Michelle Shanahan - Landscape Architecture Portfolio by michelleshanahan

MICHELLE SHANAHAN M L A C A N D I D AT E - C A L P O LY P O M O N A CLASS OF 2021

WORK EXPERIENCE C O N S E R VA T I O N I N T E R N

2019 - 2020 C H I N O B A S I N WAT E R C O N S E R VAT I O N D I S T R I C T RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, written and verbal communication, organization, native and drought tolerant plant knowledge, collaboration, hand graphics • •

C O N TAC T 858.705.2385

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M L S H A N A H A N @ C P P. E D U

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1 2 4 3 N . C O L L E G E WAY O N TA R I O , C A

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PROGRAMS

Researched and produced instructional materials for DIY native landscape design including a 14-page booklet for the general public and a single flyer for a local high school course Built a database of clipped native and drought tolerant plant image PNG files Created an asset library of custom plant and material blocks for rendering landscape templates Rendered plan view and perspective landscape templates that demonstrated the use of various waterwise plant palettes Recorded tutorials to train staff members on the image rendering process Assisted with other miscellaneous graphic design needs relating to landscape and water conservation

SUMMER DESIGN INTERN

2020 - 2020

ADOBE INDESIGN

CRAFT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A D O B E I L L U S T R AT O R

RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, marketing, written and verbal communication, collaboration, organization, native plant knowledge, hand graphics, time management

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ADOBE LIGHTROOM AUTOCAD RHINO 3D ARCMAP SKETCHBOOK MICROSOFT SUITE

SKILLS COMPUTER GRAPHICS HAND GRAPHICS PA G E L AY O U T V I S U A L C O M M U N I C AT I O N V E R B A L C O M M U N I C AT I O N

• • • • • •

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

2015 - 2020

T H E M A R K E T I N G D E PA R T M E N T RESPONSIBILITIES: Graphic design, production design, marketing, written and verbal communication, organization, collaboration, time management • •

TEAMWORK

LEADERSHIP

• • •

TIME MANAGEMENT

•

INDEPENDENT WORK

Collected and formatted images into design decks used for client presentations Rendered perspective graphics with specific plant materials Assisted with site plan redesigns per clients’ requests Corresponded with prospective clients about initial inquiries and helped to set up client consultations Produced construction details for the firm’s detail library Mocked up various designs for marketing swag items

Digital Design: email blasts, hero images, re-marketing ads, social media ads, website assets Print Design: business cards, newspaper ads, direct mailers, postcards, posters, billboards, promotional items Designed logos based on brands’ identity and purpose Maintained knowledged of brands’ and clients’ brand standards Produced work in accordance to deadlines, client expectations, brand standards, and specific client requests Kept track of project and task progress and followed up as needed

E D U C AT I O N

ACHIEVEMENTS

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

2020 RUTH SHELLHORN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona

Candidate Cal Poly Pomona Class of 2021

COHORT REPRESENTATIVE MLA - SECOND YEAR Cal Poly Pomona

BACHELOR OF AR TS, VISUAL AR TS Drawing & Painting University of California San Diego

Class of 2013

2019 PROSPECT AWARD MLA - FIRST YEAR Cal Poly Pomona

VOLUNTEER

2019 CHAPMAN FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona

CLEAN & GREEN POMONA

Pomona, CA I assisted in planting trees at a local neighborhood park. Our volunteer group was able to plant a total of 51 trees that will help to provide increased shade within the community’s park.

FRIENDS OF THE LA RIVER

2018 CHAPMAN FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Cal Poly Pomona

Long Beach, CA I participated in a river cleanup that took place at the Golden Shore wetlands just before the LA River estuary. The main objective was to collect trash that would otherwise end up in our ocean.

2016 FEATURED ARTIST NORTH PARK ART FESTIVAL San Diego, CA

PROJECT GROW

2012-2013 PHI SIGMA THETA NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY UC San Diego

Newport Beach, CA I worked with Project Grow at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve on their ROOTS project. This involved clearing out invasive plants and planting native species in their place to help restore the bay back to its more natural ecological state.

COLOR OF HEALING

San Diego, CA

I visited patients at a senior rehabilitation center and brought various types of art supplies. I offered to either do an art project with them, or to create art for them to watch the process if they were unable to do it themselves.

BECKY’S HOUSE

San Diego, CA

MEMBERSHIPS A M E R I C A N A S S O C I AT I O N OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE C P P C L I M AT E A C T I O N COMMUNITY

Becky’s House is a transitional housing program for victims of domestic violence. I helped to lead therapeutic art exercises with the children while their mothers met for their weekly group sessions.

