapted species, but this will depend on management decisions.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Climate Change Effects

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

emissions is lowered, however, projections Precipitation and winter snow. The Northeast show that many of the changes will be far less region is projected to see an increase in winter dramatic. Emissions choices we make today—in precipitation on the order of 20 to 30 percent.

Maine, the Northeast, and worldwide—will Slightly greater increases are projected under Climate Change Projections CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL TREE SPECIES for help determine the climate our children and the higher-emissions scenario, which would Individual Tree Species EASTERN AND COASTAL MAINE Climate change is anticipated to affect several factors on site, including temperature, andless vegetation.

It will be critical grandchildren inherit, and shape the conse- hydrology, also feature winter precipitation fallingto asprovide cool rest areas for visitor comfort, as wellquences as implement slow and infiltrate to reduce (Eastern and Coastal Maine) for theirmeasures economy,toenvironment, and stormwater snow and more as rain. erosion, protect water quality, CLIMATE CHANGE CAPABILITY and retain water on site. CRCT should also plan for succession in site vegetation, particularly in vulnerable areas along water bodies, by planting This region’s forests will be quality of life.

Snow is nearly synonymous with winter in CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL TREE SPECIES POOR CAPABILITY affected by a changing climate and encouraging species appropriate for future suchhere thatdescribes large gaps do notand occur. and other stressors during thisAND COASTAL American MAINE mountain-ash Pitch pine The climate researchconditions summarized Maine an integral part of many favorite winEASTERN century. A team of managers and Balsam poplar Red pine how climate change may affect Maine and ter activities and traditions. If higher emissions researchers created an assessment Black spruce Serviceberry CLIMATE CHANGE CAPABILITY that describes theThis vulnerability region’s forests will be Maine other Northeast states under affected by a changing climate Bur oak POOR CAPABILITY Striped maple of forests in the region (Janowiak and other stressors during this American mountain-ash Pitch pine Vegetation et al. 2018). This report includes Tamarack (native) century.

A team of managers Jack and pine Balsam poplar 1961–1990 Red pine Temperature & Precipitation two different emissions sceinformation on observed and researchers created an assessment Migrating State Mountain Black maple White spruce spruce Serviceberry that describes future climate trends, and alsothe vulnerability narios. The higher-emissions Striped maple of forests in the region (Janowiak 2010–2039 Pin cherry Bur oak Climate summarizes key vulnerabilities et al. 2018). This report includes As a result of changing temperature and precipitation Jack pine Tamarack (native) scenario assumes continued for forested natural communities. The Landscape Change Research information on observed and FAIR CAPABILITY Mountain maple White spruce Average temperatures across the Northeast have already risen an Changes in average sumfuture climate trends, and also updated the predicted Climate Change to Treeshift Atlas, and this handout patterns, manyGroup treerecently species are their 2010–2039 Balsam fir Pin cherry Northern white-cedar heavy reliance on fossil fuels, summarizes key vulnerabilities summarizes that information. Full Tree Atlas results are available online at estimated 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. Average temperatures in FAIR CAPABILITY Red spruce for forested of natural communities. The Landscape Change Research Eastern hemlock mer heat index—a measure distributions.

The Northern Institute Applied Science www.fs.fed.us/nrs/atlas/.

Two climate presented to “bracket” Group recentlyscenarios updated theare Climate Change Tree Atlas, and this handout causing heat-trapping emisBalsam fir Northern white-cedar Gray summarizes that information.

Full Tree Atlas(2070 resultsto are2099) available online at birchEastern hemlock Maine are projected to rise another five to ten degrees by the end of a range of possible futures.

These future climate projections of how hot it actually feels, Red spruce 2040–2069 has partnered with various agencies to generate 2040–2069 climateprojecscenarios are presented to “bracket” GOOD CAPABILITY sions to rise rapidly over the provide information aboutwww.fs.fed.us/nrs/atlas/. how individual treeTwo species may respond to a Gray birch a range of possible futures. These future climate projections (2070 to 2099) 2070–2090 given temperature and the century depending on emissions scenarios, creating a climate simchanging climate.

Results for “low” and “high” emissions scenarios can be American beech tions for major tree species in the Northeast based GOOD CAPABILITY Northern red oak provide information about how individual on tree species may respond to a course of the century. The lowercompared on the reverse side of this handout. changing climate.

Results for “low” and “high” emissions scenarios canAmerican be American beech Northern red oak humidity—could strongly ilar to the current Mid-Atlantic. This may result in increased incidence elm Quaking aspen their ability to tolerate predicted future climate condicompared on the reverse side of this handout.

2070–2090 American elm Quaking aspen emissions scenario assumes a Bigtooth aspen Red maple affect Mainers’ quality of The updated Tree Atlas presents additional information helpful to interpret of heat stress and respiratory ailments such as asthma for many site Bigtooth aspen Red maple updated Tree Atlas presents additional information helpful to interpret tions and their tree ability migrateThe rapidly enough to keep speciesto changes: Black cherry Sugar maple tree species changes: Black cherry Sugar maple shift away from fossil fuels in life in the future. Red arrows visitors.

• Suitable habitat - calculated based onexplain 39 variables that explain where • changes.

Suitable habitatSome - calculated based on 39 variables that where Swamp whiteoak oak Black oak Black oak Swamp white pace with these species, such as northoptimum conditions exist for a species, including soils, landforms, and favor of clean energy technolooptimum for a species, including soils, landforms, and Ironwood White oak track what summers couldconditions existclimate variables.

Ironwood White oak climate variables.are predicted to adapt well ern red oak and red maple, MIXED RESULTS • Adaptability - based on life-history traits that might increase or gies, with causing emissions to defeel like over the course MIXED RESULTS American basswood Green ash decrease tolerance of expected changes, such as the ability to Winter precipitation is projected to increase, a higher percentage • Adaptability based on life-history traits that might increase or and remain important components inchanges, the eastern Maine American hornbeam Green Paper withstand different forms of American basswood ashbirch decrease such asdisturbance. the ability to of the century under the tolerance of expected cline by mid-century. falling as rain instead of snow. Summer rainfall is expected to become Black ash Silver maple • Capability - a rating of the species’ ability to cope or persist with climate American hornbeam Paper birch withstand different forms of disturbance. woods.

Other signature species such as eastern white change in this region based on suitable habitat change (statistical Boxelder White ash higher-emissions scenario; research also As explores adaptability (literature review and expert opinion), andBlack ash Silver maple more unpredictable, with more frequent andThe intense storms. a • Capability - a rating of themodeling), species’ ability to cope or persist with climate Eastern white pine Yellow birch pine and eastern hemlock, may decline. abundance (FIA data).

The capability rating is modified by abundance yellow arrows trackchange whatin this region based on suitable habitat change (statistical Boxelder White ashPOTENTIAL NEW HABITAT WITH MIGRATION actions that individual houseinformation; ratings are downgraded for rare species and upgraded for result, periods of drought may alternate with damaging storm events, modeling), adaptability (literature review and expert opinion), and Bitternut hickory Pignut hickory abundant species.

