The Phoenix Garden

THE PHOENIX GARDEN An evidence-based design for a therapeutic garden for San Mateo County’s convicted youth

Willa Caughey Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis 2016

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THE PHOENIX GARDEN An evidence-based design for a therapeutic garden for San Mateo County’s convicted youth

Willa Caughey Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis 2016

Acknowledgements My gratitude goes out to Toni DeMarco and Scott Morrow for trusting me to take on this project, and to Lisa Howard of Bay Tree Design for pointing me in the direction of it. Thanks to Bill Korbholz of Friends of Edgewood Park and Paul Heiple of Acterra for immense help with understanding the native plant communities. Lastly, many thanks to my supervisor Ulrika Stigsdotter for her feedback and support.

30 ECTS points masters thesis Willa Caughey rhb312 Supervisor: Ulrika K. Stigsdotter Faculty of Science Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management Landscape Architecture University of Copenhagen August 2016

Abstract This evidence-based health design project presents a vision for a therapeutic, agriculturally productive, educational, and ecologically positive space for convicted youth of San Mateo County, California.

Youth in juvenile facilities often come from backgrounds of poverty, neglect, abuse, and/or have learning disabilities or mental illnesses that have not been adequately addressed. San Mateo County’s incarcerated youth are predominantly Latino (60%, as compared to 25.4% in the general population); socioeconomically disadvantaged (100%); and may have experienced traumatic histories. Statewide recidivism rates are troubling: 53.8% of youth released from a juvenile or adult facility in 2007-2008 returned to a juvenile or adult facility within three years; nearly 25% returned in just one year. It is in the County’s financial and societal interest to lower these rates using the most effective strategies.

Whereas historically the U.S. took an overwhelmingly punitive approach to juvenile detention, research indicates that these youth would benefit from more nurturing, therapeutic strategies. Youth in juvenile facilities have a high prevalence of psychiatric and behavioral conditions: 38-41% have conduct disorders, 1114% have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 21-31% have anxiety disorder, 10-15% have severe learning disabilities (contributing to high dropout rates), and 47-50% have substance abuse problems. Research from the field of evidence-based health design

suggests that different types of nature exposure can help address each of these conditions.

San Mateo County’s juvenile facilities are perched on top of a serpentine hill. A 5.5 acre area, the location of the former Youth Services Facilities, is now the proposed location of the Phoenix Garden. The site, located adjacent to preserved serpentine grasslands and chaparral hillsides, has immense ecological potential, but is currently dominated by non-native grasses and forbs. The serpentine soil, which has the potential to host rare and locally endemic flora, contains naturallyoccurring asbestos, necessitating minimal human contact with the native soil.

The proposed design is informed heavily by research and site analysis. The principles of the design are: (1) produce food, (2) educate and empower, (3) sequester carbon, (4) restore native habitat, (5) ensure safety, (6) build a community of support, (7) foster a sense of control, (8) prioritize natural, local resources, (9) implement over a long time, (10) integrate art, (11) promote physical and emotional well-being. By engaging youth in the implementation and, in some areas, design process, and by building therapeutic programs around the landscape, they can maximize therapeutic, social, and educational benefits, and perhaps reduce the chances of youth reentering the system.

This document should be read as a contribution to San Mateo County and the Youth Services Center.

Table of Contents

Introduction The Phoenix Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 An Evidence-Based Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A History of Juvenile Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 San Mateo County Juvenile Justice System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Methodology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Users Youth in Probationary Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The School-to-Prison Pipeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Graduates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Foster Children & Other Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Users at Other County Rehabilitative and Mental Health Facilities. . . . . . . . . 18 Staff On Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 School and Youth Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 General Public. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Site A History of Disturbance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Serpentine Soils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ecoregion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Adjacent Ecologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Existing Vegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Drainage Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Access and Circulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Visibility and Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Climate and Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Initial Interventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 SWOT Summary Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Essential Concepts Food Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Carbon Farming and Carbon Sequestration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Horticultural Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ecological Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Design Project Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Design Principles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic Program Concept Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overall Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Open Pavilion and Meadow Orchard Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Medicinal Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Woodland Berm Amphitheater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restored Native Meadow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meander Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Labyrinth and Redbud Coppice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Food Forest Case Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Woodland Berm Adventure Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Carbon Sequestration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phasing and Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Next Steps: Working Toward SITES™ Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Planting Scheme Planting Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Orchard Meadow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Northern Coastal Scrub / Chaparral Berm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Conventional Medicinal Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Native Medicinal Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Oak Woodland Berms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Native Meadow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Sensory Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Food Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Stormwater Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Beneficial Hedge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Works Cited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

How can you rise, if you have not burned? – Hiba Fatima Ahmad

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Introduction

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The Phoenix Garden Project Overview The Phoenix Garden project presents a vision for a therapeutic, agriculturally productive, educational, and ecologically positive space at San Mateo County’s Youth Services Center.The Center serves troubled and disadvantaged youth participating in Court-ordered Probation Department Programs, youth in the foster care system, and families in need of mental health services.

Origins of the Phoenix Garden A Timeline

1950s

The original Youth Services Center complex, an inhospitable collection of concrete buildings surrounded by chain link, was constructed.

2006

Inspired by her year-long permaculture certification program, Clinical Services Manager Toni DeMarco and her classmate Tracy Parker developed a new vision for the site of the original Youth Services Center. Their plan was conceptual but programmatically rich, successfully integrating permaculture principles, Tracy’s clinical expertise from her work with juvenile detainees, and the progressive and ambitious goals she held for the Center.

The Phoenix as Metaphor For millennia, the phoenix has served across cultures as a powerful symbol of death and rebirth. Consumed by flames then miraculously resurrected from its own ashes, this mythical creature resonates with humankind’s need for hope and the possibility of redemption.

For disenfranchised youth entering the detention system, the symbol of the phoenix is especially relevant. Juvenile detention may seem a fiery end to dreams of a better future, but the goal of the Phoenix Garden is to demonstrate, symbolically and through well-designed spaces and programs, that redemption is possible for all, regardless of past mistakes. The County takes a truly rehabilitative and therapeutic approach to juvenile corrections, and this should be evidenced in its surroundings.

2010

After a more modern, accommodating, greener (LEED Certified) building complex was constructed just to the north, the old building was demolished, leaving the 5.5 acre plot to be recolonized by opportunistic grasses and wildflowers. Consistent with Toni and Tracy’s vision, an agreement was struck with neighboring open space groups: no building would be constructed on the site again in order to expand the valuable wildlife habitat in the region.

The Phoenix Garden is also the rebirth of a landscape. From the ashes of an old building – a relic of an era defined by a punitive approach to juvenile detention – a productive, socially and ecologically beneficial garden will emerge. Much like personal transformations, this landscape transformation will be gradual, drawing on the support and hard work of a community and utilizing natural processes. As youth in the system begin their own journey of redemption, the landscape will grow and transform with them.

2011

The Phoenix Garden Steering Committee was formed in order to study the feasibility of the 2006 concept plan and discuss funding.

2014

Bay Tree Design created a revised concept plan based on the 2006 drawing.

2016

With plans still in flux, the first tree planting event took place in February, engaging male and female youth from juvenile camps, staff, the non-profit City Trees, and community volunteers. The plan is further revised.

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Conceptual design by Toni DeMarco and Tracy Parker, 2006. Drawing by Tracy Parker.

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An Evidence-Based Approach Evidence-Based Design An outgrowth of other disciplines such as evidencebased medicine, evidence-based design (EBD) is a relatively young but promising field. EBD means “using the best possible research to inform design” (Marcus & Sachs, 2014, 16). Though this approach may seem obvious, the landscape architecture profession has long been dominated by more intuitive and artistic justifications for projects. EBD offers a new framework for approaching projects, working with clients, and evaluating results.

Target group attributes and characteristics

Aesthetic & practical landscape architecture skills

Evidence-based health design (EBHD) is the application of EBD to healthcare and wellness settings. This work extends far beyond hospital settings to psychiatric facilities, dementia and elderly care centers, hospices, physical rehabilitation centers, public spaces, and more. Roger Ulrich’s seminal study – View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery – demonstrated that merely views to nature can improve health outcomes for patients (1984). From there, a new field of research was born, and evidence continues to mount for the myriad benefits of nature on human health.

What are the health benefit aims?

Program

Design

EBHD Best research & evidence available

What is the design approach?

Evaluation

What evidence is there to justify the design?

Adapted from Stigsdotter, 2015.

from an EBHD approach. EBHD projects such as the Phoenix Garden that continue to track and evaluate results can contribute valuable research and case studies to further develop the field.

The University of Copenhagen’s research group Nature, Health & Design presents a useful model for the EBHD process (Stigsdotter, 2015). The model suggests that knowledge of the target group, the best available research, and the skills of the landscape architect must be carefully balanced to inform the program development, design, and evaluation of a project. Continued evaluation of a project is also key to this approach, and provides multiple opportunities to adjust a design along the way as well as contribute to ongoing research and knowledge in this still budding field.

What is a Therapeutic Garden?

Gardens created with the EBHD framework can go by many names: healing gardens, therapeutic/ therapy gardens, wellness gardens, etc. This project uses the term therapeutic garden, as it implies a link to the therapies provided by the facility.

Therapeutic gardens support and expand the care being provided by a variety of healthcare settings, and can take many forms depending on the care goals of the facility, the users, and the cultural and environmental context.

Although a surprisingly small collection of research has been done to understand the effects of nature on juvenile detainees, this project argues that, as centers for mental and behavioral health dealing with a disadvantaged population, juvenile corrections facilities can also significantly benefit

A therapeutic garden for a juvenile detention facility will be unique, providing support for mental health, substance abuse, school curriculums, learning disabilities, occupational and skill development, family reconciliation, and recidivism reduction.

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Relevant Theories A number of theories and research support the benefits of a therapeutic garden at a juvenile detention center.The research is further described in the Users chapter, but the following are the most basic, underlying theories for the project:

Stress Reduction Theory According to Roger Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens, stress reduction has positive health outcomes, and stress is a pervasive problem for many people. He outlines four environmental factors that can help reduce stress:

The Biophilia Hypothesis The Biophilia Hypothesis, proposed by biologist Edward O. Wilson, is defined as “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms” (Kellert and Wilson, 1993, 31). This inherited connection to the natural world can be harnessed and fostered in youth who have spent little time in nature to achieve many educational, therapeutic, and personal growth goals.

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Sense of control and access to privacy Social support Physical movement and exercise Natural distractions (Ibid.)

For youth in detention settings, fostering a sense of control and access to privacy without compromising safety is essential. Social support is also important, as these youth have been removed from their communities, often for a year at a time, and often have to learn new, healthier ways to interact with others.

Attention Restoration Theory Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART) centers on the idea that people need restoration after periods of directed attention in order to prevent mental fatigue. Directed attention requires “concentration on a specific, often difficult task” (Marcus & Sachs, 2014, 28). Restoration involves activating indirect attention, which, by contrast, doesn’t require mental effort and is restorative. The Kaplans assert that four characteristics are required for a restorative setting: 1. Being Away: opportunity to escape from a source of stress 2. Extent: space large or detailed enough to invite exploration 3. Fascination: space interesting enough to hold attention 4. Compatibility: users’ desires are compatible with the space

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Tools 8 Perceived Sensory Dimensions Though a substantial collection of research now supports the health benefits that ‘natural’ areas provide (usually as compared to urban environments lacking natural elements), Patrick Grahn and Ulrika K. Stigsdotter noted there was little investigation of or consensus on the qualities of natural environments that can be perceived by the user (Grahn and Stigsdotter, 2010). A questionnaire taken by a representative group of Swedish residents allowed Grahn and Stigsdotter to 1) identify and describe perceived dimensions of urban green spaces; 2) identify the dimensions preferred by the general population; 3) identify the dimensions preferred by stressed individuals; and 4) identify a combination of dimensions preferred by stressed individuals. The result was the identification of eight perceived sensory dimensions of an urban green space (listed in order of general preference): 1.

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Serene Space Nature Rich in species

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Levels of Engagement Every individual is prone to fluctuations in their ability or desire to interact with others. After a long day of work or school, an individual may need time to decompress away from the company of others, while at other times s/he may be an active leader. These fluctuations can be more severe and prolonged for those with mental illness or a history of trauma. The below illustration, based on a model produced by Stigsdotter and Grahn (2002), offers a framework for qualifying these varied levels of engagement between an individual, other people, and the surrounding environment.

A well-designed space should accommodate all levels of engagement, allowing for a sense of compatibility with the environment, whatever one’s mood or mental state.

Refuge Culture Prospect Social

outgoing involvement able to lead a group of people, individuals need less support

Nature, rich in species, and refuge were found to be most preferred by stressed individuals, with social being the least preferred.

active participation can participate in activities with others, including giving and sharing, creating things, planning a garden bed

The 8 Perceived Sensory Dimensions offer an important framework for discussing the characteristics of a site and its ability to serve a particular user group. For example, because many youth in correctional facilities suffer from overreactive stress responses, an appropriate environment would offer plenty of spaces with nature, rich in species, and refuge qualities.

However, one can imagine a scenario where each of the eight spatial qualities could be beneficial. A diversity of sensory stimulations can enhance the qualities of extent, fascination and compatibility that the Kaplans assert are essential to a restorative environment. Thus, all eight dimensions should be present in the Phoenix Garden.

emotional participation enjoy social surroundings, but prefer to observe from the outside, not partake in activity

directed inwards involvement private activities such as walking, picking berries, collecting wood. Disturbances are not liked.

Adapted from Stigsdotter and Grahn’s ‘Mental Strength Pyramid’, 2002.