C A L I F O R N I A N AT I V E PLANT SOCIETY

REFERENCES

HOBBIES

Scott Kleinrock CBWCD - Conservation Programs Manager 818-970-2785 | skleinrock@cbwcd.org

HIKING

Claire Latané, ASLA Cal Poly Pomona - Professor of Landscape Architecture 323-358-1960 | calatane@cpp.edu Kat Superfisky City of Los Angeles - Urban Ecologist 248-890-6409 | superfisky@gmail.com

CAMPING M O U N TA I N B I K I N G HORSEBACK RIDING PUZZLING WEIGHT LIFTING COOKING

URBAN CANVAS

REIMAGINING THE SEA

WATERWISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM

NATIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDE

LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMMONWEALTH ARROYO

HAND DRAWING

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

NURTURED BY NATURE

URBAN CANVAS

COMMUNITY LIVING THROUGH ARTISTIC COLL

LABORATION

SITE CONTEXT DOWNTOWN POMONA

210

CITY OF POM POPULATION

Most den

Least den

Project sit Downtow

PARK NEED WITHIN THE LOS ANGELES RMC* TERRITYORY

1 mi

Most need

PROJECT S

Least need 0

5 mi

10 mi

*The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

2nd

DOWNTOWN POMONA

50’ 100’

APPROVED

200’

400’

Multi-Family Residential

Western University

Train Tracks

Single-Family Residential

Schools

Bus Stops

Mixed Urban

Transit Center

Bus Route

Parks/Plazas

Train Station

Art Walk Participants

50’ 100’

S T U D I O FA L L 2 0 1 9 Pomona Park Project SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAIN RANGE

L O C AT I O N : Pomona, CA

MONA N DENSITY

PROBLEM:

nse

Downtown Pomona, once a successful outdoor mall, fell victim to the onset of freeway-adjacent shopping malls and its streets quickly deteriorated. Several building developments have been approved for a few of the city blocks. However, the area is severely park poor and holds a rich artistic history.

nse 10

te wn 57 71

Los Angeles County

San Bernardino County

SITE CONDITIONS CHINO HILLS

d Street

VISION:

Celebrating decades of the unique art history in Downtown Pomona by integrating art-centric parks and plazas into the proposed mixed-use developments, offering a vast canvas for artistic displays and outdoor amenities. 0

G OA L S :

1 mi

2 mi

• Increase outdoor amenities • Collaborate with local artists and artisans on site features, fixtures, and public art • Increase shade and vegetation on site • Manage storm water and runoff on site

Historic buildings Historic fountains Parking lots Streets

METHOD:

Vacant lots

I worked on a regional scale analysis using GIS that pinpointed different park poor areas. From here I selected a site that displayed both need and potential. To gain local insight into my project site I spoke with several stakeholders including the president of the Pomona Historical Society, the president of the Pomona Arts Commission, the district’s counsel member, and a “re-developer” based out of Pomona.

School of Arts and Enterprise

D DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

Mixed-use commercial + residential buildings Parking structure Maya Cinemas Theater

PROGRAMS: • • • • • •

AutoCAD Rhino 3D Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign ArcMap

URBAN CANVAS SITE PLAN 8-Story mixed-use building with public rooftop garden

Parking lot

Glass connector bridges

Parking structure

8-Story mixed-use building with rooftop exercise and play park and level plaza

Existing commercial building

8-Story mixed-use building with public rooftop garden and cafe and ground-level plaza

2nd Street

Mixed-use street that can be blocked off to cars and used for food trucks, events, and markets. Existing Commercial Building

Connective alleyway from memorial park through residential neighborhood

Ground-level park with picnic area and interactive water feature

Pocket skatepark

Proposed Maya Cinemas movie theater

LAND COVER BEFORE AND AFTER BEFORE Existing commercial building

public d ground-

Trees Able to Remain Post-Development Trees to be Removed with Development Vegetation to Remain Post-Development Vegetation to be Removed with Development Bare Dirt Hardscape Existing Buildings

Existing multi-family building (Planned renovation)

AFTER Trees Coverage with Urban Canvas Vegetation Coverage with Urban Canvas

Restaurant space with public outdoor rooftop lounge and game room

Permeable Paving Proposed Buildings Existing Buildings Impermeable Hardscape

School of Arts and Enterprise senior building

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Permeable paving Drain pipes

Sunken Lawn Swales

50 ft.

100 ft.

N Subsurface Cistern

Historic Gist building with mural of late local artist, Karl Benjamin

BEFORE

San Gabriel Mountain Range

San Bernardino Mountain Range

San Jacinto Mountain Jurupa Hills

BRINGING 2ND STREET BACK TO ITS ROOTS AS A PEDESTRIAN-ONLY EXPERIENCE FULL OF LIFE AND ART.

AFTER

AN ELEVATED GARDEN EXPERIENCE OVERLOOKING THE PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEW.

BRIDGING GAPS IN THE SKY TO CREATE A CONNECTIVE NETWORK OF ROOFTOP PARKS IN A BUILT-UP DOWNTOWN.