Eastern white pine Yellow birch summers in the state could holds,and businesses, abundance (FIA data). The capability rating is modified by abundance • Migration Potential Model - when combined with habitat suitability, Black walnut Sassafrass increasing the likelihood of localized flooding erosion and and governstress to NEW HABITAT WITH MIGRATION POTENTIAL These projections do not include additional an estimate of afor species’ colonization likelihood for new information; ratings are downgraded rarepressures species and upgraded forhabitats. This feel like under the lowerBlackgum Scarlet oak Higher-Emissions Scenario rating can be helpful for assisted migration or focused management ments in the Northeast can Bitternut hickory Pignut hickory abundant species.

Chestnut oak Shagbark hickory both infrastructure and vegetation. (see the table section: “New Habitat with Migration Potential”). from pests and •disease, whose effects are anticipated emissions scenario.

Eastern redcedar Slippery elm Lower-Emissions Scenario Migration Potential Model - when combined with habitat suitability, Black walnut Sassafrass take today to reduce emissions Remember that models are just tools, and they’re not perfect. Model Mockernut hickory Yellow-poplar estimate of a species’ colonization likelihood for new habitats. This to become more an severe with climate change. particScarlet oak projections can’t account for allOf factors that influence future species Blackgum to levels consistent with stayrating can be helpful forsuccess. assisted migration focusedtomanagement If a species is rareor or confined a small area, model results may Chestnut oak Shagbark hickory ular concern in Midcoast theThese hemlock woolly beare lessHabitat reliable. factors, and others, could cause a particular species (see the tableMaine section: “New with Migration Potential”). ing below the lower-emissions to perform better or worse than a model projects. Human choices willEastern also redcedar Slippery elm adelgid, emerald ash borer, browntail moth, and bark and to influence forest distribution, especially for tree species that Remember that models arecontinue just tools, and they’re not perfect.

Model Mockernut hickory Yellow-poplar are projected to increase. Planting programs may assist the movement of scenario, and to adapt to the projections can’t account for all factors that influence future species future-adapted species, but this will depend on management decisions.

10/27

O

PE

Barn

Mown lawn

Pad

CHALLENGES/CONSTRAINTS • Loop vehicle movement can conflict with pedestrian movement • Non-intuitive wayfinding and ambiguous arrival contribute to inefficient parking patterns during busy times • Upper zone subject to noise, unpleasant views from road and commercial structures; feels exposed • Slopes and mown grass path surfaces limit access to lower zone • Slowly draining soils and existing stormwater infrastructure contribute to water pooling/wet areas in high-use locations Uninviting/ • Little shade or screening across much of confusing entry the site sequence • Vegetative buffers along water bodies thinned by mowing practices; increased risk of erosion and water quality impacts Untreated road runoff entering site

Drainage

Primary Circulation route dominated by vehicles

?

Farmhouse

only available shade on site is either not accessible to all or subject to noise & unpleasant views of Main Street

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Spring 2022

S

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Solar array

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

O n ly a cc

ess

Hayfields with mown paths

• Pastoral sloping site offers expansive views out to the scenic river • Close to downtown residences/ amenities and major regional transportation routes • Established community resource/ gathering space • Historical structures • Many mature trees • Located in region of high ecological diversity and productivity; high potential for diverse ecosystems • Topography and (to some extent) vegetation help define outdoor “zones” • Provides important connection in chain of open space/public access parcels • Southwest aspect suitable for solar • Elevation reduces vulnerability to sea level rise from climate change

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

ible trail

Damariscotta River

ASSETS

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Some Highly Visible and well trafficked areas occasionally unusable due to water pooling

Summary Analysis

A band of steep slopes buffers the scenic western portion of the site from undesirable views of commercial properties across the road and creates a line of vantage points along the accessible gravel trail, but can be difficult for some visitors to navigate. The areas with the best views are also quite exposed to the sun and may be uncomfortably hot during summer months. The flatter parts of the site are popular for public use but tend to hold water due to the terrain and underlying soils.

Stormwater and associated contaminants entering the site from road runoff pose water quality and aesthetic concerns in these highly visible areas. There is an opportunity to improve water quality on site and in the estuary by improving stormwater management, which can be used to demonstrate CRCT's commitment to land stewardship and environmental education.

Thin Vegetative Buffers offer poor protection of water quality

SL

An attractive New England farmhouse commands the central high point of the site, offering sweeping views to the south and west across open fields and down to the river. The farmhouse, barn, and loop road create the feeling of a central core, which is strengthened by the dense concentration of large mature trees around the buildings in contrast with the surrounding mown fields. While undulating slopes, drainage features, and hedgerows offer topographic and visual interest in the fields, the arrival area between the road and the farmhouse feels bare and uninviting due to its relatively flatter terrain, wide swathes of gravel and lawn, and absence of non-canopy vegetation. Confronted with this space and unable to see their immediate destination, visitors arriving by car rely on signs to guide them to designated parking areas. Irregular shapes and lack of definition in these spaces contribute to erratic parking patterns and inefficient circulation during busy times.

Large Areas of Mown or Hayed Land Contribute to Erosion & Provide Limited Wildlife Habitat or shade

STEEP

Summary Analysis

11/27

Hayfields

Gardens

Seating

Stormwater from the culvert is directed into a vegetated swale along the edge of the pad for treatment before being routed to the large southern drainage. The event area is screened from the lower parking area by vegetation and events are no longer interrupted by vehicles. This design also highlights views of the river and fields by creating rest areas at scenic viewpoints.

Barn Farm House

Parking

Parking Farmers' Market Vegetated buffer 0

75

Parking

Bioswale

Enter/ Exit

Pros:

Cons:

• • • • • • •

• Reduced parking capacity • Reduced access to maintenance area • Limited visitor access to lower fields

Reduces impact to grass-nesting birds and increases habitat Arrival focused on farmhouse and gardens Reduced potential for vehicle-pedestrian conflict Reduces flooding risk in high-use area by redirecting runoff Treats stormwater Reduced impacts to mature trees Events are not interrupted by cars

150 ft

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Ice cream

Enter/Exit

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

This orientation allows much of the former entry space to be converted to accessible paths and demonstration/education gardens, which connect to the existing beds to the north. Additional landscaping around the farmhouse and along Main Street provide habitat, aesthetic value, and screening from the road. The old ice cream shack is moved slightly to the west to act as an off-hours information center for visitors.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The primary driveway leads to a small parking area in front of the farmhouse. Part of the southern driveway is moved across the corner of the pad area to reduce compaction on the roots of the mature trees around the farmhouse. An additional small parking lot is constructed adjacent to the pad. This reduces the need for people to navigate around traffic because people can get to the farmers' market without crossing a road.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

new accessible spur trail leads to an overlook area along the ridge north of the solar array. This design maintains the existing entrance and location of the farmers market, but it separates accessible paths from from vehicle traffic by converting most of the northern driveway to a pedestrian zone.