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A History of Juvenile Justice In the 18th and 19th centuries, youth were put in jails with people of all ages, genders, and criminal backgrounds. The justifications for jailing youth were inconsistent and often unjustified, with many ”confined for noncriminal behavior simply because there were no other options” (Juvenile Justice History, 2016). The first attempt at addressing this criminalization of poverty was in 1825 with the establishment of the New York House of Refuge, “the first institution designed to house poor, destitute and vagrant youth who were deemed by authorities to be on the path towards delinquency” (Ibid.). This institution marked the beginnings of the juvenile detention system, and led to the establishment of other Houses of Refuge across the country. Like the adult incarceration system, these fortress-like institutions were soon confronted with problems of overcrowding, abuse, and deteriorating conditions.

and introduce more due process and consistency across courts in the 1960s (Ibid.).

In the 1980s, public perception was that juvenile crime was increasing as a result of a lenient penal system. More punitive measures were introduced, including mandatory sentences and direct transfers to adult facilities (Ibid.).

Only in the late 1990s did the public begin to question the efficacy and morality of this aggressive, punitive approach. California was the first in a wave of states to begin reducing the number of youth in the justice system, and rethinking effective strategies for reform (Ibid.). A 2003 lawsuit against the then California Youth Authority (now Division of Juvenile Facilities) confronted major problems with neglect and abuse of youth in state facilities.

This led to a wave of reforms, notably the 2007 Juvenile Justice Realignment bill that limited the types of offenders that could be committed to state facilities, making county institutions much more important, and “spur[ring] the development of innovative programs at the county level” (Juvenile Corrections Reform in California, 2016).

Whereas England had been trying youth separately and with different guidelines than adults since the 16th century, the United States did not establish its first juvenile court until 1899 in Cook County, Illinois. Once established, the idea quickly caught on, and juvenile courts began popping up around the country. Public and government interest in juvenile justice facilities was growing. As the nation’s public school system grew, so did the belief that juvenile justice facilities should act as reform schools, paving the way for today’s “highly regimented, penitentiary-like institutions” (Ibid.).

Throughout the country’s history, juvenile justice policy has been unfairly influenced by shifting cultural beliefs around youth and conceptions of rehabilitation. Now that we have a wealth of research and knowledge about cognitive development, mental illness, recidivism reduction, and much more, we have the tools to make informed and compassionate decisions about our treatment of youth in the system. This project supports the case that outdoor environments are essential to this transition.

Juvenile justice policies across the nation varied, however, from state to state and judge to judge.

Public concern over the varied and often unjust treatment of juveniles in the court system led the Supreme Court to formalize juvenile justice courts

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San Mateo County Juvenile Justice System mental health services at the core. Acknowledging that youth come in with varied developmental histories as a result of their upbringings, the clinical services team utilizes the Nerosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), which uses knowledge of neurodevelopment and traumatology to organize an individual’s history and cognitive function, identify gaps in development, and customize therapy to fill in those gaps (The Child Trauma Academy). As a result, youth receive customized care with greater success in reaching individuals, not the one-size-fits-all solution that punitive approaches present.

The San Mateo County Juvenile Services Division works with convicted youth to address the reasons behind their behavior, including substance abuse, family dynamics, and mental health issues.

Additionally, the division intervenes with at-risk youth to prevent their entry into the system.

The Youth Services Center and the long-term Camps for youth often provide troubled youth with their first access to mental health services, and are thus extremely important public entities that can prevent entry into the adult penal system.

Underlying reasons for criminal behavior during the teenage years, while brains are still developing, often have a lot to do with situations beyond the control of youth: poverty, neglect, abuse, learning disabilities, and mental illness.

As residential facilities housing youth with a variety of needs, the Youth Services Center and Camps have to serve as schools, homes, and therapeutic centers. While youth are forcefully confined to these facilities, it is crucial that they have access to outdoor areas that can be used in each of these contexts. The diagram below outlines some of the qualities an outdoor space can offer for school, home, and therapeutic situations.

As noted previously, the juvenile justice system has a history of focusing on punishment, and not on providing the services that can lead to true rehabilitation. San Mateo County, however, has fully embraced a more compassionate approach, with

Abundant and varied learning experiences Alternative outdoor learning environments Special learning needs met Readiness for public school system and/or graduation

Spaces to accommodate formal therapy programs Opportunities for mental restoration Access to nature and its health benefits

Residential Juvenile Detention Facilities

Opportunities to play and mentally restore Opportunities to be physically active Access to abundant, healthy food Healthy social interactions and relationships

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Methodology This project is rooted in the field of evidencebased health design. A review of relevant scientific literature has been used to deepen the definition and understanding of the groups that are expected to use the site. A particular research emphasis was placed on understanding nature’s role in addressing mental and behavioral health challenges. From this research, relevant design guidelines were developed that informed the design proposal.

Conversations with key staff and a small-batch questionnaire were crucial to furthering the understanding of the user group and the site. The primary staff contacts were Toni DeMarco, the Youth Division Clinical Services Manager at the facility., and Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. A questionnaire filled out by five staff members with varying roles helped link the needs of staff to the needs of youth, and helped refine project goals.

Previous design services provided by Bay Tree Design provided important background information, and reflected some of the desired qualities discussed by the Phoenix Garden Steering Committee.

Numerous site visits were conducted.

Observations of use, context, and ecological patterns were applied to a thorough site analysis.

Research also played an important role here in understanding the particular site’s geology and soil conditions. Ecologist Paul Heiple was engaged to help identify meadow regeneration patterns, existing vegetation, and potential intervention methods.

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It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men. – Frederick Douglass

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Users

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Youth in Probationary Programs Due to their proximity to the site and potential to benefit most from its programs, the primary target users for the Phoenix Garden are the residents of the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF) and the Margaret J. Kemp Camp for Girls. Youth have been placed in these rehabilitative programs by the court after committing crimes ranging “from drug activity and gang-related violence to attempted murder” (Dui Ha, 2011). Other important users include younger children in the foster program or therapy; staff from the Youth Services Center; visiting family and friends; residents of Camp Glenwood for Boys; residents of Canyon Oaks Youth Center; residents of the Cordilleras Mental Health Center; students at nearby schools; and the general public, discussed in the following sections.

experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives, with a mean of 14.6 traumas and a median of 6 traumas. Trauma rates were higher for males (93.2%) than for females (85%), though both were abnormally high. Of the participants, 11.2% met the criteria for (PTSD), a greater proportion of the population than in community samples. The study concluded that, “exposure to trauma is a serious public health problem among high-risk youth. Yet, services are insufficient. Timely interventions may avert subsequent and often chronic social problems common among traumatized youth. To the extent that PTSD is correlated with subsequent violent perpetration, effective treatment is also a matter of public safety” (Abram, et. al., 2004).

Additionally, a literature review of academic achievement among juvenile detainees conservatively estimates that 10-15% of juveniles in detention have one or more severe learning disabilities (defined as the bottom 5% of academic performance for their age group), a rate at least twice that of the general population (Grigorenko et. al., 2015). One study found ranges from 1340%, depending on the subject (Ibid). According to Bradford B. Venable, 35% of students with learning disabilities drop out of high school – twice the rate of those without learning disabilities – and dropping out of high school makes a youth three times more likely to be arrested (2005).

Juvenile Detainees Like the adult incarceration system, minorities are disproportionately represented in juvenile detention and residential facilities (Desai et. al., 2006). Youth in the San Mateo County juvenile detention system are overwhelmingly hispanic or latino (60% at the JDF; compared to 25.4% in the County) and socioeconomically disadvantaged (100% at the JDF), and many have experienced trauma as a result of their upbringing or environment (California Department of Education, 2014; United States Census Bureau).

These statistics are reflective of larger trends in the U.S. juvenile detention system.

Unfortunately, troubled youth often don’t get the support they need through their communities or schools. Those with learning disabilities, often linked to childhood trauma, may not get the special attention they need to catch up, and may become increasingly discouraged and alienated. Traumainduced reactions may be misinterpreted as simple behavioral problems, leaving children without the early psychological care they need. Therefore, the “criminal justice system has been an important vehicle for assessing services for some youths” (Desai, et. al., 2006). The right program can begin to address the traumatic histories, physiological and substance abuse issues, and learning disabilities that affect juvenile detainees.

Juvenile Detention System – Broad Patterns Though only 16.5% of adolescents in the general population have psychiatric disorders, the rates are as high as 65% in the juvenile detention system (including substance abuse disorders) (Desai et. al., 2006). A study of the Cook County juvenile detention facility found that 47-50% of the residents had substance abuse disorders, 3841% had conduct disorders, 21-31% had anxiety disorders – including an 11-14% rate of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – and 19-28% had affective disorders (Desai et. al., 2006). One study of 532 newly detained males and 366 newly detained females found 92.5% of participants had

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Youth Services Center Juvenile Detention Facility Capacity: 180 youth (average 159 in 2009) Age Range: 11-17 Stay: Usually weeks Facilities: Admissions unit, seven living units, kitchen, dining room, health and dental clinic, fully-accredited school, gym, outdoor recreation area.

New facility opened 2006. Also houses mental health services for the county, foster children program, and more.

School: Hillcrest. 74 students (school year 2014-2015) Programs: Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), which helps the youth learn about the consequences of their actions and provides them with positive role models; Mind Body Awareness Project (MBA), which focuses youths’ attention through mindfulness and meditation; Boys Council, aimed at helping young men develop safe and healthy relationships; Time and Terminate (TNT), which provides older youth with skills they can use when they leave the facility; Narcotic and Alcoholics Anonymous, Book Club, and more.

Phoenix Garden Site

Margaret J. Kemp Camp for Girls Capacity: 30 girls Age Range: 13-18 Average Stay: 3-6 months Facilities: Raised garden beds; indoor and outdoor recreation area.

School: Margaret J. Kemp School. Max. 15:1 student to teacher ratio.

Programs: The Art of Yoga (yoga and art projects 4x per week); Girls Circle (relationship-based communication model); AA; mentoring; play writing (conducted by Each One Reach One); field trips; book club; knitting.

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The School-to-Prison Pipeline The school-to-prison pipeline describes the phenomenon that enormous numbers of youth and young adults in the United States, particularly people of color, go directly from school to prisons or juvenile detention centers. Many factors contribute to this multi-faceted problem: low quality school systems with insufficient funding; increased pressure on schools to test well; zerotolerance policies that suspend or expel students for one infraction, disproportionately affecting students with special needs; an increased reliance on police presence in schools; and difficulty reentering the school system after time in juvenile detention facilities. (ACLU)

Additionally, research on students confirms that gardening leads to higher levels of self-esteem and responsibility” (Sandhel, 2004). Similar results have been recorded in wilderness therapy programs.

Since many students are disenchanted by the education system, it is critical that juvenile detention facilities experiment with different techniques to make the experience more engaging.

A study of facilities incorporating art programs in England and Wales found that incarcerated individuals experienced increased self-respect, confidence, and status; acceptance of responsibility; opportunities to make choices; enhanced patience; and tolerance of others. In one facility, a teacher complemented a boy on a job well done, and he responded with shock because no one had ever told him that before (Venable, 2005). Such projects lead to a sense of empowerment and accomplishment, and can develop an interest in the education process.

Strategies to Break the Cycle 1. Encourage and prepare for return to school Youth in juvenile detention facilities have a prevalence of learning disabilities and high dropout rates. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy and poor self-image that began in early childhood and have negatively impacted school performance throughout their education. Returning to school after time in facilities can help reduce recidivism rates and provide more viable career paths.

But getting there may require special strategies based on the students’ learning disabilities and disenchantment with the education system.

2. Address substance abuse For those with substance abuse problems, a juvenile detention center can theoretically be a good place to kick a habit, simply because drugs and alcohol are prohibited and the youth are isolated. However, programs must not only help youth get sober, but must also help them prepare for a substance-free life outside of the facility, where they have more freedom and access to drugs and alcohol. Wilderness therapy, or “the use of traditional therapy techniques, especially group therapy techniques, in a wilderness setting,” has indicated some nature-based success in addressing substance abuse. Though more research is needed to identify the elements of wilderness therapy that are most successful, and how long the results last, the qualitative research conducted by Keith Russel provides some insights into its value (Russel, 2016).

For youth with ADD, greener daily environments have been shown to make symptoms less severe (Faber Taylor et. al., 2001). Those with ADHD have been shown to concentrate better after a walk in the park, compared to a walk downtown or in the neighborhood (Faber Taylor et. al., 2009).

Feelings of inadequacy and poor self-image have been shown to improve through interaction with gardens and nature. “Students who are exposed to gardening in school settings...score better on standardized achievement tests, have better attitudes about school, improve their interpersonal skills, and their classroom behaviors improve.

About 75% of wilderness therapy clients have substance abuse problems (Ibid.). Russel’s study

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found that wilderness therapy, which balances solitary self-reflection time with group therapy, helped individuals set their own goals for their recovery, separate from those set forth by their parents or other authorities. A self-driven desire for recovery is crucial to develop before youth are released, and solitary experiences in nature may play a role in their recovery.

were anger – “outstanding...when compared to behaviour witnessed in the school” (Roe & Aspinall, 2011, p.542). The author concluded, “as an intervention for anger management and resocialization, the forest experience has much to offer” (Ibid., p.550).

4. Build healthy relationships and routines Many of the youth in the juvenile justice system have been denied a “normal” childhood, growing up with the stress and sometimes trauma of poverty, abuse, and neglect. Many fail to develop healthy relationships with adults and peers, and are denied the predictability and routines that help children build trust and learn social skills. As a result, routine and repetition are extremely important to their recovery, as they can help develop new, healthier patterns (Perry & Szalavitz, 2006). In one juvenile detention garden, where youth could come to the garden every day for 30-60 minutes, Sandhel found an increase in “self pride and a sense of belonging, [and an] increase [in] cooperation and social skills” (2004). Gardening is also shown to strengthen group cohesiveness in school settings (Ibid.).