REIMAGINING THE SEA

RESTORING RESILIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION

N AND REHABILITATION

CONCEPT PLAN + LAYERS Human Circulation

Aquatic Habitat

Halophyte Habitat

Playa Wind Slowing Surface Textures

Salt-Lovin Education Garden

STUDIO SPRING 2019 Salton Sea Project Seed Pod Viewing Structures

L O C AT I O N :

Red Hill Bay Salton Sea, CA

PROBLEM:

Water levels in the Salton Sea have been continuously declining, increasing the salinity of the remaining water and leaving behind a playa of toxic dust that effortlessly floods the atmosphere during the area’s frequent wind storms. This combination creates hazardous living conditions for all forms of life residing in and around the sea.

VISION:

Reconstructing the playa as a resilient habitat that supports a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife.

G OA L S :

• Create healthy habitat for avian and aquatic species • Increase native halophyte vegetation • Slow wind and suppress dust on the playa • Provide educational and recreational experiences

Mud Volcano Boardwalk

METHOD:

We engaged with several stakeholders including the Imperial Irrigation District, a geothermal energy plant, and a non-profit seeking to raise awareness and improve the conditions of the valley’s air quality. Then in teams of two, my partner and I utilized parametric patterns to create a series of furrows, ponds and islands that would address dust mitigation and habitat needs in the area called Red Hill Bay.

PROGRAMS: • • • • •

ng nal n N

.5mi

1 mi

Rhino 3D Grasshopper Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign

WATERWISE LANDSCAP

INTERNSHIP - CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVAT

PE DESIGN PROGRAM

TION DISTRICT

DRY STREAM BED DETAILS

SECTION A-A

DRY STREAM BED OVERFLOW BERM

DRY STREAM BED OVE

PLANTING DETAILS

PLANTING SECTION - SLOPE PLANTING

PLANTING SECTION - 4” PERENNIAL

PLANTING SECTION - TREE

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM DIY Yard Design for Residents

INTERNSHIP:

Chino Basin Water Conservation District

OBJECTIVE:

A: DRY STREAM BED SECTION Gravel to reinforce overflow point & spillway

Top of berm

Cobble & gravel to reinforce top of berm

DRY STREAM BED DETAIL SETION B-B: OVERFLOW OVERFLOW POINT

ERFLOW BERM TEST

MATERIAL + PLANT BLOCKS

To support CBWCD’s Landscape Design Program, I created a complete packet of graphic assets to be used in plan view and perspective renders, as well as simplified construction details. I used a combination of hand and computer graphics to make the assets more straightforward and expressive than typical construction documents in order for average homeowners to be able to more easily understand them. I helped to render various templates that displayed both different plant pallets and yard sizes that will soon be available on the district’s website for residents to choose and reference for their own yards. The assets are also being used by staff in the free landscape design consultation sessions through the Waterwise Community Center. I created several step-by-step video tutorials to train other staff on how best to utilize the material and plant blocks for future templates and projects.

PROGRAMS: • • • • •

Hand Drawing AutoCAD Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign

Ready to transform your yard into a native landscape? This guide will help explain why native landscapes are so important to Southern California and how to take the first steps towards creating a design of your own.

Inland Valley Native Landscape Design Guide

Table of Contents

FRONT

Intro

Definitions

Site Analysis

Design Considerations

Design

Picking Plants

Plant Profile

Garden Inspiration

Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour

Site Analysis Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour

What to look at on your site and how to let those observations guide your design.

Step back and look at your site. Here are the general questions to ask yourself:

5. Where is the sun and shade throughout the day? Make a note about which part of your site are primarily facing north, sou or somewhere in between. For example, a landscape area directly on the house will primarily face north, because the house blocks the south side. are never blocked by the shadow of a building or tree may be open in all •

1. How large is your site? • How much space do you have to work with? - This will affect your use of the site and perhaps the types of plants you choose later on. • Start to think about how the site may be divided by paths, patios, etc. and how large each of these sub-sections would be. 2. Where are the permanent features? Make note of the features you will need to design around such • House - include windows • Mature trees and shrubs and doors you plan to keep • Garages • Gates • Fences • Driveways • Walkways • Crawl space entrances • Water shut-offs • Patios

•

• •

•

18 18 17

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

HINT: Any slope directly structure should slope d the structure to avoid is Do you need/want to change or flatten runoff/pooling at the ba any of the sloping areas? Have a steep slope you plan on keeping? Check out our Plants for Slopes li Inland Valley Garden Planner: inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/lists/plants-fo hillside plants that can help prevent erosion

7. Where does the water go? This likely relates to the first question about slope, since water will flow d Do you have rain gutters?