Design Concept 1

The first design concept seeks to restore hydrologic function and enhance wildlife habitat by allowing existing vegetative buffers along waterways to expand through natural succession. Human access to the lower fields is limited to the existing mowed path network to reduce disturbance to ground-nesting birds, but a

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Concept 1: For the Birds

12/27

Stormwater in the orchard area is channeled to a rock-lined swale that directs water to the existing culvert under the driveway. Event space is extended into this area through the creation of foot paths and a trellis planted with attractive flowering vines.

Gardens Seating

Barn Event/ Orchard

Farm house

Farmers' Market

Parking Parking s wa l e

Vegetated buffer 0

75

Pros:

Cons:

• • • • • • •

• Most change to existing infrastructure • Human activity in fields may impact wildlife • Does not expand vegetative buffers around waterways • Views on entry do not focus on farmhouse • Parking mostly distanced from buildings • Less capacity for green stormwater management

Increased extent of accessible areas Greatly reduced likelihood of pedestrian/vehicle conflict Maintains or slightly increases parking capacity Protects mature trees Reduces flooding risk in high-use area by redirecting runoff Treats stormwater Option to expand parking to neighboring lot to the south if purchased

Spring 2022

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Ice cream

Hayfields

Enter/Exit

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Demonstration gardens and native plant landscaping are added around the front part of the farmhouse and the existing garden beds to the north. The old ice cream shack is moved slightly to the west to act as an off-hours information center for visitors. A natural play area is located nearby to be convenient for trail users and visitors coming from the ice cream store.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The old driveway loop is completely converted to an accessible path except for a service drive to the maintenance workshop. This loop connects to the larger accessible trail network. The pedestrian core thus created accommodates new seating areas with views and shade near the barn and the garden area.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

routed through a narrow swale before passing under the driveway and discharging to the southern drainage. The farmers' market is moved north into the current entry area. Farmers have access through the parking area, but this is otherwise a pedestrian zone.

Vegetation along Main Street in this area helps screen views of the road.

Design Concept 2

The second design concept focuses on accessibilty by increasing the extent of barrier-free pedestrian paths on site all the way to the waterfront. It pulls vehicles away from the central core area by creating a new single entrance off Main Street through the southern part of the pad area, which runs down to the lower parking lot and allows semis direct access to the food bank. The remainder of the pad area is converted to parking. Stormwater from the culvert is

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Concept 2: Made for Walkin'

Enter/ Exit

150 ft

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

13/27

Ice cream Hayfields

Seating

Barn

Gardens Parking Farm house

Farmers' Market/Event Parking

Vegetated buffer

0

75

Parking

Enter/ Exit

Pros:

Cons:

• • • • • • • •

• Potential conflict between events at barn and farmers' market • Reduced visibility of farmers' market from street • Reduced parking capacity

Arrival focused on farmhouse Gardens and seating close to farmhouse/offices Increased extent of accessible trails Reduced likelihood of vehicle-pedestrian conflict Protects mature trees Reduces flooding risk in high-use area by redirecting runoff Treats stormwater Potential for stormwater management pond to double as skating area in winter

150 ft

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Enter/Exit

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

The old ice cream shack is moved to the west to act as an off-hours information center, additional rest area, and restroom facility for trail users. The existing garden beds are expanded into the resulting space to create a large naturalistic planted area. This provides additional wildlife habitat and creates a strong edge along the main drive that helps draw visitors' focus towards the farmhouse.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The section of the old driveway loop leading to the maintenance workshop is maintained as a service drive off the farmhouse parking lot. The remainder of the loop is converted to an accessible path connecting to the existing gravel trail. Pedestrian activity is thus concentrated in the center of the site, and further enhanced by the addition of demonstration gardens and seating around the farmhouse. Additional seating areas with shade are placed near the trailhead to take advantage of the views and offer trail users a place to rest.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

small forebay for sediment settling, then flows into the southern drainage. The remainder of the pad area is used for parking and is screened from Main Street by vegetation planted along the bank.

An accessible path with informational signs loops around the pond, enabling visitors to learn about stormwater management.

Design Concept 3

The third design concept creates a main entry and new driveway layout similar to Design Concept 1, focusing arrival for routine visitors on the farmhouse and routing other vehicle traffic to the south. The farmers' market is moved to the lower parking area to encourage visitors to interact with more of the property. Stormwater from the culvert is directed into a shallow pond with a

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Concept 3: Have A Heart

14/27

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Final Design: Overview

Garden

A new accessible ramp allows ADA visitor access to the barn porch and encourages outdoor gathering. Landscaping and amenities such as picnic tables signal that the lower orchard area is a pedestrian-only zone while maintaining the ability for emergency vehicles to access the front of the barn.

Patio / Viewing Area

Natural play area

Birch Copse

Bioswale Old Ice Cream Stand

Barn Maintenance

Wet Meadow

Main Parking

Food Bank Swale

Outdoor event space

A new more easily navigable driveway provides access to the barn and lower parking. Some overflow parking capacity is retained along the strip south of the orchard.

The beginning of the overlook trail doubles as a semi To solar overturnaround. look

A large rain garden helps manage stormwater and add aesthetic interest to the lower parking lot, which is formalized to encourage efficient parking patterns.

Orchar d Lower Parking

B io r e

t e n t io

n

Main drive

Farmhouse (offices)

The areas in front of the farmhouse are planted with meadow-like sweeps of grasses and flowering perennials to demonstrate native pollinator habitat as an alternative to lawn.

Large Oaks

Overflow parking

Farmers' Market Pad

Overflow parking

Existing vegetation along the main southern drainage and smaller drainages in the lower fields is allowed to expand naturally through decreased mowing to increase buffer width; expanding vegetation is monitored and managed for invasive plant species. The old retaining pond is rebuilt to enhance stormwater treatment along the southern drainage.

The area in front of the old ice cream stand is converted to a picnic/ community space. Separation from the main drive is provided by a slight rise in elevation and a row of trees, which also create the feeling of an informal allée bringing visitors to the farmhouse.

Culvert Outlet

Play area Ma in dr ain ag e

Runoff from the maintenance area is directed into the drainage via a rock-lined swale. This becomes a central visual feature celebrating water management in the orchard and also creates an attractive location for event photography.

Other photo locations and shady rest areas are created along a path leading past the triple-stemmed oak. The area under the two big oaks becomes a no-mow zone.

Bi os wa le

The gravel accessible trail is extended past the farmhouse to the Church Street entrance, creating a continuous link between downtown and the middens to the north through the site. Additional accessible trail spurs are created to the ice cream stand, farmers' market pad, and overlook area north of the solar array.

A new play area is easily accessible from the trail and the farmers' market, but sheltered from the road.