3. Address mental illness and trauma Mental illness, traumatic histories, and behavioral problems are common in juvenile detention facilities. Despite past approaches to such behavior in teenagers, punitive approaches, especially for those with a history of trauma, tend to exacerbate problems (Perry & Szalavitz, 2006). Exposure to gardens and nature have been shown to reduce symptoms of mental illness and improve behavior. In a review of studies of garden-based interventions for adults with mental health problems, Clatworthy, et. al. found trends of significant reduction in depression and anxiety, significant increase in attentional capacity and selfesteem, reduced stress, improved mood, social improvements, improved sleep and physical health, and a general enjoyment (2013). Additionally, gardens provide important metaphors that can be used to discuss difficult topics in formal and informal therapy sessions (Ibid.). In a study of veterans with PTSD by Michelle Parkins, 77% said that nature sounds helped ease their symptoms (Marcus & Sachs, 2014, p.208).

The “forest garden” setting for boys with severe behavioral problems in Scotland was successful in part because of the healthy routines and relationships it helped build, in contrast to the boys’ upbringing. “Its success is partly attributable to offering a ‘normal’ set of experiences denied to these boys in the past; opportunities to share a meal, for example, or undertake typically boyish activities” (Roe & Aspinall, 2011, p.550).The garden setting, in contrast to the institutional building with its many formal programs, may help foster more meaningful relationships with staff and peers. If the garden can help stress and provide other objects and living things to observe, important therapeutic progress can be made.

Violence and disruption are prevalent in juvenile detention facilities, and are a persistent frustration for staff. After the Denton juvenile detention facility in Texas implemented a low-cost garden program, the director reported a 25% reduction in disruptive incidents. Staff said that “the residents seemed calmer and less likely to use aggression with each other or with staff ” (Sandhel, 2004, p.129). Similar outcomes were reported at a “forest school” at a special school in Scotland for 10-12 year old boys with extreme behavioral problems. A study of regular reports by staff revealed that only 9% of the boys’ recorded reactions in the garden

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Design guidelines based on common psychiatric and behavioral conditions for detained youth.

Condition Conduct Disorder Rates of 38-41% (Ibid.)

PTSD & Past Trauma Rates of 11-14% (Desai et. al. 2006)

Anxiety Disorder Rates of 21-31% (Ibid.)

Learning Disabilities & Low Academic Performance Rates of 10-15% for severe learning disabilities (Grigorenko et. al. 2015)

Substance Abuse Rates of 47-50% (Desai et. al. 2006)

Characteristics Aggressive, destructive, deceitful, rule-breaking behavior (WebMD) Overactive stress responses - Aggressive, impulsive, needy - Accompanying physical health problems

Design Guidelines Expose to gardens and physical work in the garden (Sandhel, 2004) Reduce stress by providing access to nature. In these areas, provide 1. A sense of control & privacy 2. Social support 3. Opportunities to exercise 4. Natural Distractions (Ulrich)

Provide supportive, nonPunitive approaches retraumatize and exacerbate institutional settings that foster positive interactions and problems (Perry, 2006) rehabilitation Overactive stress responses Reduce stress (see above) (see above) Expose to sensory stimulation of gardens and physical work in the garden (Clatworthy, et. al., 2013) ADD & ADHD Exposure to nature improves - Difficulty focusing ADD & ADHD symptoms (Faber Taylor, et. al., 2001; 2009) High Drop-Out Rates

Dependence on drugs or alcohol

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Provide alternative learning opportunities that engage students in school and boost selfimage (e.g. art) Include contemplative, independent time in nature to develop own goals and recovery plan (Russel, 2016)

Graduates

Foster Children & Other Youth

“People in prison are part of America, as are those who have been released. They are part of our society.

And we have a powerful stake in their success.”

– Robert E. Rubin, 2016

The Clinical Services Department at the Youth Services Center also works with other youth in need, including foster children, special education youth, and low-income families. Therapists and counselors work with these children of all ages to manage traumatic histories and behavioral challenges.

Even if a juvenile correctional program does everything right – help youth stay in school; address substance abuse, mental illness, and trauma; and teach youth to build healthy relationships and routines – graduates are still at risk of reoffending.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, which pairs foster children with community volunteers “who provide one-onone support, mentoring, and advocacy in the courtroom and beyond,” is run out of the YSC (CASA of San Mateo County). According to the CASA website, “there are hundreds of foster children here in San Mateo County who lack positive adult relationships and do not have a consistent, caring adult to help them navigate the complicated child welfare system. Without proper support, these children will not finish high school and are at severe risk of homelessness” (Ibid.).

The San Mateo County Probation Department doesn’t provide specific data on recidivism rates.

Though rates vary by county and program, California’s state-wide recidivism rates provide some scale to the problem. Of youth released from a juvenile facility in 2007-2008, 53.8% returned to a juvenile or adult facility within three years. Nearly 25% returned in just one year. Recidivism is costly to the state as well as the individual.

After leaving a life of intense structure at the Youth Services Center or one of the camps, youth can feel lost. Relationships that were built over the course of months are severed, and surrounding environments suddenly change. Reintegration and loss of support can be a challenge, and old patterns can easily draw youth in, causing some to reoffend.The next step to reducing the number of youth in the school-to-prison pipeline is continued engagement with program graduates. Programs that continue to engage youth after graduation can help maintain relationships to people and place, and cultivate a continued sense of responsibility for their actions.

One CASA volunteer noted in a meeting that these youth need a safe place to play and be children. As with juvenile detainees, these youth can benefit from the stress-reducing effects of nature and physical activity. Nature can also serve as a positive distraction and play opportunity for the children while CASA volunteers seek to develop meaningful relationships; however, the volunteer brought up concerns of children running away and hiding. In a questionnaire conducted by the author, the volunteer noted, “it has been a problem having a safe area with [a] defiant child.” These children need a safe, easily monitored but engaging site to play and develop healthy adult relationships in order to promote well-being and prevent them from entering the school-to-prison pipeline in the future.

The Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) program is an example of how the YSC has sought to continue to engage graduates. The program puts young alumni in public speaking and teaching roles, acting as mentors to youth currently in the system, and helping graduates tell their story and take on a leadership role. A deeply engaging garden program will deepen graduates’ attachment to the place and encourage them to maintain a connection after graduation through new programs.

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Users at Other County Rehabilitative and Mental Health Facilities The Youth Services Center also houses the Mental Health offices for the county, providing mental health services for all families on Medi-Cal, a free or low-cost healthcare option for those with limited income. Thus, the community it serves consists mostly of impoverished, often marginalized people of color. Individuals and families come to the YSC for therapy, special education services, foster child programs, probationary programs, early childhood development programs, and more.

residents. In addition, the boys often take field trips to partake in therapeutic and physically engaging activities. Clinical Services Manager Toni De Marco imagines that the boys at Camp Glenwood would be able to visit the Phoenix Garden often.

The County also runs two co-sited mental health centers – one for adults and the other for youth ages 12-17. The mental health and juvenile detention facilities each house large populations with mental health conditions including behavioral conditions and substance abuse, and thus are likely to benefit from similar environments. The design guidelines developed from research on psychiatric and behavioral conditions are thus central to these two user groups.

The office also runs a number of related facilities at other sites in the county. An additional juvenile detention camp for boys – Camp Glenwood – is nested in the forested mountains of La Honda, a 24 mile drive away.The camp takes advantage of its naturalistic setting, one likely novel to many of its

Youth Services Center & Margaret J. Kemp Camp for Girls 7

m

ile

s

Canyon Oaks Youth Center & Cordilleras Mental Health Center

iles 24 m

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Camp Glenwood for Boys

Camp Glenwood for Boys Capacity: 60 boys Age Range: 13-18 Average Stay: 9-12 months Facilities: Sited on 60 heavily wooded acres (unfenced) in La Honda (a 24 mile drive from the site); vegetable garden.

School: Camp Glenwood - students often function below grade level; Special Education services are provided.

Programs: Mind Body Awareness Project; Habitat for Humanity (yearly); annual week-long hiking trip; holiday wreath-making business (fundraising for activities).

Cordilleras Mental Health Center A psychiatric hospital for adults with long histories of mental illness Capacity: 68 bed mental health rehab. & 49 bed residential facility Age Range: 18+ Average Stay: Unknown Facilities: Co-sited with Canyon Oaks Youth Center; vegetable garden; outdoor recreation facilities; grassy open space; forested setting School: N/A Programs: Addiction counseling; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); family therapy; group therapy; individual psychotherapy; medication management; psychological evaluation; one-on-one horticultural therapy; Mindful Gardening and Moving Gardening (4x per week) (fundraising for activities).

Canyon Oaks Youth Center A Level 13/14 residential treatment program (mental health) Capacity: 12, co-ed Age Range: 12-17 Average Stay: Unknown Facilities: Co-sited with Cordilleras Mental Health Center; forested setting; small basketball court School: Unknown Programs: Residential council meets bi-monthly to brainstorm ideas and present them to staff; earn money from chores; exercise twice a day Monday-Thursday; afternoons spent hiking, playing basketball, going on exercise-related outings (e.g. skate park) 19

Staff On Site The YSC shares a location with a number of county services, including a fire station, the county probation office, and San Mateo Superior Juvenile Court, with a couple of public schools, an Early Childhood Development Center, the County Coroner, Elections Office, and County Administrative Offices at a lower elevation to the east. A visit to the site around lunch time reveals that some staff members have the desire to walk during their breaks, and mostly walk alone or in pairs. Although the YSC is located adjacent to two beautiful preserved open spaces, these are closed to the public, so walking primarily takes place

on campus roads without sidewalks and in the adjacent residential neighborhood. The workplace, especially in an emotionally demanding and occasionally dangerous setting such as the YSC, can be a stressful place. Staff need the opportunity to restore during their breaks, ideally in a natural environment. This is supported by Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory as well as Roger Ulrich’s stress reduction theory.

The more opportunity staff have to restore and recover, the less likely they are to make mistakes on the job or suffer associated physical or mental health problems (Marcus and Sachs, 2014).

Roads without sidewalks are the primary walking surfaces for staff seeking escape and exercise during breaks. To the left of this road is a grassy open space, offering beautiful views but no access to the public.

Gates to adjacent open spaces warn pedestrians not to trespass.

Photos by author.

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School and Youth Groups restore portions of the site? Could professors and students from the universities conduct studies to measure the impact of the garden on the youth at the YSC, or measure the amount of carbon stored in the soil and biomass?

In addition to the two on-site schools – Hillcrest School (Juvenile Detention Center) and Margaret J. Kemp School (Girls Camp) – and the schools at Canyon Oaks Youth Center and Camp Glenwood for Boys, there are a number of public and private schools for all ages nearby.

Engaging local schools in the project can be an important way to foster widespread community support, increase the visibility and understanding of juvenile rehabilitation programs, study and track outcomes of the project over a long time period, and secure alternative funding and volunteer sources to help realize and maintain the project.

Within three miles of the site, there are two elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and two colleges. This presents an abundance of opportunities to support local students’ education goals and develop ongoing programs that are mutually beneficial. For example, the nearby Odyssey Middle School includes an expeditionary educational program that allows children to learn through expeditions and longterm projects. The school also has “a community service program that teaches responsibility and caring for humankind and the environment” (Odyssey Middle School). Could Odyssey students have an ongoing research project in which they keep track of native pollinator populations, or help

Odyssey Middle School

However, inviting external users to the site, especially under-aged users, requires particular scheduling care. Except under special circumstances, incarcerated youth should not be permitted to interact with the public. External visits from schools must be coordinated with the facility, and should not detract from the experience of on-site youth.

College of San Mateo Hillsdale High School

To U.C. Berkeley Extension, Belmont Highlands Elementary School

Hillcrest School Margaret J. Kemp School

Fox Elementary School

Ralston Middle School

Carlmont High School

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3 miles

1 mile

Notre Dame de Namur University

General Public San Mateo County and the Youth Services Center have a vision for Phoenix Garden as a shared space for youth in the system as well as the broader community. Though the general population is more diverse in age, race, and socio-economic status, tending to be proportionally whiter and wealthier overall, it stands to benefit greatly from a well-designed public space.

have sought to quantify the effects of exposure to nature on human health, with promising results.

Studies in Japan have found that natural scents reduced stress responses, maternal and prenatal stress, and confusion; and prevented depressivelike states in rats. A UK study comparing the effects of walks in a forest vs. an indoor shopping mall revealed a 92% decrease in feelings of depression in those walking in the forest, with a 22% increase reported in mall walkers. A US study found a 20% improvement in memory and attention span in those who walked for an hour in nature as compared to the city. (Ibid.)

Like much of the United States, San Mateo County struggles with preventable health issues related to diet and exercise. Over 50% of adults and 25% of children in the county are overweight or obese.

Heart disease, a condition closely linked to weight, is responsible for 25% of all deaths. More than half of county residents do not regularly exercise, and the ratio of unhealthy fast food establishments to healthy outlets is high in most neighborhoods (County of San Mateo, 2010). In Strategies for Improving Food & Physical Activity Environments in San Mateo County, the county proposed a number of important strategies to address these troubling statistics, including: • Increase access to healthy food and beverages by, e.g., increasing access to farmers markets and community gardens; encouraging consumption of county-grown foods • Increase everyday physical activity by, e.g., increasing access to recreational and pedestrian spaces (Ibid.)

Phoenix Garden can promote healthy eating through passive and active education and food production and distribution to the community.

Because adjacent open spaces are closed to the public, the garden can also serve as an important space for the public to walk or actively volunteer.