3 2

Hour 1 1.5 inches

Calculating Average Drainage Rate: (total inches drained ÷ total hours of drainage) 12 inches ÷ 6 hours = 2 inches per hour What does this number mean?

Design

Hour 2 2 inches

Hour 3 2.5 inches

Hour 4 2 inches

Hour 5 2 inches

Hour 6 2 inches

Applying your analysis and considerations to your site!

Start by looking up your site on Google Earth and taking a screenshot using the Snipping Tool on a PC or shift+command+4 on a Mac. Map out and make a note of the observations from your site analysis on this site image. This includes mapping out your microclimates, which consist of the following:

• •

Keeping your site analysis in mind, consider drawing out a site plan to scale. (Reference the Inland Empire Landscape Guidebook (pg.46) on how to properly do this.) Once you have your site plan drawn out, you are ready to design! Throughout this process make sure to remember your goals, design considerations and site analysis.

E N

Yes where are these rain gutters directed? Do they go all the way aro Is there anywhere on the property where water tends to pool during a

•

Is water directed into the street or sidewalk gutters somehow? If so, w takes?

•

Start to use these observations to get ideas about a good place to loc or planted infiltration basin in your new design. If this makes sense for picture somewhere where it can naturally accumulate this water flow, to the look and feel of your landscape.

GARAGE

wa poolinter g

WINDOW

Ex. For sunny spots, most beginning designers or gardeners will be most picking no more than 10 or so (it may be less) different plant choices, tha needs and can handle all-day sun exposure. Then repeat those plants thr your site that meet those conditions. This will ensure the most success fo repetition will create continuity throughout your site.

WINDOW

wa poolinter g

exis ti tree ng

GARAGE DOOR

PATH

led dappad sh e lots of

DRIVEWAY

sun

lots of sun FENCE

GATE

Pick the right plants for the right place.

Now that you have your design layout with your general planting plan, it is specific plants! You will want to select several plants with similar needs that together. Using your mapped microclimates, pick the right plants for the rig

HOUSE

mostlye shad

Factors to consider when choosing your plants:

SIDEWALK

If drawing out the site plan to scale is not for you, and you prefer to work in a “looser” way, that’s fine too. You can print out your Google earth image and work with layers of tracing paper on top of it, taking your best guess as to the size of the features you’re drawing. Drawing the plan to scale on graph paper will be more accurate, and will be easier for understanding the size and quantities of the plants that should go into your design, but different people prefer different approaches, and there is no single correct way to do design!

No look at the slope of the roof to see where the water will be direct

•

Picking Plants

FRONT DOOR

S W

mostly shade ( from neighbor’s house )

• •

All-day sun areas Shade areas - is it dense shade, or dappled “part shade”? Morning or afternoon sun only areas Where water goes/pools Seek opportunities for capturing rainwater Keep away from the house (at least 10’) Existing hardscape Existing plants that will remain

mostly shade

• •

•

More than 4” per hour = very fast drainage - organic matter may need to be added to improve the soil Less than 1” per hour = poor drainage - you likely have clay or compacted soil and will need to pick plants accordingly 1” - 4” per hour = good drainage - this is ideal!

existing shrubs

BACK

Hour 0 0 inches

Where is there a slope? And which direction is the slope going?

•

A SOUTH FACING garden is in the sun all day throughout the year. T summers will be HOT. A NORTH FACING garden is particularly shaded much of the year ne tall objects that are located to the south. However they are often in d full sun in the summer. This is because the sun remains lower in the s winter, but by summer, the sun is directly overhead mid-day. An EAST FACING garden can have full sun, but benefits from afterno heat of summer. A WEST FACING garden is shaded in the morning, but hot in the aft especially in summer with reflected heat from nearby structures or p

6. Does your property slope up or down anywhere?

4. What kind of soil does your site have? This doesn’t have to get too scientific. You mostly need to know if your soil is slow or fast draining. Perform this test to find out: • Dig a 1 sq. foot hole in your soil (the bottom does not need to be completely square) • Fill it with water and let it drain completely (this may take overnight) • Put a straight edge across the top of the hole for measuring reference • Fill the hole with water again • Once every hour measure the amount of drainage in inches until the hole completely drains • Calculate the average drainage rate per hour 16

HINT: take pictu throughout the the time of the how the sun ex throughout the

Why does it matter which direction your garden is facing? as: • Telephone poles • Manholes • Any other utilities including your water meter, sewer clean-outs, irrigation valves, hose bibs, etc.

3. What will you remove in preparation for your project? As you think about what existing elements you may want to get rid of, also consider ways of reusing those materials. A couple examples would be re-purposing broken concrete as permeable pavers, reusing existing pavers in a different area, and utilizing chopped tree trunks or branches in the landscape to create habitat for small animals.

Make note of which areas get: - Morning sun - Afternoon sun - Hardly any, or no sun at all Consider shade that may be cast from your own, or a neighbor’s structures, walls, trees, etc.