The former south exit and gravel area near the cemetery are reclaimed and planted to eliminate vehicle traffic and protect the cemetery and mature trees. Pad stormwater is managed through sediment pretreatment and a naturalistic bioswale. Shrubs and small trees are planted along Main Street for screening.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

The existing driveway loop is narrowed and made pedestrian-only.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

The dying oak tree in the entry area is removed and sections reused on site for natural play features and educational display. Boulders edging the driveway are reused in play areas, retaining walls, and as seating and features.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Gravel Accessible Trail

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

The garden area is expanded to include a bioswale/wet meadow complex for water management built around the existing swale; existing shrub beds are integrated into naturalistic vegetation. A trail to the ice cream store passes through this area. The swale passes under the gravel path and through a birch copse before discharging into the fields. The copse also serves to block views of the maintenance area from the trail.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Viewing platform and graded patio areas offer seating and views to the north of the barn for routine visitors and event guests.

A nearby natural play area provides experiential activity for children.

walking-only zone and extending the existing gravel trail to the middens to the Church Street entrance. This brings visitors directly past the CRCT office and provides ample opportunity to advertise CRCT’s presence through educational and informational materials and displays, including green stormwater treatment and expanses of native plants in the landscape.

Final Design: Overview

This design provides a clear arrival experience that guides visitors to the farmhouse. A reoriented and expanded parking area provides 12 spots for office visitors, trail users, and staff. The farmers’ market continues to be held on the flat pad area, but vehicle traffic for it and other events on site is routed south along a new driveway that brings cars down towards the barn and away from most pedestrian traffic. The remainder of the old loop driveway is converted to an accessible pedestrian path, making the core of the site a

15/27

Pollinator-friendly landscaping

Main Parking

Old Ice cream Stand

(12 spots)

Farmhouse

The area in front of the farmhouse by the patio is planted with meadow-like sweeps of grasses and flowering perennials. The Kousa dogwood is transplanted from the maintenance area to the front of the farmhouse opposite the beech, and additional trees and shrubs are added in the front pad area. These trees will help to screen views of the reoriented parking area and Main Street from the farmhouse windows.

The mown area around the student garden becomes an area that highlights CRCT's efforts in maintaining the good water quality of the Damariscotta River. It is another educational opportunity as the stormwater runoff from the street flows into a bioswale/wet meadow complex for treatment; flowering plants that enjoy moist conditions Rocks create ponding like blue vervain are added for pollinators and visual appeal. The existing shrub beds are integrated into the natallowing pollutants to settle and organic uralistic vegetation. A spur trail to/from Round Top Ice Cream passes through this area to draw visitors through the garden. The swale passes under the gravel path and through a birch copse before discharging into the fields. matter to accumulate The birches serve to block views of the maintenance area from southbound trail users and guests on the ice cream store deck. A footpath lined with blocky boulders winds over the swale and between the birches, providing a pleasant shady area that pays tribute to the importance of the river and birch trees in local indigenous culture.

Old Ice Cream Stand

Bioswale Native plants absorb runoff and pollutants while attracting pollinators

Prepared Soil Mixture Roots aid in nutrient uptake, microbial activity, and infiltration

A row of oaks, dogwoods, wildflowers, and perennial shrubs like witch-hazel greet visitors as they drive into the site. The plants create a sightline to the restored farmhouse and main parking area for clear wayfinding without the use of signs, discourage erratic parking, and shade the ice cream stand area.

Conceptual view from farmhouse porch overlooks native plant landscaping and garden/bioswale complex

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

The former south exit and gravel area near the cemetery are reclaimed and planted with groundcovers such as Canada windflower and wildflowers such as large-leaved wood asters that bloom in late summer. Also, beardtongue foxglove would pair nicely with asters flowering in spring to maximize blooms throughout the season.

Large shrubs planted by the former south exit like witch-hazel, that flower in fall, will help to eliminate vehicle traffic and protect the cemetery and mature trees as the bloom season ends for the wildflowers. This area can be used as an extension off the farmers’ market pad as an additional picnic space or as an educational point that explains the history of Round Top Farm.

Wet Meadow

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Maintenance & Staff

Bioswale

h

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Birch Copse

Pat

Spring 2022

e Accessibl

Design Detail: Entry & Arrival

Visitors enter the site and proceed along a single main drive towards the farmhouse. The area in front of the old ice cream stand is converted into a picnic area and gathering space where community members, students, Rotary Club members, etc. can pursue garden projects or host other educational activities. Oaks and flowering trees like alternate-leaved dogwood are added along the edge to provide shade to visitors, draw the eye towards the farmhouse, and discourage vehicles from parking along the road.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

To Ice Cream Store

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Design Detail: Entry & Arrival

16/27

The pad is maintained as open lawn space to accommodate the farmers' market, additional event parking, and recreational use. Stormwater entering the site from the culvert is directed into an engineered pretreatment vault with minimal above-ground footprint to keep as much usable pad area as possible. Trash, sediment, and oils are separated in the vault. The pretreated water then flows into a vegetated swale that runs around the southern edge of the pad. The water is filtered and cleaned by soil and plant roots and a portion is infiltrated into the ground. Overflow is directed into the existing drainage, where it is cleaned further before flowing into the estuary. Densely growing shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants along the swale create a beautiful border along the pad for visitors to enjoy and learn about green stormwater management.

a sw

le

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Detail: Pad Area

Vendor vehicle access Farmers' Market

Oil/trash separation

Inlet (from culvert)

Outlet to swale

Sediment trap

Stormwater pretreatment devices are typically prefabricated structures with small footprints, making them ideal for constrained spaces. Specific configuration and features vary by manufacturer, but most units separate sediment, oil and grease, and trash from runoff before the flow discharges into the main treatment structure (e.g., detention basin, swale), protecting that structure from being overwhelmed with pollutants and extending its functional life. Accumulated material must be periodically cleaned out of the pretreatment unit, typically with a vacuum truck or small excavator through an access hatch at the top.

Shrubs and small trees are planted along Main Street to screen views of the commercial businesses across the street but still allow visibility of the farmers' market for passers-by.

The new accessible trail linking the Church Street entrance with the existing gravel path provides easy access to the farmers' market to pedestrian visitors coming from the south.

A children's play area located between the pad and the new segment of trail is far enough downslope to be sheltered from undesirable noise and view from the road, and is easily accessible from either the trail or the farmers' market. This provides a safe space for children to play away from potential vehicle traffic. Shady areas beneath the mature trees lining the former driveway provide additional space to relax.

Vegetated Swale Management Annually or after large storms: • Inspect and correct any erosion or damage, especially near the inlet.

• Inspect for and remove any debris or accumulated sediment >3" in depth or covering vegetation.

• In spring, inspect for and remove any accumulated sand. Consider mulching and aerating to restore soil structure.

As needed:

3:1 side slope

Vegetated swales are broad shallow channels densely planted with vegetation. Swales are designed to slow runoff, filter/absorb stormwater pollutants, and promote infiltration. They can be easily integrated into the landscape setting and provide both stormwater management and aesthetic value.