Activity in natural areas also has many physical benefits beyond weight loss. Exposure to sunlight provides an important source of vitamin D, promoting good bone health, which is especially important for children and the elderly. Active work in the garden for women over 50 years resulted in higher bone density than all other types of exercise examined. Physical movement in natural settings, as compared to walking in the city, was shown to increase the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which help fight cancer and boost stress resistance. (Ibid.)

Beyond the numerous health benefits an outdoor public space can offer, which extend to all users, this project can provide important educational opportunities related to health, diet, social justice, and the natural environment. Lessons learned at the site can be brought home, potentially changing diets and lifestyles, and affecting long-term health and well-being.

Stress and other mental health issues are also prevalent in the general public. “People who are stressed or recovering from a period of physical or mental illness are not necessarily in a healthcare facility. For everyone seeking a place for quiet contemplation in contact with nature, restorative spaces in the public realm provide settings that can have significant health benefits (Marcus and Sachs, 2014, p.235). In recent years, a number of studies

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Design guidelines for secondary users User Group Former Juvenile Detainees

Foster Children & Other Youth in the System

Characteristics At risk of recidivism Poor adult relationships

Concerns about running away Staff Staff working at all facilities on the site, including the YSC, Girls’ Camp, Childhood Development Center, Fire Department, etc.

Residents of Other County Facilities Canyon Oaks Youth Ctr. Cordilleras Mental Health Ctr. Camp Glenwood for Boys

Need restoration from stressful jobs

Design Guidelines Provide programs and opportunities for graduates to become mentors and leaders Provide spaces and activities that reduce stress and require indirect attention to encourage relationship development (Marcus & Sachs, 2014, 28) Provide fascinating, safe spaces with good visibility (Ibid.)

Provide quiet, green/natural environment for escape, preferably away from patients (Ibid.)

Already take walks, but with limited infrastructure and interest Students function below grade level

Improve walking infrastructure and scenery

Mental health conditions

Expose to nature and physical work in the garden (Clatworthy, et. al., 2013; Sandhel, 2004) Reduce stress by providing access to nature (Ulrich)

Substance abuse

Include contemplative, independent time in nature (Russel, 2016) Provide educational opportunities in a wide variety of subjects, compatible with school standards

Provide alternative learning opportunities that engage students and boost self-image

School and Youth Groups 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 2 colleges, all within 3 miles

Education-focused

General Public Residents of all types in the surrounding neighborhoods and beyond

Physical health including overweight, obesity, diabetes, heart disease

Provide activities, research opportunities, and information for students of all ages, from preschool to college Promote healthy diet through access and education Improve access to activity

Mental health including stress, depression

Provide contact with nature, opportunities for physical activity in nature

Students of all ages

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The language of landscape is our native language. – Anne Whiston Spirn

24

The Site

25

A History of Disturbance have gradually resulted in the die-back of native perennial grasslands and a transition to European annual system, with scattered native vegetation (Strombeg & Griffin, 1996). Compared to nonserpentine sites, serpentine communities tend to retain more native species, given their demanding growing conditions (Hennake et. al., 1990).

The “golden hills” are considered iconic and ubiquitous to California, with their striking golden summer color and verdant winter display. These annual grasses, however, whose die-back each summer produces the distinct color difference, are actually European introductions. The native perennial grasses that once dominated California hills are now much more rare, scattered amid European annuals. A look at the historic land use of the Phoenix Garden site tells a common story of how California’s native grasslands were lost.

Studies show, however, that fertilization of serpentine grasslands, as can occur from grazing, facilitate the dominance of non-native grasses that are more suited to high-nutrient soils. One study concluded that “the invasibility of plant communities may be directly influenced by nutrient availability, independent of physical disturbance” (Hennake et. al., 1990, p.478).

Before being developed by San Mateo County, the site was ranchland for as far back as County records go, to approximately the 1820s. Before the reservoirs and highway 92 were constructed, the San Mateo Rancho was bound by two creeks to the southwest and southeast, with the Phoenix Garden site near their confluence. Though we are not entirely certain whether the presettlement vegetation was grassland, scrubland, or forest, it is likely that it was either serpentine grassland or scrubland, given the site’s geology.

If it was grassland, long-term grazing would

Therefore, the plant composition of the site before it was developed is unknown. However, the presence of native species mixed with annual grasslands in nearby preserves indicate that some native species endured the long history of grazing, and are now providing essential habitat to the many fauna adapted to serpentine plant communities.

The greatest disturbance in the site’s history was the construction of the YSC building. It was demolished in 2010, and two mounds of soil from another construction site were deposited. These disturbances make the origins and quality of the soil a bit more of a mystery, as fill and gravel are often introduced to building sites. A large area has been filled with gravel to serve as a temporary parking lot, covering up the topsoil and suppressing vegetation growth.

The current vegetation and soil profile are reflective of a highly disturbed site, with early colonizing herbs and no topsoil present. This poses limitations on the types of vegetation that can grow without soil modification, particularly conventional edible plants.

Map Source: Poett, San Mateo County Historical Association

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1943 aerial composite image. The reservoirs have already been created, and highway 92 has been constructed on top of San Mateo Creek.The area east of the reservoirs, including the site, is strikingly open compared to the forest area to the west. This can be attributed in part to geologic differences as well as land use (grazing) and slope.

92

l sta ir r y vo r C ser pe Re Up ings r Sp

Source: USDA Agricultural Adjustment Administration, 1943.

2004 aerial. The former Youth Services Center occupied the site until 2010.

Source: San Mateo County Planning and Building Department.

2016 aerial. The demolition of the building left the site highly disturbed, which the emerging grassland vegetation reflects.

Source: Google Maps.

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Serpentine Soils often resulting in sparse vegetation dominated by annual grasses and with Stipa pachra representing the only bunchgrass species (McCarten, 1993, p.3).

Due to the YSC site’s long history of grazing and, more significantly, recent use as a building site, native bunchgrass has not been observed, and its potential for restoration is unknown.

Ecological Value Serpentine soils are a source of immense ecological value, often hosting high rates of diversity and endemic species. These unique soils contain serpentinite, an ultramaphic rock that, due to its prevalence and striking green color, has earned it the honorable title of California’s state rock. The complex geologic processes that formed and distributed these soils results in spotty and fragmented locations throughout the state.

San Mateo County happens to have some of the more extensive continuous serpentine areas, with Edgewood Park serving as a shining example of the diversity and ecological value serpentine sites offer. However, “urban development and especially local highway systems have fragmented these serpentine areas and reduced the amount of exposed undisturbed serpentine soils (McCarten, 1993, p.2). The Youth Services Center is one such serpentine site that has been developed and disturbed over the years, but has the potential for some restoration.

Human Implications While the ecological importance of serpentine soils for the region is clear, they present some challenges to human use. Serpentinite contains naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), a known carcinogen. Exposure to the asbestos particles occurs when, through some act of disturbance, the asbestos becomes airborne and can be inhaled.

It is crucial that, when gardening or farming, individuals take precautions by thoroughly wetting the soil before disturbing it, covering it up with soil or mulch, or avoiding disturbance altogether.

Serpentine soils also contain low levels of calcium and high levels of magnesium, making it a harsh environment for most plants, other than those evolved for such conditions. As a result, gardening and framing with traditional plants directly in the soil is both dangerous due to NOA content, and difficult due to the composition of nutrients.

Over sixty percent of serpentine vegetation is Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland, the plant community found in the neighboring Pulgas Ridge.

This community is sensitive to grazing and other disturbances, which “reduces density and diversity

A serpentinite rock found on the site is indicative of the underlying geology.

Photo by author.

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78k 1a s 78j and Mountains 78o 78l 78l h Ridges ogan Semiarid Foothills 78k 78l Ecoregion Rockies 78l ountains and Breaks 1j U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) uses is located in the Leeward Hills ecoregion, labeled ater Canyons The ecoregions to “denote areas of general similarity 6x on the map.

4h 6ar The Leeward Hills ecoregion includes mountains in ecosystems and in the type, quality, and quantity ley and Mountains and hills with rounded ridges, steep and moderately of environmental resources� (Griffith, et. al., 2016). 78q 6e It occurs inland steep sides, and narrow canyons.

6a ins California is extremely diverse, with 177 Level IV from 78r the wetter Santa Cruz Mountains ecoregion ecoregions (the most refined level of ecoregions) (1n). Elevations range from about 200 feet to peaks ey greater than 3,700 feet. 7a Metasedimentary and in total.

The Phoenix Garden is located in the Central Metasedimentary Zone California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Level III ecoregion, which covers a large portion 1k of the Gneiss Zone state. Generally, this ecoregion is defined by its t-North Bitterroot Mountains mediterranean climate and a mixture of chaparral and oak woodlands, grasslands, and patches of ville Xeric Valleys and Foothills pine.

1l y Outwash Plains Level IV ecoregions further refine the local n Wooded Valley ecosystem around the site. The Phoenix Garden 6m me Foothills and Valleys o Hills and ountains k Maritime Forest hland Dry Forest 6n 1m ains

lith ith ds y-Clearwater Canyons IV ecoregions in the California oded MountainsLevel Bay Area. The site location is roughly erroot Mountainsindicated. and Canyons Source: U.S. Environmental Protection lands-Grasslands Agency, 2013.

Drift-Filled Valleys tholith ater Forested Mountains ons sted Mountains

ies

metavolcanics of the Franciscan Complex occur along with other Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, and minor 7a areas of ultramafics and Plio-Pleistocene non-marine 6g sediments. Soil temperature regimes are thermic and 7b soil moisture regimes are xeric. Common vegetation 7e California bay, includes annual grassland, coast live oak, and a few areas of chaparral. (Griffith, et.7b al., 2016)

4f

4g

4e 4d

4e 4f 4e

5c

5c

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Within this ecoregion, there are still many 5e geologic, vegetative, and weather 7c differences that 7a However, can impact composition.

6g ecosystem 7c ecoregions provide important reference ecologies 7f 6j for this 6i disturbed state.

6k

7e

7a

6h 6g

6l

6o

7g

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Sacramento

6k

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1n

7k

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5

7o

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San Francisco Oakland 6s 6u

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San Jose

7d 6b

6x 6r 7m

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Adjacent Ecologies The Youth Services Center is in close proximity to a large swath of protected land that extends north-south on either side of the region’s drinking water reservoirs. These protected spaces exhibit a diversity of ecosystems, from serpentine bunchgrass grasslands to northern coastal scrub to Coast Live Oak woodlands. In an effort to protect the reservoirs’ water quality, much of this preserved land is off-limits to the public, producing stunning views and ecosystem services, but no recreational value. These areas, like the forested mountains west of the reservoirs, are labeled “scenic” easements. Most of the land to the east of the reservoirs are “scenic and recreation” easements, which allows for some recreational use such as hiking and biking. In reality, however, many

of these areas are off-limits to the public. When one approaches the two open spaces abutting the site (outlined above), they are confronted with signs saying “TRESPASSING LOITERING Forbidden by Law”.This is, in part, because much of the watershed is considered a hazardous fire area.

Without public trails on these lands, pedestrian and recreational access to the site is more limited.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is in the process of evaluating its refuges throughout the state, including the two adjacent spaces outlined below. A change in status could open these areas to the public, greatly increasing recreational opportunities near Phoenix Garden and likely attracting more users.

Scenic and recreation open space Scenic open space Currently inaccessible open space The site

Basemap source: County of San Mateo Parks Department.

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Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland In pre-colonial times, native perennial bunchgrasses dominated many of California’s grassland habitats. Extensive grazing and habitat loss has resulted in a dramatic replacement of native grasses to European annual grasses, which produce the Bay Area’s classic golden hills. Now, serpentine bunchgrass grasslands feature a diverse mix of grasses and wildflowers, both native and introduced, that are suited to serpentine soils. Serpentine grasslands are home to several threatened and endangered flora and fauna, and are a critical contributor to the region’s biodiversity. Serpentine bunchgrass grasslands are found on “gently undulating terraces” and “broad flat ridges” on the peninsula. (SFPUC, 2002)

Northern Coastal Scrub or Chaparral Scrub communities are characterized by low-to mediumsize size shrubs, often with nearly 100 percent canopy cover (California Department of Fish and Game). They occur mostly on the dry, rocky slopes and ridge tops on the Bay Area Peninsula (SFPUC, 2002). Without disturbance or other interventions, coastal scrub plant communities can remain relatively constant, and are not necessarily moving toward forest succession. Common plants include Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis), Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and others.

Coast Live Oak Woodlands Coast live oak woodlands and mixed evergreen forests are found on higher elevation slopes, such as those west and southwest of the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir (SFPUC, 2002). The dominant species is Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), with an understory of California blackberry (Rubinus ursinus), creeping snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), California polypody (Polypodium californicum), and the edible miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) (CalPoly Land).

Photos by author.

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Existing Vegetation Tree Layer A small number of trees dot the site. The most prominent specimens are three Monterey Cypress (Cypressus macrocarpa, #2, #9), a tall evergreen

tree native to nearby Monterey. At the center of the site are two apple trees (Malus), suggesting fruit trees can be established on the site.

1

2

3

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5

6

7

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Ground Layer Other than the above trees and the Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis, a) in the northeast, the site is dominated by non-native herbaceous grasses and groundcovers. Clovers (Trifolium, c) and Lupines (Lupinus, e) are known nitrogen fixers, adding a

b

nitrogen to this nutrient-poor soil. Wildflowers such as the native California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica, b) are present in small numbers and add wildlife value. A small area of native grasses has been identified on the western edge.

c

d

e

Photos by author.