The biggest priorities for picking your plants are: • • •

Water requirements Sun exposure Soil drainage

• •

Color palette/variations Plant textures

•

Small plants and large plants - this includes

•

Plants that flower at different times of the a pop of color year-round, as well as provid wildlife all year long!).

•

Your goals! If your original goals included creating a wildlife habitat, p exciting space for kids, etc., your plant selection plays a huge role in a objectives.

•

Also remember to use different kinds of plants! Here are some plant t

Grasses

Lawn alternatives

Shrubs

Groundcovers

Perennials

Vines

1. Draw out any newly planned hardscape (paths, patios, etc.) in addition to what already exists. Remember to make it permeable! 2. Decide how you want to capture rainwater and map it on your plan. This way you can place plants accordingly. Remember that your rainwater capturing system should usually start where water is already directed and the water should settle no closer than 10’ from the house or garage. 3. Create a general planting plan according to your microclimates. •

In general, unless you have a specific purpose to do otherwise, space out smaller plants along the perimeter and larger/taller plants towards the center or background and closer to the house. This would also be the time to think about your preference for privacy, enclosure or openness.

•

Consider adding a statement plant near the entrance, whether it be a tree or something sculptural that will stand out.

•

Leave access space throughout the site for maintenance

Use the interactive plant finder tool on inlandvalleygardenplanner.org to find top plant choices that are a perfect match for your site conditions. You will be able to see images and learn about each plant, including watering and maintenance needs.

NATIVE LANDSCAPE D

INTERNSHIP - CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVAT

Introduction

Definitions

Terms to know that will help you as you explore California native landscape design.

Native plants: Plants that grew in California before European contact. They co-evolved over a very long time with other essential lifeforms becoming the foundation of our native ecosystems. They are also most fit for California’s climate.

California is a “biodiversity hotspot” with over 6,000 native plant species and subspecies and thousands of native insect species which depend on native plants to survive (and birds which depend on the insects, and on and on in a complex environmental web). “Native plants” are commonly defined as plants that have naturally grown in a specific region since before human settlement. They are inherently adapted to life in the places in which they evolved to live. Coast live oak, California buckwheat and Black sage are just a few native plants local to this area. Due to habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, and other environmental issues, many native plant communities, and the animals that depend on them, across California are at risk. At the same time, our urban landscapes (think boring and unused lawns) usually require a lot of water and frequent use of gas-powered equipment to maintain, creating further environmental and resource issues.

Invasive plants: Non-native plant species that tend to take over natural areas and BEST PRACTICE: limit or prohibit native plants to grow. These plants act in such a way Avoid using invasive due to the absence of their native predators, such as pests, foraging plants in order to animals, diseases or weather conditions that kept the balance among protect our natural the plants ability to grow and spread. These invasive species did not ecosystems. evolve with California’s natural communities and therefore do not provide much food or habitat for the native animals. Here are some common invasive plants to avoid using that we often see in Southern California:

But what if there was a better way to re-imagine and rebuild our urban landscapes? We can do something better at our homes, schools, businesses, and public places in a way that is not only beautiful, but that makes an active contribution to the environment by including native plants, capturing and cleaning rainwater, and providing habitat and food for beneficial insects, birds, lizards, and more! Many species of beneficial insects are “specialists,” which means that they require specific native plants that they evolved with at some point in their life cycle. Lawn and a few rose bushes will not do it for them. They need the presence of native plants, and by providing them, we can unlock supporting a whole dynamic, and entertaining to watch, ecosystem in our urban landscapes. But it’s not only about habitat. Native landscapes often rely on a mix of specific native plants that can thrive in our gardens and add an elevated look to our landscapes, with a colorful and year-long display of flowers. These plantings truly thrive in this environment, usually requiring little water and no fertilizer or soil amendments. This booklet will provide you with the basic fundamentals needed to design a California native landscape and connect you with additional resources where you can learn more about this exciting way to contribute to the environment while beautifying your home or community.

Black mustard

Crimson Fountain Grass

Pampas Grass

Mexican feather grass

Bigleaf Periwinkle

(Brassica nigra)

(Pennisetum setaceum)

(Cortaderia selloana)

(Nassella tenuissima)

(Vinca major)

Ecosystem Community of living organisms that are linked to each other along with the non-living components of their environment. Members of the community function together as a system. Microclimate The distinct climate of a small area regardless of the local region’s climate. This could be a few square meters around a water feature that are always cooler than the surrounding area, or the area of a driveway that is typically warmer due to the reflected heat off of the pavement, etc. Watershed An area of land where rainfall and/or snow melt drains into a common waterway. The areas served by the Chino Basin are a part of the Santa Ana River Watershed that drains all the way from the San Bernardino Mountains down to the ocean around Huntington Beach. Rainwater Harvesting Intentionally capturing and holding onto water when it rains, and allowing it to absorb into the landscape, rather than being redirected into the streets and gutters. Hardscape The hard, non-plant materials that are used in a landscape such as pathways, retaining walls, patios, rocks, etc. Permeable Paving Paving that allows permeability, or the infiltration of water. This type of paving allows water to soak back into the ground rather than be immediately diverted off the site. Here are some examples of permeable paving: Decomposed Granite

Gravel

Pavers without mortar

Porous Concrete

Bricks without mortar

Image taken at the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour

uth, east, west, e north side of a Some areas that l directions.