Min. 24" width

• Replace dead or damaged vegetation.

• Reseed bare areas; install appropriate erosion control measures if necessary.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Clean-out hatch

The existing swale along the north side of the pad is rehabilitated and extended into a very broad, shallow swale that runs along the new drive.

This allows water to flow toward the existing drainage during very wet periods, but the area is still usable for parking or recreation most of the time. During farmers' market days, these spaces are reserved for visitors with limited mobility.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Stormwater Pretreatment Device

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

The pad area is graded to redirect water around the periphery of the open space through the use of swales and a slight elevation in the northeast corner.

Design Detail: Pad Area

Bioswale

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Play area

17/27

A

Upper Fields 0

Terraces 25 ft

Upper deck Lower deck A'

Walkway

B' Loop path

Terraces

B

Conceptual view of patio/viewing deck

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

The existing dirt pile left over from the farmhouse renovations is used to help create a series of new terraces leading down to a viewing platform by regrading a portion of the field just north of the existing drive.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Accessible Entry

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Barn

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Play Area

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Natural play

Views to River

Design Detail: Viewing Area

Natural play

ASLA.ORG

Boulder retaining wall

EARTHSCAPEPLAY.COM

ESCHLANDSCAPING.COM

The design takes advantage of the sloping terrain and existing stone retaining wall just northeast of the Darrows Barn to create a series of patio terraces and decks facing northwest to capture the scenic views of the river. Visitors may access the upper terraces—which are graded flat with retaining/seating walls built from site boulders—from the fields or from the accessible loop path. The lowest viewing platform is connected to the existing accessible entryway to the barn by a gradually sloping walkway built out from the retaining wall, offering universal access to the platform. The second lowest deck sits approximately two feet above the viewing platform and is connected to it by a set of broad shallow stairs that can double as seating. Additional small movable tables and chairs allow this space to be flexible for routine visitors and serve as an amenity for special events at the barn. A small arbor could be provided to create a setting for event photos, while an informational sign shows visible points of interest and educates visitors about the estuary system visible below. Several small trees planted along the loop path south of the terraces provide shade in the summer. Flowering plants and shrubs help delineate the upper edge of the terrace area but still allow visibility for parents with children enjoying the nearby natural play area.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Detail: Viewing Area

18/27

Swale Orchard

Lower Parking

To solar overlook

Overflo

Rain Garden Overflo

w P a r k in g

w P a r k in g

Culverts

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Tall shrubs and small trees like American hazelnut are planted along the bank southwest of the barn to screen views of the food bank entrance from the solar overlook. The beginning of the overlook trail doubles as a semi turnaround and also provides maintenance access to the solar array.

Spring 2022

Accessible Entry

Drainage outflow is turned into a swale and a woodchip path through the orchard contains multiple areas for event photography or comfortable rest spots.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

The two mature oaks are aerated, mulched, and underplanted with lowbush blueberry and no-mow groundcovers on the slope south of the farmhouse to minimize compaction in the root zone and competition from turf. This also eliminates the need to mow this steep area.

Food Bank

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Runoff from the maintenance area is collected at the bottom of the parking area and channeled into the orchard, where it is combined with the farmhouse foundation drain outflow. A rock-lined swale winding through the orchard directs flow to the culvert under the existing driveway and a second culvert under the proposed new drive. Boulders of various sizes along the swale add visual interest and can be used for play or seating. A small loop path from the event space crosses the swale via a stone bridge beneath a trellis planted with flowering vines, and leads to a bench beneath the triple-stemmed oak. This path creates multiple options for event photography as well as shady rest areas.

Barn

Design Detail: Orchard/Event space

A large rain garden is used to help manage stormwater and add aesthetic interest to the lower event parking lot. Formalizing this parking area with designated parking spots and edge plantings help encourage efficient parking patterns. This area could be converted to permeable pavement in the future to provide a more durable surface for parking. Tall shrubs like red buckeye screen the view of the lot from the front of the barn and attract hummingbirds, bees, and visitors alike with their bright red, firecracker-like flowers. Additional overflow parking is provided in the grassy area to the south of the lot and along the driveway south of the orchard. Two ADA parking spaces are provided next to the barn entry porch for easy access to events in the barn and lower orchard space. The steps to the porch are reoriented to the front (east) and a sloped ramp next to them provides ADA access to the barn. This ramp is shallow enough to doubles as an extension of the porch space and encourages event guests to gather outside and connect more closely with the lower orchard area. Picnic tables, planters, and other amenities are provided in the event and orchard space to signal a pedestrian-only zone while maintaining the ability for emergency vehicles to access the front of the barn.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Design Detail: Orchard & Event Space

19/27

Common witch-hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Avoid droughty sites; yellow flowers in October; yellow fall leaf color

Bush honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

Spreads by suckering stems; very hardy, adaptable

Maidenhair fern

Adiantum pedatum

Graceful black stem; nearly circular fronds; tolerates alkaline soil

Foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia

Delicate white flowers in early spring

Canada windflower

Anemone canadensis

Spreading groundcover; tolerates compacted soils

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Fall flowers are deep purple

Violet

Viola spp.

Various species and colors; most self-sow to form groundcovers

New Jersey tea

Ceanothus americanus

Early summer blooms

Northern bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Good for massing; useful in poor soil sites; aromatic foliage

Creeping juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

Adaptable; tolerates hot, dry sites and alkaline soil; evergreen

Obedient plant

Physostegia virginiana

Flowers pink, leaves dark green; good cut flower

Wild indigo

Baptisia spp.

Early summer blooms

Butterfly weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Orange blooms mid to late summer

Wild bergamot

Monarda didyma

Purple-pink blooms

Coneflowers

Rudbeckia spp.

Hardy; blooms throughout summer

Meadowsweet

Spiraea tomentosa

Pink and white blooms in summer

Blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium spp.