Carbon Sequestration Implications The current carbon sequestration rate of the site, dominated primarily by self-colonized grasses and wildflowers, is estimated to be low. The soil contains limited organic matter, suggesting that its carbon storage capacity is low.The 17 trees on the site sequester some carbon, but a relatively small amount for the site size. A tree with a 9-12 inch diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) is estimated to sequester 17.1 pounds of carbon per year (USDA

Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Values). Since many of the trees are smaller than this, we can expect the trees to cumulatively sequester less than 290.7 lb/yr. However, “the amount of carbon annually sequestered is increased with healthier trees and larger diameter trees�, so, where possible, trees should be kept and maintained (USDA Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Values).

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Youth Services Center

6

1

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9 8

native grasses

3 4 10

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Girls’ Camp

1:200

1. Pinus and unknown deciduous 2. Cubressus macrocarpa and Pinus (x2)

3. Acacia decurens (x2) 4. Platanus racemosa (x3) 5. Pittosporum crassifolium

6. Unknown deciduous 7. Quercus virginiana 8. Malus var. (x2)

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9. Cypressus macrocarpa 10. Unknown

Drainage Patterns A network of storm drains and pipes, presumably installed when the former YSC building was constructed, effectively conveys water off the site.

Given current grading, surface water generally appears to flow toward nearby storm drains.

to improper drainage here. The soil conditions, combined with the need to conserve water in this drought-prone, seasonally dry climate, mean that a delicate balance between capturing and moving water off the site needs to be achieved.

Many agricultural plants cannot tolerate anaerobic soil conditions, so effective drainage is especially important in these areas.

The site’s serpentine soils, with their relatively high clay content, show signs of anaerobic conditions in some areas, indicating that portions of the site are permanently or seasonally saturated. Site visits after winter rain events revealed some standing surface water, including one major wet area near the oak tree. The neighboring berm may be contributing

Because rain only comes half of the year, many rain events are large. On-site stormwater management systems must be designed to handle storms, large and small, without long-lasting standing water.

Wet area around the oak tree. Photo by author.

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Youth Services Center

Major storm drain Wet area

Girls’ Camp

Berm Runoff direction Drainage pipe 1:200

Site boundary

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Access and Circulation Surrounding Area Though cars are the dominant mode of transport in the area, there are multiple ways to arrive at the Phoenix Garden.The site is just off of highway 280, which contributes some noise pollution. A public bus runs between the College of San Mateo to the San Carlos Caltrain, connecting the site to the regional education and train network. Bike and pedestrian routes present opportunities for new recreational connections to be made in a region rich in natural and scenic beauty.

The three main entrances identified are the two crosswalk connections from the YSC to the north, and the southern connection to the Girls’ Camp.

As these will be the primary daily users, access from the two facilities must be easy. Secondary entry points have been identified along the parking lots.

Pedestrian paths around the site are limited, mostly located around and between buildings. Roads are used as walking paths by staff, posing safety hazards and making for a less pleasant walking experience.

Welcoming pedestrian paths within the Phoenix Garden will be important to encouraging activity and public use of the site.

On-Site Parking is abundant around the site, with three major parking lots to the north, north east, and east. Smaller parking lots, important for handicap parking, are to the south, west, and north as well.

Because this site is far from any urban centers, parking is important if it is to serve as an effective public space.

The limited access driving route to the southwest of the site is well suited as a pick-up and drop-off zone for organic matter, building material, etc.

to College of San Mateo

Bus stop Bus route Paved bicycle trail Dedicated road lanes Bicycle-friendly roads to San Carlos Caltrain

highway 280

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Hiking trails Site

Youth Services Center

temporary parking lot Primary entry Secondary entry Parking area

Girls’ Camp

Driving route Limited driving route Walking path 1:200

Site boundary

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Visibility and Safety Visibility is highly important in detention and mental health settings. Settings with good visual access require fewer staff members, reducing financial and staff-time barriers that often deter garden use. Good visibility also allows staff to stand on the sidelines when needed, giving youth and other garden users a greater sense of privacy, control, and personal exploration.

order to maintain safety and monitor elopement attempts. Although such attempts are extremely rare, a properly designed site can deter them and reduce staff worry. If this garden is to be used regularly by youth at the YSC and Boys and Girls camps, these berms must be relocated or removed.

A partly chain link and damaged barbed wire fence marks the boundary between the west side of the site and the adjacent State Fish and Game Refuge. The barrier is unassuming, providing views to the beautiful meadows beyond. It is not an entirely effective security barrier to elopement, however. In lieu of installing a tall, imposing fence, which the YSC would like to avoid, visibility must be maintained from all points.

The entrance areas from the Youth Services Center and Girls’ Camp are considered to be the most important viewpoints, given the need for constant surveillance of these two user groups.

Currently, two berms placed in the middle of the site break up visual access from both entrances.

This topography would require staff members to be at the northern and southern end of the site in

Youth Services Center

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ce fen

e

c fen

Girls’ Camp

view 2

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1:400

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View toward two berms from southern corner of temporary parking lot. The northern portion of the site is obscured from this area.

A barbed boundary State Fish mountains views.

wire fence delineates the between the site and the and Game Refuge and the beyond, offering beautiful

Wildflowers are visible beyond the chain link fence along the site boundary.

Photos by author.

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Climate and Weather the summer drought conditions, but typical row crops and many edible perennials are not, requiring irrigation in the summer either from municipal sources or harvested and stored rainwater. The YSC building is large enough to harvest more than enough rooftop water for year-round use.

Temperatures The Bay Area’s mediterranean climate brings mild temperatures throughout the year, with rare frost events. December and January are the coldest months, with average lows just above 40°F. documented in adjacent Highlands-Baywood Park September is the warmest month, with an average high of about 75°F (City-Data.com, 2016).

These mild temperatures mean recreation and site-appropriate food production can comfortably occur year-round, as long as the asbestoscontaining soil is addressed. Continuous use of the Phoenix Garden throughout the seasons can help ensure it is well-maintained and integrated into therapeutic programs.

Fog Fog coming over the mountains from the Pacific Ocean is common throughout the Bay Area.

According to the USGS and Climate Commons fog frequency map, the site receives an average of 6-8 hours/day of low clouds (or fog) from June - September (Torregrosa, et. al., 2016). Cloudy days are much more common in the winter months, with very few cloudy days between June and August. Site observations suggest that fog tends to blanket the site in the night and early morning, burning off as the sun gets higher in the sky. Fog provides moisture to plants, moderates temperatures, and blocks the sun’s rays during the day.

Precipitation The stark wet and dry seasons characteristic of the Bay Area make sustainable access to water a challenge. Nearly all of the precipitation falls in the wet season, between November and March, while the summer months receive virtually no precipitation (Ibid.). Native plants are adapted to

Fog makes its way over the Santa Cruz Mountains from the Pacific Ocean to blanket the site.

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Morning fog blankets the site in mid-February.

Photo by author.

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Initial Interventions With a rough vision for the Phoenix Garden in mind, staff and volunteers have recently begun to implement initial interventions on the site.

Honey Bees A volunteer from the community keeps honeybees beneath a large Monterey Cypress in the northwestern corner of the site. She leads occasional activities with the youth, including making beeswax-based products such as lip balm.

The bees have the potential to support a number of therapeutic and educational activities, as well as the pollination of the edible and native plants that will occupy the garden.

Orchard In February of 2016, a group of staff, members of the non-profit City Trees, community members, and male and female youth from the juvenile camps gathered to put 93 fruit trees in the ground. The two orchard planting areas roughly correspond with the locations designated on the original plans, but were constrained by the positions of the berms. The donated trees include 11 different types of fruit trees suitable to the climate. These orchards can be considered nurseries, hosting the trees while the final plan is developed.

This early intervention revealed an important potential challenge to the project: theft. When the bees were located on the western portion of the site, unenclosed, two hives were stolen. In reaction, the hives are now fenced in.

Orchard Planting Diagrams Lower Orchard

43 Trees

Upper Orchard

54 Trees

apple pear apricot nectarine peach fig plum persimmon pluerry cherry prune peacotum

The honey bees are currently fenced in to deter theft.

Photo by author.

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Youth Services Center

lower orchard

bees

upper orchard

Girls’ Camp

1:200

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SWOT Summary Analysis project. The SWOT framework is a useful tool to clearly summarize internal and external factors acting on the site, and clearly informs the design direction of the project.

This SWOT analysis examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats revealed by the layers of analysis conducted prior to the design development for the Phoenix Garden

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

•

•

• • •

Proximity to preserved lands provides a buffer, views, wildlife, and a reservoir for native seeds Some existing trees are worth saving, lending maturity to a largely herbaceous, horizontal site Sophisticated stormdrain system is already in place Primary users live in close proximity to the site and engage in daily activities that could take place outside

• • •

History of disturbance has supported the colonization of non-native vegetation Current locations of berms cuts off visibility to the site, posing security and circulation issues Low soil nutrients and lack of topsoil make the site poorly suited to agriculture Carbon storage is currently low due to dominance of annual grasses and forbs

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

•

•

•

Serpentine soils support native grasslands, rare species, and valuable habitat, providing potential ecological and educational benefits if restored Proximity to preserved lands provides opportunity to expand contiguous habitat and recreational opportunities, as well as collaborate with open space groups

• •

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Naturally-occurring asbestos in the soil poses health risks if handled incorrectly Fog from the west increases cloud cover and cools the site, potentially affecting food production Theft and vandalism

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Essential Concepts

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Food Justice The presence of food justice as a term and a social movement suggests that access to fresh, nutritious food is far from universal. Socially and economically disadvantaged groups tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity and related conditions. Some cities or neighborhoods dominated by such demographics are considered food deserts, lacking access to proper grocery stores or produce markets. San Mateo County’s city of East Palo Alto is one such place. It also happens to be predominantly Hispanic or Latino and economically disadvantaged (City of East Palo Alto).

Overweight and obesity among children in San Mateo County by city, 2010 47%

South San Francisco 43%

San Bruno 39%

Daly City

37%

Redwood City San Mateo

33%

Pacifica

33% 30%

Foster City

29%

San Carlos

Whether or not entire communities are labeled food deserts, problems of easy and healthy access to food are prevalent throughout the county.

Without affordable, nutritious food within reach, individuals tend to consume more pre-packaged, processed, high-in-sugar, and fast food meals. “Due in part to corn and soy subsidies from the farm bill, San Mateo County residents now consume more processed foods with greater amounts of sugar, fat, and sodium than ever before. These troubling consumption trends have been linked to higher rates of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and related disease” (San Mateo County Food System Alliance, 2014, p.61). Thirty four percent of county children are overweight or obese, conditions that contribute to absenteeism, poor academic performance, and further health problems (Ibid.).

Of youth ages 12-17 in San Mateo County, 56% consume at least one soda per day, significantly higher than adults and children ages 2-11 (Ibid.).

26%

Menlo Park Millbrae

25%

Burlingame

24% 34%

San Mateo County

38%

California 0%

10%

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30%

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Adapted from San Mateo County Food System Alliance, 2014, Figure 10, p.64.

State and national programs such as SNAP (called CalFresh in California), which offers benefits to be spent on food in stores and markets based on one’s income, attempt to address the financial barrier to fresh food (Department of Social Services, 2007).

Children in need are entitled to free breakfast and lunch in all public schools. However, these are sometimes the only meals children have access to. Hunger and worry over one’s next meal can lead to distractions in school and poor performance. In recognition of the importance of school-provided meals for low-income children, Obama signed the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) in 2010, an attempt to address poor nutrition and overweight children by raising school meal nutrition standards (San Mateo County Food System Alliance, 2014). These standards apply to schools at the YSC and youth camps. California health education standards are now shifting their

Chef and blogger Ayinde Howell concluded that the issue comes down to “money, education and then choice” (Howell, 2011). Money determines if your neighborhood even has grocery stores, and whether you can reach for that unsubsidized organic produce. Education can help you make more informed decisions about your purchases and consumption patterns, if you can afford to change your habits. And, once informed, you have a choice to make between healthy and unhealthy options, the latter of which there are many.

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50%

focus away from knowledge toward “teaching the skills that enable students to make healthy choices and avoid high-risk behaviors” (California State Board of Education, 2008). Schools are uniquely positioned to provide free access to nutritious foods and educate students in healthy food and lifestyle choices so that they can elect healthy foods over the alternatives in the future.

Food justice is as much about access as it is about empowerment. The youth in San Mateo County’s juvenile system are socio-economically disadvantaged and largely Hispanic or Latino, making them statistically more likely to have struggled with food access, obesity and related conditions. They may never have seen how vegetables grow, or prepared a fresh meal themselves, and they may feel pre-destined for a life of poor health and lack of choice. Food- and nutrition-oriented education in SMC’s juvenile system has the potential to change how the youth think about food, their bodies, and their ability to advocate for their right to choice.

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Carbon Farming and Carbon Sequestration Agriculture is an essential endeavor, providing food, shelter, clothes, and other resources to the world’s burgeoning population. However, many agricultural systems have negative impacts on local and global ecosystems. In pursuit of increased efficiency, mechanization, and specialization, our agricultural systems have become major contributors to global climate change. According to some calculations, “emissions from agriculture, land clearing for agriculture, the food system, and food waste amount to roughly half of all anthropogenic emissions” (Toensmeier, 2016, p.12). However, author Eric Toensmeier and the IPCC agree that a shift toward carbon farming can also be part of the climate change solution, if implemented soon and on a large scale.

plant biomass and potentially prevent catastrophic consequences to climate change.