Goals for your site.

Are you interested in creating a wildlife habitat within your site? If so, you just need to provide: • • • •

Food - by planting the right plants (reference the https:// inlandvalleygardenplanner.org/ bird and wildlife plants list) Water - with a bird bath and/or water feature Cover - having trees and shrubs Places to raise young - a few dense shrubs along a fence or a wall are especially good for this

Will children or pets be using this site? For children you want to think about safety, entertainment and room for growth. Same goes for your furry friends! Here are some kid and pet specific considerations:

Design Considerations

4. How do you want/need to move throughout your site? •

1. Who are you designing for?

ures of your yard e day, documenting photo to see xposure changes e day.

The

ear S direct south sky in the

*Reference the Lawn Alternatives List on our Inland Valley Garden Planner website at inlandvalleygardenplanner. org/lists/lawn-alternatives/ for less thirsty options for a natural lawn area.

•

Avoid toxic plants or plants with thorns near accessible areas that could cause harm if ingested or rubbed against.

•

Consider meandering paths for exploration and open areas for running around.

•

Gardening for wildlife offers children opportunities to learn and endless entertainment.

oon shade in the

ternoon full sun, pavement.

CERTIFIED HABITAT

DID YOU KNOW? You can get your yard certified as a wildlife habitat? See how at www.nwf.org

2. What views are important to you? • How will your site look from the street or sidewalk looking inward? •

y next to a down away from ssues with water ase of the structure.

ist online at the or-slopes/ for great

downhill.

How will it appear from the inside looking outward? • Low plantings throughout the site will create a sense of openness and allow you to see out past your project boundary. • Tall plantings setback from the window will provide a sense of How will the view privacy, but perhaps still allow for some line of site. appear from each • Tall plantings close to the window promote a sense of enclosure. window/room? • Plants right underneath or to the side of a window that only block the view partially can also create some privacy, while maintaining a partial line of site. How open/closed/private do you want your site to feel from inside? This will help determine the height of plants you use and where they are placed throughout the yard.

3. How do you want to layout your site?

ted during a rainstorm

ound a rainstorm?

•

7 Consider points that will need to be accessed for maintenance. Paths for this purpose can be clearly defined by a walkway or kept more discrete by saving some walking room between plants. Also, think about how you want to move about the garden for leisure, activity, or entertainment. This may require some open space, alcoves or paths.

5. Last, but definitely not least, how and where will you capture rainwater on your site? NOTE: You might see a lot of different terms for capturing rainwater, such as rainwater harvesting, rain garden, dry stream bed, bioswale, etc. For our purposes here, they all basically do the same thing. Essentially, landscape rainwater capture systems create or use a low point to intentionally hold onto and absorb water when it rains. Your rainwater harvesting feature should be designed in a way that when it overflows, the water safely continues through the landscape. It is a great way to prevent rainwater from running off of your site directly into the street or gutters, and instead utilize this necessary resource within your landscape. To prevent mosquito issues make sure all water will completely infiltrate within 72 hours of a rain event. TIDBIT: The first rain of the season washes away pollution that has built up since the last rain. Your landscape can help filter this polluted runoff before the water continues to travel down the watershed.

Here are your rainwater capturing goals: •

Slow the water down for easier absorption into the landscape

•

Spread the water throughout your landscape as much as possible.

This can be accomplished by creating a dry stream bed starting near an area where water typically collects and then moving through your landscape, with an area to let the water settle and infiltrate into the ground. This main infiltration area should be sited at least 10’ from houses, garages, and other structures. HINT: When picking plants for a bioswale make sure to pick plants that tolerate having wet feet.

A dry stream bed can also act as a bioswale for your yard. A bioswale is a shallow channel covered in permeable materials and plantings. The roots of the plants in and around the swale add extra assistance in capturing some of the water, cleaning it through relationship with beneficial soil microbes, and sinking it into the ground.