Late spring blooming

Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Early to mid summer blooming

Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Flowers attract bees; monarch butterflies lay eggs on leaves

Mountain mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Delicate green-white flowers; aromatic leaves

Blue vervain

Verbena hastata

Midsummer blooming

Purple lovegrass

Eragrostis spectabilis

Attractive purple coloring mid to late summer

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Blooms mid to late summer; stems provide winter interest

Blazing star

Liatris novae-angliae

Midsummer blooms

Golden Alexanders

Zizia aurea

Important to a number of short-tongued insects; small yellow flowers

Canadian serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

Useful in edible and wildlife landscapes; yellow-gold fall color

Common juniper

Juniperus communis

Tolerates drought, wind, sterile or alkaline soils; evergreen

Buffaloberry

Shepherdia canadensis

Dry sunny sites; tolerates salt

Shrubby cinquefoil

Dasiphora floribunda

Good summer-flowering shrub; tolerates alkaline soil

Northern bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Good for massing; useful in poor soil sites; aromatic foliage

Virginia rose

Rosa virginiana

Spreads by suckering stems; good in dry and seaside sites; good hedge

Pollinator meadows Screening

Pollinator meadows

Main Street screening

Fields and hedgerows (Tidewater Farm, Falmouth, ME)

gazettenet.com

arboretum.psu.edu

Falmouthlandtrust.org

Entry/cemetery Area

Wet meadow (Pennsylvania State Arboretum)

Wildflower lawn

Pennsylvania sedge and lady fern

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Transplants readily; good fall red leaf color Attractive foliage, white blooms in late spring,

Spring 2022

Quercus rubra Cornus alternifolia

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Northern red oak Alternate-leaved dogwood

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Entry/ cemetery area

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Notes

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Scientific Name

Plant Palette

Common Name

austineischeid.com

The plant palettes shown on the following sheets include native species that are useful for water filtration, soil stabilization, and/or attracting pollinators, and are adapted to the specific microclimates found on site.

It is an incomplete list that suggests some suitable plants, but there are many more plants native to Maine that could also be used to create a functional and educational landscape.

Habitat

Izelplants.com

Plant Palette

Wildflower meadow

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

20/27

BIRCH COPSE Bioswale & Wet meadow

gardeninacity.com

panniergraphics.com

Orchard/ event area

Pollinator demonstration garden

Red columbine and ostrich fern

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Spreads by suckering stems; wine-red fall color; good wildlife plant in wet or dry soils Good for wetland plantings

Pussy willow

Salix discolor

Fuzzy flowers in early spring; good for naturalizing; tolerates wet soil

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia

Fragrant, large white blooms in mid to late summer

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea

Red stems attractive in winter; spreads by suckering stems; tolerates wet soil

Common witch-hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Bright red fruits persist into midwinter; excellent wetland plant

Inkberry

Ilex glabra

Early to midsummer blooms; dark fruit

Northern spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Multi-stemmed tall shrub; blooms early spring, fruits in August

Arrowwood

Viburnum dentatum

Midsummer blooms

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Useful in edible landscapes

Swamp milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Showy reddish flowers in late summer to early fall

Marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Showy yellow flowers in early spring

Joe-Pye weed

Eutrochium purpureum

Purple flowers in fall; attracts pollinators

White turtlehead

Chelone glabra

Interesting white flowers in midsummer

Blue flag iris

Iris versicolor

Elegant form; blue-purple flowers; easy to grow

Common rush Wild geranium

Juncus effusus Geranium maculatum

Valuable for wetland restoration and soil retention in swales Purple flowers in late spring; attractive foliage

New York ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

Moist meadows; tall; pink flowers

Tussock sedge

Carex stricta

Forms dense clumps of fine tufted green foliage

Cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Bright red flowers from July to September

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Green flowers in early summer

Interrupted fern

Osmunda claytoniana

Easy to grow; spreads well; luxuriant spring growth

Royal fern

Osmunda regalis

Thrives in bogs or wet areas

Cinnamon fern

Osmunda cinnamomea

Easy to grow; attractive cinnamon-colored fertile fronds in spring

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum

Indiangrass

Sorghastrum nutans

Creates valuable habitat, providing food and shelter for wildlife; may outcompete other plants; best in masses Creates a supportive environment for wildlife

American hazelnut

Corylus americana

Edible nuts, colorful leaves in the fall

Red buckeye

Aesculus pavia

Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Common ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

Dry sunny sites; attractive purple-green foliage

Bush honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

Spreads by suckering stems; very hardy, adaptable

Ostrich fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Wabanaki connection; elegant vase-shaped frond clusters.

Marginal wood fern

Dryopteris marginalis

Excellent for stabilizing dry shaded slopes

Asters

Symphyotrichum spp.

Blue-purple blooms in early to late fall

Red columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Slopes and rocky areas

Vaccinium angustifolium

Slow; good for edible or wildlife landscapes; requires acid soil

Lowbush blueberry Under mature oaks Marginal wood fern

shootgardening.co.uk

PHOTO CREDIT: K. CHOLAKIS Aspen walk (Pennsylvania State Arboretum)

Birch copse

Birch and fern path

Dryopteris marginalis

Pennsylvania sedge

Carex pensylvanica

Effective groundcover; drought-tolerant; excellent lawn substitute

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera

Distinctive white peeling bark; yellow fall color

Ostrich fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Nodding onion

Allium cernuum

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Aronia melanocarpa

Spring 2022

Black chokeberry

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Orchard/event Area

Notes

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Bioswale with Catch Basin

Latin Name

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Mature Oaks

Common Name

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Rain Garden

Habitat Bioswales/ rain garden

Plant Palette

Plant Palette, Continued

Soft grass-like leaves; pink flower clusters in summer Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

21/27

5. Grassy shrub marsh

3. Tall grass meadow

6. Brackish tidal marsh

ger

ow

2 Hay

6

5

Hay

5

1

3

These forests occur on gently to somewhat steeply sloping areas. Some stands are almost entirely deciduous (typically oak - beech), while others are mixed with white pine, red spruce or hemlock (especially along the coast). The community provides nesting habitat for a large number of perching songbird species. The riparian buffer along the shoreline and the woodland near Church Street already have some of these trees. These woodland areas could be allowed to expand to encourage greater use by birds and other animal species that thrive in edges and woodlands.

MAINE.GOV

MAINE.GOV

Grassy Shrub Marsh

If haying in the fields is reduced a tall grass meadow may emerge or be encouraged. These dense swards of tall grassy vegetation are typically dominated by bluejoint, with smaller amounts of shrubs (alder, meadowsweet, willow) mixed in.

Flat-topped white aster and spotted Joe-Pye weed are common tall forbs. Freshwater cordgrass is often present in small amounts.

Brackish Tidal Marsh PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

Cattails are already growing at Round Top Farm in the old retention pond by the lower parking lot. Common cattail, narrow-leaved cattail, or both may be present; the latter is common near the coast or in brackish settings. These deep emergent marshes provide foraging and nesting habitat for a large number of wading birds and waterfowl.

1 4 3

5

4 2

Potential associated rare animals: Blanding's turtle Spotted turtle Ribbon snake American coot American oystercatcher Black-crowned night-heron

A grassy shrub marsh is a heterogeneous wetland type in which herbs and shrubs occur in various assemblages and proportions. Several rare reptiles may be found in this community type. This type is very broadly defined and could be subdivided into shrub versus herbaceous types using additional site data and analyses. The drainage areas on site already contain emergent perennial vegetation, which could be encouraged to expand.

Black tern Common moorhen Least bittern Saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow Sedge wren Short-eared owl

Brackish tidal marshes contain both freshwater and brackish water species.

With sea level rise this may be the direction the ecology of the site may take, especially in the lower areas of the site along the drainages. Tidal marshes are valuable wildlife habitat and have received considerable conservation attention.