Annual crops account for approximately 22% of farmland worldwide, and are the primary source of food for humans and livestock. Tilling the soil, an extremely common practice in annual crop systems, releases carbon stored in the top layer of the soil, converting it to carbon dioxide. Tilling can also lead to degraded soils, reduced outputs, and a dependence on synthetic fertilizers derived from fossil fuels. Practices such as no-till agriculture, cover cropping, and crop rotation can achieve improved but relatively low rates of sequestration; organic and agroecological systems can achieve medium rates; and agroforestry systems (a mixture of trees and annuals) can achieve low to medium rates.

As defined by the Marin Carbon Project, “Carbon Farming involves implementing practices that are known to improve the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and converted to plant material and/or soil organic matter.

Carbon Farming is successful when carbon gains resulting from enhanced land management and/ or conservation practices exceed carbon losses” (2013). Carbon farming encompasses a number of different agricultural practices, and attempts to more precisely quantify their effects are underway.

A shift to perennial agricultural systems would have an even greater impact on sequestration rates, though it would require some dietary shifts if implemented on a large scale. Perennial crops account for approximately 11% of global cropland, and some systems can have very high sequestration rates. “Woody perennial crops such as fruits and nuts are powerful sequesterers of carbon, with most rated medium to very high” (Ibid., p.33). Multistrata (multilayer) perennial systems can have medium to extremely high rates of sequestration. Perennial agricultural systems can have additional benefits, including soil stabilization and improved water management.

Soil plays an enormously important role in carbon storage. The IPCC states that soil carbon sequestration has the greatest mitigation potential, “with an estimated 89% contribution to the technical potential” (2007, p.499). About two thirds of a plant’s carbon in an agroforestry system is held in the soil and the roots, while one third is contained in aboveground biomass.“Two and a half trillion tons of carbon are currently held in the top meter of soils around the world, with an additional 560 billion living in aboveground biomass and detritus. Together these amount to six times the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere” (Ibid., p.12). Soil and plant biomass already play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric carbon, but a large-scale shift in agricultural practices can increase the amount of carbon held in soils and

Degraded land, such as is currently found at the Phoenix Garden site, has “diminished carbon above- and belowground” (Ibid., p.54). Degraded lands are at risk of potentially irreversible damage in the form of “compaction, erosion, desertification, acidification, fertility depletion, loss of organic matter, salinization, and crusting” (Ibid., p.54). Regenerative agriculture is the practice of restoring such degraded lands, improving the health of the soils, and thereby improving soil sequestration. The sequestration potential of the Phoenix Garden can be vastly improved by applying the following strategies.

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Carbon Sequestration Strategies

1. Keep existing trees, if possible

5. Incorporate coppice systems

2. Restore degraded land

6. Avoid tilling the soil

3. Use mostly perennials

7. Increase soil organic matter

4. Incorporate polyculture systems

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Horticultural Therapy Horticultural Therapy (HT) is built upon a long history of using gardens as spaces for mental and physical healing. In recent decades, scientific research and numerous treatment programs have validated the work of horticultural therapists and the long-held belief that interaction with nature can achieve numerous cognitive, psychological, social, and physical benefits.

youth in San Mateo County’s correctional facilities engage in daily, including yoga, school, substance abuse recovery programs, and meditation.

Providing outdoor spaces for these activities increases the youths’ exposure to nature and the benefits derived from it.

The AHTA lists numerous evidence-supported benefits to horticultural therapy, including:

Horticultural Therapy is facilitated by one or more trained horticultural therapists to achieve specific treatment goals for a defined user group.

According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), “horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product” (American Horticultural Therapy Association, 2007, p.1). For the designer, this means that the programs surrounding the landscape are just as important, if not more so, than the garden design itself. Users benefit both from passive and active engagement with the garden.

•

•

•

Vocational Horticulture is related to horticultural therapy, but focuses primarily on training participants for a horticultural profession rather than achieving well-defined clinical goals. Skillbuilding activities and career development can help motivate youth to learn, thus engaging them in their education in new ways, as well as prepare them for life after the correctional facility.

Vocational and therapeutic goals can both be integrated into HT programs, but treatment goals should be prioritized.

•

The landscape in which HT occurs can take many forms. A therapeutic garden is most applicable to the vision for Phoenix Garden. It is “designed to meet the needs of a specific user or population” and “to accommodate client treatment goals and may provide for both horticultural and nonhorticultural activities” (Ibid., p.2). In addition to horticultural programs, the garden can accommodate the variety of activities that the

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Cognitive – enhance cognitive functioning, improve concentration, stimulate memory, improve goal achievement, improve attentional capacity Psychological: improve quality of life, increase self-esteem, improve sense of wellbeing, reduce stress, improve mood, decrease anxiety, alleviate depression, increase sense of control, improve sense of personal worth, increase feelings of calm and relaxation, improve personal satisfaction, increase sense of pride and accomplishment Social: improve social integration, increase social integration, provide for healthier patterns of social functioning, improved group cohesiveness Physical: improve immune response, decrease stress, decrease heart rate, promote physical health, improve fine and gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination

discussion of career paths and skill development seems to have drawn the youth into the program, but the benefits extended far beyond vocational promise to improved self-esteem, an interest in educational material, and hope for the future.

Horticultural Therapy for Correctional Youth Incarcerated youth stand to benefit greatly from horticultural therapy programs. Currently, psychological services are central to San Mateo County’s rehabilitation approach. These services can be supported by well-planned horticultural programs to achieve even better results. Hands-on vocational training has been found to be especially motivational, and can engage youth otherwise resistant to traditional therapeutic approaches (Flagler, 1995). In The Role of Horticulture in Training Correctional Youth, Joel Flagler identifies four primary benefits to horticultural programs for correctional youth:

Incarcerated youth tend to be far behind in school, with high rates of learning disabilities. Conventional education has generally failed them, but handson, field-based learning has proven to be more successful (Ibid.). HT programs can provide a novel way to engage students in topics such as biology, botany, earth science, reading, art, and beyond, and provides an ever-changing space for the hands-on, field-based learning that engages them. HT can also provide productive nature-based metaphors for substance abuse recover and relapse, foster social integration, improve social skills, and build community and strong relationships.

1. Provide activity: youth are much less likely to misbehave while engaged in meaningful work than while sitting idly; youth gain value from work 2. Produce quality food: improved quality of life; implications for food justice and resilience 3. Provide horticultural learning experiences: school learning, career-building, social skill-building 4. Promote success: horticultural programs may provide these youth their first opportunity to succeed, after a long string of self-perceived failures. Knowing that success is possible may inspire success in other aspects of life. Recognizing youth’s successes is very important to horticultural therapy programs

Horticultural Therapy at the Phoenix Garden San Mateo County’s Clinical Services Manager Toni DeMarco has already begun exposing her staff to the ideas behind HT in anticipation of the Phoenix Garden project. Proper training, acceptance, and education on the benefits of the garden will ensure that it is used frequently and appropriately so that the youth benefit as much as possible from the therapeutic garden.

Certified Horticultural Therapists should also be engaged. In order to reduce costs and increase the impact of the project, the garden can become a training site for HTs from regional schools.

Self-evaluation of incarcerated youth revealed strong feelings of failure, “that little they do ever turns out right” (Flagler, 1995, p.185). However, after participating in an HT program, youth reported an increased interest in green-industry jobs (from 15% interest before participation to 80% after).

Eighty-seven percent thought their quality of life could improve as a result of the program through new job skills and experience, new contacts, new ideas for the future, and more. And, in a significant indication of improved self-esteem and self-worth, 82% believed they could teach something to someone else after the program (Ibid.). In this study,

It will be critical to hire a knowledgable gardener with educational and/or mental health experience.

The gardener must be able to guide youth and volunteers in implementation and maintenance projects, as well as work with educators and therapists to develop meaningful programs. It is recommended that San Mateo County try to partner with a non-profit to co-manage the garden and its public and private programs.

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Ecological Restoration establish themselves.

Restore to What?

What does it mean to restore a landscape? Is there an ideal former state that a disturbed site should return to? What is the designer’s role in restoration?

After much nearby native grassland and scrubland had been lost or damaged due to grazing, development, and highway construction, a concerted effort was made to protect and restore nearby ecosystems, particularly serpentine grasslands. The presence of non-native or invasive species on the Phoenix Garden site could negatively influence the species composition of nearby restoration projects such a the State Fish and Game Refuge and Edgewood Park. A transition to a more native ecosystem could help support these nearby communities and lead to more resilient plant and animal populations.

“Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed” (Society for Ecological Restoration International Science & Policy Working Group, 2004). As opposed to a natural landscape, which is “developed by natural processes” and “is self-organizing and self-maintaining,” restored landscapes imply a degree of human intervention and decision-making (Ibid.). Restored landscapes are necessarily cultural landscapes, “developed under the joint influence of natural processes and human-imposed organization” (Ibid.). Thus, restored landscapes are an important reflection of our society’s relationship to and value of nature.

Ecological Description of the Site At present, the site is primarily composed of nonnative annual grasses that have dominated since Europeans began grazing the area. A handful of trees originally planted between buildings survive, some native and some exotic. Because of the building and its deconstruction process, the site’s soils are highly disturbed. Some fill was brought in from other parts of the County property, suggesting a loss of native soil structure and composition. A large portion of the site is currently an informal gravel parking lot, which has prevented vegetation establishment and likely compacted the soil below. In the design, much of this parking lot is designated for ecological restoration.

Ecological restoration can take many forms, depending on the conditions of the site, the initial level of human intervention, and the ongoing maintenance regime. The designer chooses one or more reference ecosystems to inform her design.

This reference does not necessarily have to have been historically present on the site, but the site’s conditions need to be able to support it in order to be relatively autogenic, or self-renewing, after establishment (Ibid.).

Why Restore?

The Phoenix Garden site has been degraded and disturbed over the years, first by long-term grazing, and later more significantly by the building complex that occupied the site. The original ecosystem is such a distant memory that its composition remains a mystery, though it was likely serpentine grassland and/or chaparral. Natural recolonization of the site has occurred without human intervention, enabling pioneer species such as annual European grasses and wildflowers to grow. The dominance of these species makes it much more difficult for the rarer native species to

Temporary gravel parking lot. Photo by author.

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These ecosystems are often found on slopes and ridge tops in the Bay Area.

Restoration Goals • Restore delineated portions of the site based on three reference ecosystems • Promote resilient, diverse, and relatively autogenic ecosystems • Provide an adaptable design plan that responds to changing results • Provide access to the general public and students for educational and recreational opportunities, with respect to the fragile ecosystems • Support local conservation efforts by prioritizing threatened and endangered plants, and plants that support rare wildlife, if the site supports them

3. Coast Live Oak Woodlands These woodlands tend to be found in areas with deep soil that can support large oaks.Oaks can produce magnificent form and texture, and support a diversity of fauna. The dense, multistory vegetation found in oak woodlands can stabilize slopes and regulate the elements.

These reference ecologies cannot be considered as isolated entities. The transition areas between them are interesting, diverse, and ecologically valuable. It is common to see chaparral emerge from low points in grassy hills, or open-grown oaks dotting a grassland. This contributes to a truly dynamic landscape to reference in the Phoenix Garden design.

Reference Landscape A reference landscape is composed of two or more kinds of reference ecosystems. The ecosystems identified as references for this project are found nearby on other protected lands.

1. Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland For serpentine soils where nutrient levels are so low they cannot support much vegetation, grasslands can be the climax ecosystem. In cultural landscapes, minimal grazing, mowing, or burning can be used to help prevent succession. Before European colonizers began grazing the land, native perennial bunchgrasses dominated many of California’s hills. Now, introduced annuals tend to dominate, and native serpentine flora and fauna are at risk of disappearing. Serpentine grasslands tend to have striking displays of wildflowers in the spring, and can host rare fauna such as the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly.

2. Northern Coastal Scrub or Chaparral Scrub and chaparral communities are dominated by low- to medium-sized shrubs, and, depending on soil conditions, can remain in a relatively stable state. Small mammals and birds thrive in the cover of shrubs such as Coyote Brush and Manzanita.

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desIgn

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Project Development

Conceptual design by Toni DeMarco and Tracy Parker, 2006.

Drawing by Tracy Parker.

Conceptual design by Toni DeMarco and Tracy Parker, 2006.

Drawing by Tracy Parker.

Initial Concept Development As a capstone project for her yearlong permaculture class, Clinical Services Manger Toni DeMarco and classmate Tracy Parker sketched out a rough design for a therapeutic garden on the site of the former Youth Services Center. The design, based on site observations and permaculture principles, communicated a number of important programmatic and therapeutic ideas and served as a platform for further discussion and development of the Phoenix Garden.

their ideas, and exploring the practicalities of plant selection and long-term implementation.

While awaiting the completion of the final design, small interventions have been made to initiate institutional support for and interest in the project.

Nearly 100 orchard trees have been planted by volunteers roughly near the locations indicated

by Bay Tree Design’s plan. These trees can be considered nursery trees, awaiting relocation after the final plan. Honey bee hives in the northwestern corner of the site can also be relocated based on the final plan. While these interventions are important avenues for drumming up support, the continued piecemeal development of the site, without an agreed upon design for the site, can result in a fragmented site with poor circulation.

Further Investigations In 2006, a Steering Committee consisting of various staff, non-profit and community members was formed to discuss the project’s feasibility. The decision was made to hire Berkeley landscape architecture firm Bay Tree Design to refine Toni and Tracy’s sketch, making it truer to scale, advocating for ADA compliance, and more. This draft of the design was still largely schematic, and the scope of it didn’t include much analysis or details such as plant selection and implementation process, an essential and complex aspect of this project.

Current Status This project presents the next step in the design process, building upon the work of Toni, Tracy, and Bay Tree Design, further critiquing and refining

Design and drawing by Bay Tree Design, 2011.

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Base design and drawing by Bay Tree Design, 2011. Color annotation by author.