Refer to the Inland Empire Landscape Guidebook (pg.38-39) for more in depth information on capturing rainwater in your site. Download at tinyurl.com/ielandscapeguide

Most California Native landscapes are designed with an organic, informal, and somewhat ‘natural’ feel, but native plants can be used in other ways as well. If you prefer a more formal Design Layout look or layout to your site, it is totally up to you!Examples

what is the route it

cate a dry stream bed r your site, start to and will contribute Symmetrical

time to pick your t can be grouped ght place.

t successful by at have similar water roughout the areas of or your plants and the

Asymmetrical

Plant Profiles

Geometric

year (This gives you ding food sources for

peaceful sanctuary, accomplishing these

types to utilize:

Trees Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis

Large shrubs That can also be trained as small trees.

Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Mature size: 12’-18’ Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Heat, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun Catalina Cherry Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii

Trees

Combination

Some of our favorite plants to get you started!

Overwhelmed with all the plant choices? Consider these low water, native plants to help get you started on your plant search.

Mature size: 15’-40’H x 15’-40’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

s height AND width

Organic

Mature size: 30’H x 20’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Heat, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun

Perennials

Shrubs

California Fuchsia Epilobium canum

Indian Mallow Abutilon palmeri

California Buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum

Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun

Mature size: 5’-8’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

McMinn Manzanita Arctostaphylos ‘ Howard McMinn’

California Coffeeberry Frankgula (rhamnus) californica

Mature size: 8’-10’H x 8’-10’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Drought, All day sun

Mature size: 8’-10’H x 8’-10’W Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Fog, Drought, All day sun, Partial sun

Montara California Sagebrush Artemisia californica ‘Montara’

Allen Chickering Sage Salvia ‘Allen Chickering’

Mature size: 3’-5’H x 5’-7’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun

Baja Fair Duster Calliandra californica

Pozo Blue Sage Salvia ‘Pozo Blue’

Mature size: 3’-4’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

Mature size: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, drought, All day sun

Margarita BOP Penstemon Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’ Mature size: 1’-2’H x 1’-2’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, All day sun Desert Mallow Spheralcea ambigua Mature size: 2’-3’H x 2’-3’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun De La Mina Verbena Verbena lilacina ‘De la Mina’ Mature size: 2’-3’H x 2’-3’W Exposure Adaptations: All day sun

Ornamental Grasses

Succulents

California Fescue Festuca californica

Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens

Mature size: 1’-2’H x 1’-2’W Exposure Adaptations: Partial sun

Mature size: 2’-5’H x 3’-6’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

Canyon Prince Wild Rye Leymus ‘Canyon Prince’

Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides

Mature size: 4’-5’H x 4’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun

Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat Eriogonum arborescens Mature size: 4’-5’H x 5’-6’W Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Fog, Drought, Coastal salt air, All day sun

Mature size: 3’-5’H x 3’-5’W Exposure Adaptations: Drought, All day sun

For even more region appropriate native plants, check out the Plant Finder tool on our website: inlandvalleygardenplanner.org

DESIGN GUIDE

TION DISTRICT

Winifred Gilman sage Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM Native Landscape Design Guide

INTERNSHIP:

Chino Basin Water Conservation District

OBJECTIVE:

I created a booklet of instructions for DIY native landscape design. Our goal was to create a simple, accessible guide for various user groups including residents and visitors of the Waterwise Community Center, as well as students enrolling in Valley View High School’s vocational landscape design courses. I utilized various books and reputable websites to read up on the different steps in DIY landscape design, California native plants, rainwater harvesting, and other topics that I felt would have beneficial information to create the how-to guide. From here I created an in-depth outline that I later thinned out with my supervisor to make sure we hit only the key points. I was responsible for everything including the graphics, layout, and text, with the exception of the introduction, which was written by my supervisor.

PROGRAMS: • • • •

AutoCAD Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign

PHOTOGRAPHY LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMMONWEALTH AR GRIFFITH PARK DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

ROYO 0

5 ft.

10 ft.

SITE ANALYSIS

nice v

iew-sh

Water Flow

Full Sun

Sedimentation

Erosion Issues

Slope

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

PLANTING ZONES

CIRCULATION

CONCEPT PLAN

SPECIAL TOPICS SPRING 2020

Demonstration Garden Site Design

L O C AT I O N :

Griffith Park Commonwealth Nursery Los Angeles, CA

OBJECTIVE:

The class partnered with the non-profit, Grown in LA, to help design various portions of a demonstration garden around the old caretaker’s cottage located within the historic site of Commonwealth Nursery in Griffith Park. My team took on the area around the central arroyo where we showcased how to create a mini watershed on site that works with the natural topography to capture and infiltrate runoff. We proposed recycling materials found on site to be used in the construction of various user experiences as a way to exhibit a more sustainable appraoch to site design. Plants were chosen based on the site’s surrounding native vegetation to help support the local wildlife and demonstrate how California native plants can be incorporated into a small scale design.