Whip-poor-will Yellow rail Comet darner Early hairstreak Red-winged sallow Tomah mayfly

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Spring 2022

PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

A few sedges already grow at Round Top Farm in the swale behind the ice cream stand.

This area and/or the wet meadow below the solar array could be transitioned to a sedge meadow dominated by tussock sedge interspersed with bluejoint and a few shrubs. Shrub cover in sedge meadows is usually less than 30% but may occasionally be higher; meadowsweet is a characteristic shrub.

Hed

N.T.S.

Cattail Marsh

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Tall Grass Meadow

MAINE.GOV

2. Oak-hardwood forest

Damariscotta River

Oak-Northern Hardwood Forest

MAINE.GOV

4. Cattail marsh

Barn

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Sedge Meadow

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Farmhouse

Potential site habitats: 1. Sedge meadow

SALINE WATER

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The complexity of the Maine coastline allows for a wide range of tidal influence on plant community types. The Damariscotta River provides a gradient of environments with varying salinity throughout the esturary. This influences the species composition. Similarily, Round Top Farm varies in saline water inputs with more saline wet areas near the shoreline and freshwater habitats at the top of the slope. Sea level rise may affect the location of the communities that thrive on site, but Round Top Farm's gradual topography may accommodate the retreat and advance of plant communities in response to sea level rise.

A few examples of coastal habitats that could be encouraged and/or established at Round Top Farm are listed on this sheet, but an evaluation by a coastal ecologist is recommended.

FRESHWATER

Potential Site Habitat

Potential Site Habitat

22/27

Hedgerows Mown trails

Oak-hardwood woodland

Hayfield

Accessible Paths

Mown Trails Sedge & Tall Grass Meadow

Hayfield

Green Stormwater Management

View Point

Pollinator Meadows

Cattail Marsh View Point

Historic Cemetery

Rain Garden

Mown Area Vehicle Paths

Grassy Shrub Marsh

Oak-Hardwood Woodland

Tall Grass Meadow

Green Stormwater Management

Grassy Shrub Marsh

Cattail Marsh

Interpretive Signage Location Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Mown lawn

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Cattail marsh

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Vehicle paths

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

The plan below shows how various habitats might be expanded and where interpretive signs could be placed.

Signs, trail markers, and other educational features in the landscape (for example, animal sculptures) could be made in a style reflecting indigenous craftsmanship and the legacy of the site as Round Sedge Meadow Top Center for the Arts.

Buffer

Brackish Tidal Marsh

Accessible path

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

As coastal and upland habitats develop at Round Top Farm, interpretive signage could be incorporated throughout the landscape to celebrate and inform visitors about the rich history and ecosystems of the Damariscotta Estuary. Information on indigenous peoples and the history of the farm and the plants and animals that call these varied habitats home could be displayed on the signs, as well as information about CRCT's stewardship activities. Interpretive locations suggested below can be reached with accessible paths. A self-guided tour could begin at the historic cemetery and move visitors throughout the landscape to highlight green stormwater management practices and native plants performing various functions on site. The viewpoint on the ridge southwest of the barn could serve as a place to educate visitors about features visible from the overlook, including the estuary, Proposed Land Cover with the importance of wide riparian buffers, and the different habitats located to the west of the site Interpretive Stations that are connected to the estuary such as brackish tidal marshes and eelgrass meadows. The viewing area by the barn could also point out these features as well as the shell middens to the north and other habitats beyond the site boundary like the bald eagle nesting area. Everyone can have access to this information as they meander through Oak-pine-Hardwood the native perennial gardens and the meadows.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Existing Land Cover

Exploring a Coastal Landscape

Exploring a Coastal Landscape

23/27

Glossy Buckthorn

MASSAUDUBON.ORG

(Frangula alnus)

Replacement Plants Management methods include cutting, mowing, girdling, excavation, and burning. Repeated cutting reduces plant vigor. Mowing maintains open areas by preventing seedling establishment. Girdled buckthorn will not resprout. Girdling may be done at any time of the year. Seedlings or small plants may be hand-pulled or removed with hand equipment. Larger plants may be mechanically removed, but disturbance around the root zone will often prompt new sprouts.

The following species are recommended for replanting areas after widespread invasive species removal. Planting should occur in spring (late April to early May) or fall (September to mid-October). Plugs or bare-root plants one to two years of age are preferable to larger specimens for rapid establishment.

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

The best control method for this persistent species is prevention. Repeated mowing or cutting (at least six cuts per year near ground surface for two or more years) can eliminate smaller colonies. Large thickets may necessitate heavy equipment for removal. This must be followed by removal of root sprouts or other new growth. Herbicides may also be used in combination with or as a follow-up to mechanical removal.

DRY

PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

Mechanical removal is recommended. Whole shrubs may be removed with hand tools. Roots should be removed as much as possible to prevent resprouting. Gloves and suitable clothing should be worn for protection from spiny branches. Regular mowing can also prevent resprouting. Where mechanical removal is not practical, glyphosate herbicides may be appropriate.

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

Repeated cutting of the stalks can eliminate sprouts, but must be performed frequently enough to offset rhizomatic growth (at least three times a year). Alternatively, repeated cutting may be combined with application of glyphosate herbicide to the cut stalks. Grubbing of roots is NOT recommended for this species as even small root fragments may lead to new sprouts if distributed.

JUNIPER

GOLDENROD

NEW JERSEY TEA

VIRGINIA ROSE

BAYBERRY

WILD BERGAMOT

SWEETFERN BLACK-EYED CONEFLOWER

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

SHADE

SUN

WET

SHADBUSH

BUSH HONEYSUCKLE

MOUNTAIN MINT

ASTERS

COMMON MILKWEED

VIBURNUMS

MEADOWSWEET

HAZELNUT

CHOKEBERRY

VIRGINIA CREEPER

BONESET

FLOWERING RASPBERRY

SWAMP MILKWEED

GRAY DOGWOOD

WINTERBERRY

ELDERBERRY

JOE-PYE WEED

SPECKLED ALDER

PUSSY WILLOW

BLUE IRIS

WITCH-HAZEL

SWEET PEPPERBUSH

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Spring 2022

PHOTO CREDIT: H. MATIS

As the vegetation along the drainages is allowed to expand naturally, it is likely that invasive species present on site will also proliferate. These should be removed to give native vegetation the best chance to establish and support wildlife. Where significant bare areas are left by the removal of invasives, it is recommended to replant the area as quickly as possible with native species to help prevent recurrence. Several invasives found on site are addressed on this sheet.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Small patches can be pulled by hand, but the entire root must be removed to prevent resprouting. Larger stems must be cut; cut stems may be painted with triclopyr or glyphosate. Seedbanks are typically substantial and repeated control over several seasons is likely necessary for full eradication.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

(Celastrus orbiculata)

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Oriental bittersweet

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Invasive Species Management

Control Methods

Invasive Species Management

Common Invasive Plants at Round Top Farm

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Phase One Conceptual Cost Estimate

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

The costs shown are conceptual and do not include additional costs such as equipment mobilization/demobilization, construction oversight, or engineering and permitting. Actual project costs will be determined by consultation with project engineers and contractors.

