PUTAH CREEK RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECT
CYNTHIA BUI
[Medium Scale]
CYNTHIA BUI
PUTAH CREEK RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECT
CLASS: LDA 120 - Advanced Computer Graphics
INSTRUCTOR: Victoria Mohr
LOCATION: Davis, CA
AREA: 37 Acres
SOFTWARE: GIS - RHINO - PHOTOSHOP - ILLUSTRATOR
YEAR: Winter Quarter 2023
2 Cynthia Bui Portfolio
East Putah Creek Site Analysis 3 Riparian Repain [Individual Project] 4-5 Reintroducing Sinuosity [Group Project] 6-7 CONTENTS
0 0.1 miles 3
Project
Putah Creek Riparian Restoration
47.8 51.5 59.5 60.4 47.8 57.8 59.5 60.4
IDEA 1: Multi-Channels
IDEA 2: Islands and Backwater
PRELIMINARY IDEAS 4 Cynthia Bui Portfolio
IDEA 3: Sinuosity and Backwater
FLOOD INTENSITY
RIPARIAN REPAIR: PUTAH CREEK RESTORATION
Putah Creek use to be home to an expansive riparian habitat that would extend for a mile. Nowadays, it is difficult for riparian habitats to form along the creek because of the lack of flooding. Minimal flooding is caused by steep embankments that confine the channel. My individual proposal tries to remedy the issue by flattening the surrounding area to increase the size of the floodplain. More frequent and wider inundation will will allow for riparian habitats to florish. Additionally, a side channel and backwater areas are to be added so that more of the floodplain is in close contact with water.
Another issue that plagues Putah creek is the oversized channel. These large channels creates pools of stagnant water. This plan proposes narrower channels to promote better water circulation and movement.
2-year flood 5-year flood 22-year flood 65-year flood
5 Putah Creek Riparian Restoration Project
AXON PROPOSAL
Perspective Section A-A’ Proposal Proposal
A A’ A Wetland Ruderal Grassland C B A Ruderal Grassland Valley Oak Savannah Valley Oak Savannah Valley Oak Savannah Valley Oak Savannah Riparian Forest Riparian Forest Riparian Forest Riparian Forest Riparian Forest Ruderal Grassland Ruderal Grassland Levee Levee Levee Marsh Marsh Scrub Scrub Marsh ADA ADA Trail Trail Trail ADA Reintroducing East Putah Creek Team #2: Sophia Stoffels, Julliana Steel, 0’ 100’ 200’ 1 2 6 Cynthia Bui Portfolio
Proposal
Reintroducing Sinuosity Creek Redesign
REINTRODUCING SINUOSITY
My final project was in collaboration with Julianna Steel, Sophia Stoffels, and Elizandra Medina. Our main objectives were to improve the ecological health of the site and encourage recreational use. We proposed a narrower, more sinuous channel with side channels and surrounding wetlands. Different channel forms promote biodiversity and varying vegetation habitats. Additionally, the flood plain is flattened to encourage more intense and frequent flooding to help widen the riparian corridor.
Recreational features we propose include small gravel beaches, a dirt trail, and an ADA compliant trail with multiple observation decks along the south side of the creek. We hope to encourage more people to use Putah Creek and to create an inclusive space that is accessible to all.
FLOODING DIAGRAMS
2-Year Flood
5-Year Flood
22-Year Flood
64-Year Flood
Plan View A’
A B C’ B’ A’
1.) WEST BEACH PLAY AREA
Valley Oak Savannah
Valley Oak Savannah Riparian Forest
Riparian Forest
Riparian Forest
Riparian Forest
Ruderal Grassland Ruderal Grassland
Scrub
32 year 32 year 32 year 5 year 5 year 5 year 2 year 2 year 2 year Trail Trail Trail Levee Levee 200’ 0 50 100 200’ 200’
Ruderal Grassland Wetland Wetland
Marsh Marsh
Steel, Cynthia Bui, Elizandra Medina
7
Project
Putah Creek Riparian Restoration