PROGRAMS:

• Adobe Photoshop • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe InDesign

AUTO DESK

PROD UCED BY A N AU TODE SK

UCED BY A N

STUD ENT VERS ION

BEFORE

STUD ENT VERS ION

PROD

UCED BY A N

AUTO DESK

PROD UCED BY A N AUTO DESK

STUD ENT VERS ION AUTO DESK

PRO

STUD ENT VERS ION

PROD

UCED BY A N

PROD

D U C E D BY AN A UTOD ESK

AUTO DESK

STUD ENT VERS ION

STU

AFTER

HAND SKETCHES BUILDINGS + LANDSCAPES

CONSTRUCTION DETA VISITOR VERANDA

REGULAR GLAGSTONE PAVERS SUNSET DECORATIVE ROCK, INC. COLOR: THREE RIVERS

ILS

SEEDED AGGREGATE TRIAD ASSOCIATED INC. COLOR: ADOBE PEWTER DYE

NURTURED BY NATURE WILLARD AND THE WASH

WILLARD FROM THE STUDENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PERSPECTIVE Willard Green Team Activity Sheet Results:

KEY: MOST LIKED LEAST LIKED

COLOR KEY:

LEAST COLORED IN

Most liked Least liked Least colored in

MOST LIKED

LEAST LIKED

Library

Kindergarten Play Area

Blacktop

Cafe

A Field

Boys & Girls Club

Play Structure

Parkin

STUDIO SPRING 2020 Schoolyard Greening

L O C AT I O N :

Willard Elementary School Pasadena, CA

PROBLEM:

The school yard at Willard Elementary, a Title IX school teaching TK through fifth grade, is predominantly exposed asphalt and a grass field riddled with gopher holes. There are few options for play and no connection to the adjacent waterway, Eaton Wash, which has been channeled and blocked from public use.

VISION:

Breaking the asphalt to create a softer, more biodiverse landscape that reconnects students to the wash and provides a healthy, resilient learning environment.

PLAY AREA

eteria

ng Lot

G OA L S :

• Emulate Eaton Wash in it’s natural form • Increase opportunities for outdoor learning • Promote creative play and mental health • Create native habitat • Manage storm water and runoff on site

METHOD:

LEAST COLORED (IN SCHOOLYARD)

Front of School

Courtyard

Hard Courts

My team and I gained insights about the school grounds through meetings with the school districts facilities director and a parent volunteer; a teacher survey; and engagement with a group of first through fifth grade students named the Willard Green Team. The students took us on a tour of their schoolyard and completed an activity sheet, which demonstrated what they liked most and least about their campus.

PROGRAMS: • • • •

Swings

AutoCAD Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign

CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS B

BLDG. 2

LIBRARY

GI RL

GE LTA VO

SC LU

PO W

CAFETERIA

ER LIN

MUSIC ROOM

TO EA N AS W H

Turf field full of gopher holes

View of the San Gabriel Mountains

Hot and exposed blacktop area

Small and overcrowded play structure

Second grade garden

Painted asphalt in poor condition

Shaded area off-limits during free play

Signs of water drainage on asphalt

Shady Kindergarten area

Eaton Wash fenced off from the public

TK - KINDERGARTEN BLDG.

LETTER KEY:

BLDG. 1

YS BO

BUNGALOWS

WATER DRAINAGE:

PROPOSED PROGRAMMING

COLOR KEY: Storm water Management Flexible Recreation Passive Recreation Active Recreation Outdoor Education Low Screening

CONCEPT PLAN + CALL-OUTS Low Screen Planting Track Open Field The Wash Rolling Hills Outdoor Learning Boys & Girls Club Access Climb and Slide Climbing Platforms Cozy Caves Swings Garden Maze

Comfy Corner

Sport Courts

Maintenance Vehicle Access

Owl Box/Raptor Perch* *These are recommended as a natural forms of pest control to address the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gopher issues.

50 ft.

100 ft.

Native Learning Garden

Edible Learning Garden

Quiet Garden Reading Circle

Parent Pickup Garden

Picnic Area Shade Garden Outdoor Classroom Butterfly Garden

Cozy Caves Rolling Hills Reading Garden

Tyke Track

Picnic Area

Nature Play

Rain Garden

WILLARD AND EATON WASH CONNECTIVITY VISIO DEL MAR AVENUE

HI &

GE LTA VO

YS BO

GI RL

ER ES

N AS W H

50 ft.

100 ft.

LIN

TO EA

Opportunities:

MADRE STREET

WILLARD ELEMENTARY

• Open access to Eaton Wash from E. Del Mar Ave. • Access trail to Eaton Wash from Willard Elementary School • Walking/Bike path along the wash • Increase native vegetation in adjacent areas • Decorative fencing and gates along the trail and at access points • Educational signage about Eaton Wash and the LA River watershed along the trail

MICHELLE SHANAHAN M L S H A N A H A N @ C P P. E D U 858.705.2385