Phase One

Project Phasing plan

Arrival & Entry Landscaping

Pad Area Improvements New Driveway

The first phase of construction would include installing the new driveway and parking area, demolishing the old driveway and gravel areas, landscaping around the farmhouse and old ice cream stand, and the pad area improvements.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

accessible paths from old driveway

Spring 2022

The following sheets provide one potential plan that separates the project components into three construction phases that may be completed independently. Associated concept-level cost estimates are provided for each component. An estimate of total project cost is provided at the end of the following sheet.

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Due to the size of the proposed project, CRCT may wish to consider a phased approach to implementation. This would allow the organization to complete certain parts of the project as funds become available and reduce the amount of disruption to site operations at any given time. However, project management for phased construction will be more complex and total overall costs may increase due to longer timelines, changes in construction costs, and other factors.

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Project Phasing Plan

25/27

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Phases Two and Three Conceptual Cost Estimate

Phase Two

Accessible Trail To Ice Cream

Accessible Trail to CHurch St.

The second phase of construction would include installing new accessible trails from the Church Street entrance to the main core as well as the solar overlook and ice cream spur. At the same time, the garden area bioswale and landscaping would be completed, including the birch copse and natural play area near the gardens.

Project Phasing Plan

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Phase Three

viewing area

Orchard/ event space

Lower Parking improvements

Phase Three would include improvements to the orchard and event space as well as alterations to the lower parking area and the installation of the viewing platform and patio areas to the north of the barn.

Spring 2022

Accessible Trail to Solar Panel Overlook

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Natural Play Area & Birch Copse

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Project Phasing Plan

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Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry. "Natural Community Fact Sheets." Maine.gov, Page 20: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/commsheets.htm.

• Falmouth Land Trust. https://falmouthlandtrust.org/events/2022/1/16/guided-walk-tidewater-farm • Austin Eischeid Garden Design, LLC. https://austineischeid.com/elizabeth-meadow Maine State Museum. "First Peoples: Wabanaki Trade and Transitions." Mainestatemuseum.org, https:// • Penn State Outreach. https://arboretum.psu.edu/gardens/gallery/ mainestatemuseum.org/exhibit/regional-struggle/first-peoples/ • Reiss, Valerie. "Does Your Lawn Want to Be a Meadow?" Daily Hampshire Gazette, 20 Sept. 2019, gazettenet.com/environment-lawn-alternatives-28355749 Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS). Climate Change Projections for Individual Tree • Vogt, Benjamin. https://www.izelplants.com/blog/getting-sedgy-with-green-mulch/ Species: Eastern and Coastal Maine. NIACS, 2019, PDF download from https://forestadaptation.org/sites/ default/files/NE_EasternCoastalMaine_1x1_01212021.pdf.

Page 21: • Shoot, Ltd. https://www.shootgardening.co.uk/article/the-daily-telegraph-garden-4?flush=true Rainscaping Iowa. Bioswales for Better Stormwater Management. RainscapingIowa.org, 2014, PDF down• Pannier Graphics. https://panniergraphics.com/wayfinding-signs-university-gardens/ load from https://cms8.revize.com/revize/cedarrapids/Public%20Works/Sewer%20&%20Stormwater/ • Bertkay, Jason. https://gardeninacity.com/2016/05/27/oh-my-darling-columbine/ Bioswales2014_01E96EC73C3D6.pdf.

Page 22: Tredyffrin Township. Vegetated Swales. Tredyffrin Township, 2006, PDF download from http://www.mal• Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry. Brackish Tidal Marsh. Maine Natural Areas vern.org/community-corner/important-sw-documents/.

Program, 2010, PDF download from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/communities/brackishmarsh.htm.

Union of Concerned Scientists. Maine: Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast. Northeast Climate • Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry. Grassy Shrub Marsh. Maine Natural ArImpacts Assessment, 2007, PDF download from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/docs/ eas Program, 2010, PDF download from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/communities/ NortheastClimateImpactsAssessment(MaineSummary).pdf. grassyshrubmarsh.htm.

• Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry. Oak-Northern Hardwoods Forest. Maine University of Maine Cooperative Extension. "Plants for the Maine Landscape." Extension.umaine.edu, Natural Areas Program, 2010, PDF download from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/comhttps://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/plants-for-the-maine-landscape/. munities/redoakhardwoodpineforest.htm.

• Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry. Tall Grass Meadow. Maine Natural Areas Wild Seed Project. "Comprehensive Plant List." Wildseedproject.net, https://wildseedproject.net/compreProgram, 2010, PDF download from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/communities/bluehensive-plant-list/. jointmeadow.htm.

Wild Seed Project. Favorite Plants for Schoolyards. Wild Seed Project, 2019, PDF download from https:// wildseedproject.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Schoolyard-Plantings. pdf.

Page 24: • Mass Audubon. "Glossy Buckthorn". [Photo]. https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/ invasive-plants/glossy-buckthorn.

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Spring 2022

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry. "Invasive Threats to Maine's Forests and Trees." Maine.gov, https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/index.htm.

Page 18: • American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). "Chicago Botanic Garden: The Regenstein Learning Campus." [Photo]. https://www.asla.org/2017awards/326889.html • Earthscape. "Village of Batawa Natural Playground." [Photo]. https://www.earthscapeplay.com/project/natural-playground-ontario/.

• Esch Landscaping LLC. "Boulder Retaining Wall Overlooking Lake Huron." [Photo]. https://www.eschlandscaping.com/maintenance-services//retaining-walls.

3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, ME 04543

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCPRC). "Lincoln County Sea Level Rise: Coastal Hazard Study." [Google Earth data layer], lcrpc.org, 2014, https://lcrpc.org/coastal-projects-planning/sea-level-rise-scenarios.

Image Credits

Designed By: Veronica Chudik & Hope Matis

Clean Water Services. Low Impact Development Approaches Handbook. Clean Water Services, 2021, PDF download from https://www.cleanwaterservices.org/permits-development/design-construction-standards/lida-handbook/.

Wild Seed Project. Rugged Native Plants for Replanting After Invasive Species Removal. Wild Seed Project, 2019, PDF download from https://wildseedproject.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Invasives-to-Natives. pdf.

Round Top Farm Comprehensive Plan

Beck, Travis. Principles of Ecological Landscape Design. Island Press, 2013.

Designed For: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust

Austin, Gary. Green Infrastructure for Landscape Planning. Routledge, 2014.

Wild Seed Project. Native Pollinator Plants by Season of Bloom. Wild Seed Project, 2019, PDF download from https://wildseedproject.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pollinator-Plants-by-Season.pdf.

References

References

88 Village Hill Rd.Northampton, MA 01060 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

References

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