Building from Previous Design Iterations The above conceptual plan created by Bay Tree Design was intended to directly reflect the original plan created in 2006. While rich in valuable ideas about food production, meditative and sensory experiences, and a variety of gathering spaces, the design process lacked the thorough analysis and research basis that this project presents. The proposed design utilizes elements and ideas from previous designs that work well, while revisiting others in order to reflect a depth of site analysis and research.

learning labs, and berms that shield the site from fog and improve security. However, a number of elements are called into question. Knowledge of soil conditions suggest that row crops that require tilling are not safe. The separation of the orchards, row crops, berries, and small-scale annual production reduces ecosystem complexity and does not sequester as much carbon as multistrata systems. The berm at the northeastern entrance blocks views into the public areas, making the site less inviting to visitors who may not know it is open to the public. Meadow habitats, which are more valuable the larger they are, are unnecessarily fragmented.The northwest corner of the site is no longer reserved for future development, making it possible to integrate it into the design proposal.

Many of the core programmatic elements are carried through to the current design: a large food production area, native meadow habitat, a sensory garden, a labyrinth, an amphitheater,

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Design Principles The following design principles have been developed by the designer based on the initial concept, conversations with key staff, and research.

Foster a sense of control

Produce food

Do not fence in the garden

Use food produced on-site to provide fresh, healthy food to the facilities and/or sell the food to the local community for a profit

Incorporate areas with a sense of solitude that can be monitored from afar

Use food production as an educational tool for nutrition, food security, and therapeutic themes

Incorporate opportunities for youth to design, implement, and alter the landscape according to their own ideas Provide activities that youth can engage in semi-independently or lead others in

Educate and empower Provide outdoor learning environments

Prioritize natural, local resources

Link garden themes to educational and therapeutic life themes

Use renewable energy Use materials that can be easily found or modified in the youths’ home environments

Sequester carbon Use the landscape to address climate change and global environmental concerns, and spread the knowledge through education programs

Harvest rainwater to reduce demand on the municipal water system

Implement over a long time

Restore native habitat

Implementation should be ongoing, allowing opportunities for many youth to engage deeply in the project and allowing for adjustments as-needed

Designate portions of the site for native habitat Use habitat as an education tool for plant identification, native ecosystems, and wildlife

Integrate art Ensure safety

Engage the youth and volunteers in each project. Use art as a therapeutic and community-building tool

Limit digging in and disturbance of the native soil, which contains naturally-occurring asbestos

Blur the line between gardening and art

Provide visibility over long distances to assist staff supervision

Promote physical and emotional well-being Build a community of support

Provide multiple ways to be physically active and have positive bodily experiences

Engage outside groups in helping implement, maintain, and support the project

Promote healthy eating

Provide opportunities for youth who have successfully graduated from the program to return and act as mentors

Provide meditation and sensory spaces, spaces for therapy, opportunities to foster healthy relationships

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Basic Program Concept Diagrams

Berms Move berms from the site’s center, where they block views and disrupt circulation, to the periphery.

This will increase visibility and safety, contribute to greater autonomy and sense of control for youth, and ultimately reduce stress. The vegetated berms also block fog rolling in from the east and help dampen sound from the adjacent highway.

Paths and Nodes Develop a network of nodes – large and small – to accommodate a variety of therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities and uses. Use a multitiered path system to connect these nodes as well as separate conflicting uses such as restoration and physical activity.

Nature Increase the amount of contiguous natural areas by locating restored land nearest the adjacent preserved grassland. These nature spaces provide educational opportunities, provide natural environments for optimal restoration and stress reduction, sequester carbon, and restore degraded land to valuable native habitat.

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1

Open Pavilion & Meadow Orchard

The site’s main public entrance opens up onto a flexible pavilion, to be used for farmers markets and other large events, with ample seating in sun and shade. Visitors arriving from the Youth Services Center enter under the wing of a redbud phoenix, a reference to the garden’s central metaphor of rebirth and redemption. To the south is a meadow with widely spaced fruit trees, and a small naturalistic playground for all children, including those in the foster system.

2

Medicinal Garden & Chaparral Berm

A large medicinal garden with a grid structure provides areas for students to design and plant their own garden plot as a reflective exercise. The western half is restricted to native plants, while the eastern half contains more conventional medicinal vegetation. A wooden boardwalk bisects the gardens, with a 12-Step gathering space for AA/NA meetings. A learning lab offers a space for students to apply landscape-based lessons to educational goals. The area is sheltered by a berm planted with chaparral plants native to the region.

3

Amphitheater & Woodland Berm

An oak woodland berm shelters an amphitheater for graduation ceremonies, theater performances put on by the youth, and public events. The amphitheater is integrated into the woodland, with a scattering of trees growing between seats. The surrounding area provides a flexible space for youth to participate in yoga classes and other activities.

4

Restored Native Meadow

Due to the site’s close proximity to valuable serpentine meadow habitat, a large portion of the site is designated for restoration of this locally fragile habitat. Native grasses and wildflowers are carefully selected and will be closely monitored by the youth as the restoration process unfolds through a scientific approach. A learning lab provides spaces to identify the plants, conduct restoration experiments, and monitor progress over time.

Meander Garden

The meander garden is a relaxing, secluded space where exploration and curiosity are encouraged. Visually enclosed by berms and vegetation, this garden can provide meditative opportunities for the individual and therapeutic activities for small groups. At its center is a fountain encircled by seating, where users can dip their feet in the water. Wood platforms are constructed by youth as flexible seating options. The garden supports the greatest diversity of plants for a variety of sensory stimulation that provides long-term fascination to users.

Labyrinth & Redbud Coppice

A rose-covered pergola frames the entrance to the walking labyrinth planted with various types of lavender and companion plants. The 8-circuit labyrinth expands on the existing meditation activities led at the YSC and camps. A coppice orchard of Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) provides a regenerating supply of craft and building material for youth, as well as a connection to local Native American heritage. A stone sculpture constructed with the help of youth evokes balance and serenity.

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The Farm

A large portion of the site is devoted to growing food, addressing food security, education, and nutrition gaps in detained youth. Due to the presence of naturally-occurring asbestos in the soil and the desire to sequester carbon, nearly all of the food is produced on berms in a no-till, perennial food forest system. Fifteen raised beds and 6 keyhole gardens provide spaces for annual gardening. A greenhouse, outdoor kitchen, and bee hives provide opportunities to learn about everything involved in the production and consumption of whole foods.

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Stormwater Management & Beneficial Hedge

Runoff from the site drains to the southeast corner, where a vegetated depression infiltrates and treats stormwater, diverting it from the sewer system. A beneficial hedge shields roadside views while demonstrating the potential wildlife and human value that well-designed hedges can offer.

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Woodland Berm Adventure Trail

Excess soil forms a large berm, enclosing the garden for safety and privacy while shielding it from the chill of incoming fog. The berm is planted with a mixture of plants found in the oak woodland reference ecosystem. A mulch trail along the hill’s ridge offers nature-based challenges for youth, building individual confidence and teamwork skills. Elements include notched logs, climbing netting, hammocks, balancing rope, and a wall.

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6

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1 2

3 5

4 6

9 7 8

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Open Pavilion & Meadow Orchard Area

Overall Concept The primary entrance, one of the most public areas, is located in the northeast corner of the site, closest to the Youth Services Center and the main parking lot. The space is meant to be flexible enough to accommodate regular farmers markets and other large public events. The adjacent meadow orchard provides low-intensity food production and a place for the public to walk, picnic, and explore. A small naturalistic playground located within the orchard responds to caretakers’ requests for safe play areas for foster children.

A wind turbine pumps up water from cisterns containing harvested rainwater, educating youth and the public on responsible use of resources.

wood posts with planks

wood logs contain sandbox and create a climbing surface

willow play nest willow sculpture at Sundholm urban farm in Copenhagen, Denmark

Photo sources from top left to bottom: 1) PromĂŞny pro skoly; 2) Sand Pit in Norway; 3) Black-Ramsey, 2016; 4) photo by author.

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Users coming from the Youth Services Center enter under the wing of a phoenix sculpture made of coppiced redbud harvested on-site and willow branches.

A central area edged with cob seating provides shaded places to rest.

An open pavilion provides space for a farmers market, where produce and products made on-site by the youth can be sold, helping fund programs and bringing the general community to the site.

Nine buried 10,000 gallon water cisterns store rainwater harvested from the YSC rooftop to be used on the Phoenix Garden landscape.

A small, naturalistic playground provides an essential place, close to the entrance, for foster kids to play safely.

A wind turbine surrounded by seating pumps water from the cisterns to the landscape, and educates on sustainable energy sources.

A vegetated pergola shades the walkway to the meander garden.

A meadow orchard with widely-spaced, full-sized fruit trees provides a space for the public to pick fruit, walk, and picnic after a farmers market.

Bike racks encourage alternative transportation to the site.

Between two existing Monterey Cypress trees is a new secondary entrance.

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Medicinal Garden

“Natural Systems Learning Lab” schematic design by Light Houses Design. The design includes a living roof, rooftop solar panels, a rain chain, and a bioswale below to purify stormwater runoff.

return to the garden to share their land art and participate in post-graduation programs that help reduce recidivism.

Overall Concept The medicinal garden is ever-evolving at the hands of the youth. Toward the end of their time in correctional programs, youth are invited to ‘tag’ the landscape with a type of living graffiti, transforming what is often seen as a destructive act into a beneficial one. As more youth successfully move through the program, the garden will gradually fill out. Once all plots are occupied, older plots will be reimagined. By giving youth an area of their own to design, they will have a sense of ownership and accomplishment, and hopefully be more likely to

The medicinal garden is divided into two sides: native and conventional.This educates users on the beneficial plants found in nature as well as some of the more common imported plants. A gathering area for addiction recovery located within the medicinal garden provides opportunities to hold AA/NA meetings outdoors and to draw valuable metaphors from the landscape.

Plant Graffiti Process Allowing youth to design and install a piece of the garden provides them with a creative, reflective outlet and encourages continued engagement with the site and programs after graduation.

1. Personal time in nature reflecting on addiction and/ or YSC or Camp experience.

2. Pre-selected plant options, with information on characteristics and growth stages.

3. Develop a concept and draw a design plan based on reflections and plant list.

4. Prepare the soil for planting; remove existing vegetation.

5. Create a grid on the ground with string. Put plants in the ground according to the design.

Present concept and design to group for discussion.

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Vegetated with plants from the chaparral reference ecosystem, the chaparral berm provides valuable habitat while educating visitors on one of the three local ecosystems highlighted at Phoenix Garden.

The medicinal gardens are structured by a grid, each plot providing space for plant graffiti. Designed and implemented by youth graduating from correctional programs, the plots allow youth to reflect on their time and translate that into their own ‘tag’ for the landscape.

A learning lab with a green roof and cob seating wall accommodates outdoor lessons, workshops, and plant identification.

The 12 step gathering area provides an explicit space for AA/NA meetings to take place outdoors. The space is slightly raised on a boardwalk and surrounded by 12 incrementally rising natural wood posts, with circular seating and a calming central stone.

native garden

conventional garden boardwalk

Arbutus menziesii ex. Quercus

Umbrellularia californica

Path to restored meadow contemplation area

own definition of spirituality and sense of place in the world.

Natural distractions, which only require indirect attention, can reduce stress and relax the mind so it can focus on engaging in an internal dialogue.

The 12 Step Program and Addiction Recovery The 12 step program is used at the YSC and camps to help youth overcome substance abuse. The 12 steps are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Admit powerlessness Find hope Surrender Take inventory Share my inventory Become ready

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8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Ask God Make a list of amends Make amends Continue inventory Pray and meditate Help others

The medicinal gardens can provide direct and metaphorical opportunities to discuss substance abuse. Learning to identify and appropriately use medicinal plants in the garden and learning lab can help the youth understand how the body is affected by what goes in it; can introduce alternatives to selfmedication, which leads many people to drugs and alcohol; it exposes youth to the natural cycles of life, death, and everything in between, and helps them discuss parallel difficult themes in their lives that are linked to their substance abuse.

A landscape can help facilitate the program by 1) providing spaces for solitary contemplation and meditation, and contact with a ‘greater Power’ (steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11); and 2) providing spaces for interaction with others, including group therapy and external visitors (Steps 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12).

For those who may be off-put or alienated by the Program’s focus on God, time spent in nature may help them find their

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Plants are carefully selected. All substances that can be abused or used for self-harm are omitted.

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Woodland Berm Amphitheater

Overall Concept The woodland berm amphitheater provides a flexible space for graduation ceremonies, public events, talks, outdoor learning, playwriting and performance (existing program at the Girls Camp), essay and spelling contests (existing program at Boys Camp), yoga (existing program for all), and more. An extension of the woodland habitat to the south, the berm emphasizes nature-based qualities, with trees surrounding and growing up through the stepped seating.

Planting Trees on Berms In order to conserve water, prevent erosion, and encourage survival, plant each tree in a semi-circular berm placed on the downhill side.

Mulch the base of each tree initially to retain moisture. Once the trees are established, allow the understory meadow to grow in. This strategy should be applied for the amphitheater berm, the woodland berm to the south, and the chaparral berm.

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The amphitheater integrates natural elements such as living trees and stumps with angular, stepped seating to create a playful space rich in natural qualities and shade.

A flexible open area provides space for activities such as yoga.

Existing parking spaces provide easy access to the amphitheater for people with disabilities.

A berm planted with oak woodland species provides privacy and protection from the road and parking areas.

Existing trees preserved.

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A cob seating wall provides opportunities to take a break from activities and watch others in the sun or the shade.

are

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Restored Native Meadow

Nasella pulchra Navarretia heterodoxa

Leptosiphon parviflorus

Madia sativa already found on site

Overall Concept Restoration of this highly disturbed site requires strategic human interventions over a long period of time. The process is unpredictable and everchanging based on weather patterns, seed availability, disturbances, and existing vegetation, and is thus ideal for a long-term scientific approach. Youth will help plant native plugs and seeds, weed out non-native competitors, experiment with different restoration strategies, and continuously monitor progress. Long-term engagement in such a hands-on project can teach youth valuable lessons about the scientific process, ecosystem function, native flora and fauna, and more. The meadow will serve as a reservoir for rare serpentine grassland species, and enlarge the amount of nearly contiguous habitat in the area.

Elymus glaucus already found on site

Stipa lepida Eschscholzia californica already found on site

Implementation Strategy Due to the overwhelming presence of non-native plants on the site, a number of approaches should be utilized to transition to a meadow dominated by native grasses and forbs.

Transplant In the 2nd week of October, dig up existing native grasses that must be moved and place them in the desired area.

Mow In areas already colonized by non-native annuals, mow around the solstice, and again 2 weeks later, to reduce non-native populations.

Plant Plant plugs and seeds directly into the ground. Where possible, start planting uphill. The plants will naturally spread downhill.

Rats (an unconventional approach) Scatter piles of twigs and small branches in meadow areas dominated by non-natives. Wait for rats to occupy the pile. After they have thoroughly removed all the vegetation beneath the pile, remove the debris, and plant islands of native vegetation in its place. Monitor spreading.

Plant Acquisition Some plants, such as the dominant Nasella pulchra, are readily found in local nurseries. However, rare serpentine forbs can be more elusive. With the cooperation of Edgewood Park and the adjacent conserved land, seeds may be collected from similar sites by youth and volunteers.

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The expansive meadow will be restored to predominantly perennial native species, adding to the contiguous restored meadow habitat in the area, helping preserve rare local flora, providing valuable habitat, and sequestering more carbon than annual grasslands.

This gathering area defined by circular cob seating provides a space to meditate and observe the meadow, without disturbing the fragile restoration process with foot traffic.

Scattered oak trees will develop beautiful, open-growth forms, provide appropriate conditions for meadow vegetation that prefer some shade, and provide a sense of scale to the visitor.

The Plant Identification Lab is a classroom devoted to the identification and education of the native plants found in the restored meadow. Here, users can also learn about the native butterflies and other living things benefitting from the restoration.

A demonstration meadow bed is planted in front of the learning lab, showcasing plants found in the meadow.

Nearly half of the meadow will be converted from a temporary gravel parking lot, indicated by the dashed line. After the gravel is carefully removed, only soil currently on site should be added in its place in order to maintain low nutrients and the presence of serpentinite. Depending on the depth of the parking lot, little to no soil may need to be added.

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Meander Garden

Overall Concept The Meander Garden is the most texturally rich, diverse space in the Phoenix Garden. Here, plants are celebrated for their changing seasonal states and multi-sensory qualities. The meandering path eschews a direct route, encouraging users to slow down and take in the sights, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds. Berms create a protected central space where youth can socialize and dip their feet in the fountain.

The summer months bring the most flowers, but year-round interest is prioritized in this design.

Therapeutic Benefits San Mateo County’s Clinical Services Department utilizes the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), which helps identify gaps in a child’s developmental history.

Developmental gaps are closely tied to sensory stimulation. Thus, offering a variety of sensory experiences is critical.

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A Valley Oak shelters an informal seating area for solitary or group activities.

Three vegetated berms make the heart of the meander garden private, and introduces a sense of wonder and mystery at each bend in the path.

Users can sit around the urbanite fountain with their feet in the pooling water, adding an exciting sensory dimension to the garden.

Resting platforms, designed and constructed by program youth, provide informal, playful spaces from which to observe and interact with the garden.

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Plant Massing aa: allium amplectens ad: arctostaphylos densi

flora ‘Howard McMinn’ aec: arctostaphylos

‘Emerald Carpet af: asclepias fascicularis am: arbutus ‘Marina’ ap: arctostaphylos pallida au: allium unifolium be: banksia ericifolia

‘Fireworks’ bs: banksia spinulosa

‘Schnapper Point’ ca: calamagrostis acutiflora

‘Karl Foerester’ cb: cercocarpus betuloides cch: callistemon ‘Cane’s Hybrid’ cds: ceanothus dark star cf: calamagrostis foliosa cg: calamintha grandiflora ch: ceanothus hearstiorum cn: calamintha nepeta cp: correa pulchella

‘Pink Flamingo’ crh: ceanothus ray hartman cv: callistemon viminalis

‘Little John’ cx: carex pansa edh: euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’ eg: eriogonum grande var. rubescens fs: feijoa sellowiana ge: garrya elliptica hd: holodiscus discolor ho: hyssopus officinalis kc: kniphofia citrina lf: lepechinia fragrans ls: lavandula stoechas mr: muhlenbergia rigens ph: penstemon heterophyllus ql: quercus lobata ro: rosmarinus officinalis

‘Tuscan Blue’ rs: ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum

sb: stachys byzantina sc: salvia clevelandii soc: solidago californica ss: salvia sonomensis tp: thymus pseudolanuginosus ts: thymus serpyllum mm: meadow mix (see plant list)

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Labyrinth and Redbud Coppice

Overall Concept The labyrinth is a space for meditation, mindfulness, movement, and calming sensory stimulation.

Varieties of lavender and drought-tolerant roses dominate the vegetation separating each path, creating a fragrant environment. Research supports the general benefits of meditation interventions on incarcerated youth, with one study finding enhanced well-being, increased selfdiscipline, increased social cohesiveness, expanded self-awareness, desire to continue meditation practice in the future, and as well as resistance to meditation in some individuals (Barnert, et. al.,

rose archway lined with lavender Hunbille, 2015.

2012). Meditation is already an important part of programs at the YSC and camps, but there is a current lack of outdoor spaces accommodating to the practice.

A dry stone sculpture, constructed by students, provides a calming art piece that represents balance and strength. A woodland of coppiced Redbuds (Cercis occidentalis) offers a magnificent display of purple flowers in the winter.The coppice system provides a source of craft and building material, and sequesters carbon.

stone sculpture

by Thea Alvin Photo by Emily Davis, printed with permission.

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stone sculpture

by Thea Alvin Photo by Emily Davis, printed with permission.

Central to this area is an eightcircuit labyrinth, with lavender and other herbs and bulbs planted between paths for additional sensory stimulation.

Roses climb a pergola, with lavender plants on either side of the path leading to the labyrinth.

Informal seating is scattered around the outer path of the labyrinth, providing space for emotional participation for those who do not wish to walk.

A central gathering area provides space for small to mid-sized events and classes to take place.

An outdoor classroom is inspired by the Ohlone building tradition, utilizing redbud branches for the roof.

A stone sculpture, constructed by students with the guidance of a local artist or artisan, serves as a symbol of peace and balance in this meditative garden.

An orchard of coppiced Redbud trees provides a dramatic winter display of flowers and lessons in Native American use of the land.

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Coppice System

Tree to be coppiced

Cut close to base, or harvest branches asneeded

Shoots regenerate quickly from stump 75

Coppice cycle can begin again after regrowth

Layers of the Food Forest

The Farm

1

2

3 8

7

5

1

Upper canopy layer

2

Lower canopy layer

3

Shrub layer

4

Herbaceous layer

5

Groundcover layer

6

Root layer

7

Climbing / vine layer

8

Fungal Layer

4

6

Overall Concept The farm is a place of empowerment, health, community, and experimentation.The youth at the YSC and camps should have regularly programmed activities on the farm, guiding its constant growth and evolution along with their own. The farm is meant to be implemented incrementally by the youth and community volunteers, starting with building the soil and establishing the trees.

strategies in terms of per-hectare sequestration rates,” and produces more food than conventional agriculture systems (Toensmeier, 2016, p. 40).

Food forest is one of many names for multistrata agroforestry systems, “which consist solely of perennials or integrate trees or other woody plants with annual crops and livestock” (Toensmeier, 2016, p. 40). Such systems are ancient, dating back some 13,000 years (Ibid.), but they have gained renewed interest in permaculture circles in the United States. Though permaculture educators often talk about the seven layers of a food forest, this model adds fungi, which provide many services, including increasing the soil water holding capacity, cycling hard-to-digest nutrients, and sometimes providing an additional food source (Ingham, 2016).

What is a Food Forest?

Conventional agriculture in industrialized countries all tends to look the same: row after row of one annual crop, free of weeds and often doused in synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Agroforestry systems present an alternative; one that produces a diversity of crops, minimizes or eliminates the need for synthetic inputs, is relatively self-maintaining, and provides ecological value. Agroforestry is also “one of the two most powerful carbon farming

greenhouse outdoor kitchen cob oven room Photo sources from left to right: 1) Kraft, 2010; 2) Cobalt; 3) photo by author; 4) Ohlone Structure.

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thatched Ohlone construction

One of four different gathering spaces in the food production area, this openair classroom – made with the help of youth – references native Ohlone building practices. Coppiced redbud branches from the site are used to construct the roof of the open-air structure.

The site’s outdoor restrooms and drinking fountain are located above existing sewer lines for ease of installation, near an entrance, and adjacent to the food forest, where many YSC and public programs are expected to take place.

A secondary entrance is framed by two magnificent existing Monterey Cypress trees.

A boardwalk path guides pedestrians over the beginning of the stormwater management area.

The food forest is laid out on oncontour berms that optimally harvest rainwater and irrigation and prevent erosion.

A greenhouse provides a space to start crops and native plants indoors, building new skills. The interior can also include social and solitary ‘rooms’ for allweather nature spaces.

A collection of beehives are located adjacent to the honey production shed, with other hives scattered throughout the site to aid in pollination and produce different types of honey. The hives provide educational value, pollinate crops and native plants, while producing a valuable commodity that can be used and sold by the youth. food forest harvest shed

supply sheds

walnut tree gathering area

stormwater management

cistern

beneficial hedge

loading zone

The outdoor kitchen offers opportunities for youth to learn about nutrition and cooking, strengthen relationships over meals, and develop skills and confidence. A cob oven with connected seating, built by youth, teaches an alternative way to build and prepare meals, and increases the amount of time youth can spend outside in cooler weather.

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Girls Camp

Conventional raised beds and keyhole gardens showcase two alternative ways to grow food, with greater focus on annuals than the food forest.

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The compost and materials area is the building block of the farm. A robust on-site compost system has the potential to save the county tens of thousands of dollars each year in waste management costs, and continuously maintain healthy soil rich in organic matter. The existing access road can be used to transport materials.

walnut gathering area

Implementation Strategy In order to make the site suitable for food production and to safely cap the existing asbestos-containing soil, new soil rich in organic matter must be added. Rather than import soil at a high monetary and ecological cost, soil will be built on-site by sheet-mulching.

Organic matter can be acquired free of cost from grocery stores and other businesses with a large supply of cardboard boxes and other biodegradable materials.

1. Plant trees on 2-3' mounds of soil and compost.

2. Layering biomass such as cardboard, paper, and straw with soil and finished compost, create berms across the landscape. Initially, biomass should be twice as thick as ultimately desired to accommodate subsidence.

3. Top with soil/compost, then a thick layer of mulch.

Mulch can be inoculated with spores of edible fungi to promote growth and soil health.

4. Plant understory perennials directly into sheet mulch or topsoil.

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Most trees in the Food Forest should be dwarf varieties or pruned low to ensure fruits are within easy reach.

therapeutIc BeneFIts socIal BeneFIts secondarY BeneFIts

Juveniles at the Youth Services Center and correctional camps

Benefits of The Farm • • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Garden work keeps youth active, reducing misbehavior (Flagler, 1995) Horticultural programs teach skills applicable in the future, and promote success in youth with low self-esteem (Flagler, 1995) From time spent in nature: reduced stress (Ulrich), reduced conduct disorder (Sandhel, 2004), reduced ADD & ADHD symptoms (Faber Taylor, et. al., 2001; 2009) New outdoor learning opportunities including hands-on learning helps address differences in learning and drop-out rates Large path system and area provides spaces for youth to be alone in nature while still being supervised, providing immersive time in nature and meditative opportunities (helpful for substance abuse, stress, PTSD, and other mental disorders)

Improved quality of life by producing healthy, fresh food (Flagler, 1995) Knowledge gained on multiple ways to grow food: ‘carbon farming’, raised beds, keyhole gardens, orchards Excess food shared with family members in need during visits allows youth to continue to support family while sharing the value of their work Excess food sold at the market teaches value, skills, and helps support continued programs Healthy food and daily activity can reduce rates of overweight and obesity Farm- and food-based programs can provide opportunities for cultural education and exchange

Perennial farming systems sequester more carbon than conventional agriculture Carbon footprint is minimized through sourcing of ultra-local food Costs minimized through introduction of compost system and reduction in external food purchases Selling produce and plants grown in greenhouse can help fund programs Biodiversity vastly better than conventional agriculture Rich soil is built on a poor site, and the naturally-occurring asbestos is capped Farm is a valuable demonstration site for schools, with potential to be mimicked

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F O O D F O R E S T C A S E S T U DY and covered with mulch, the rest of the largely perennial plants were placed into a hole created in the paper, with a small amount of added compost.

18th & Rhode Island Permaculture Garden Location: San Francisco, CA Size: 5000 square feet Founding: 2008/2009 Labor: All volunteer

Whereas before rainfalls would wash away the topsoil, resulting in a mound of soil the neighbors would haul away, now long, curved, mounded beds edged with urbanite (chunks of sidewalk from the city) serve to slow, spread, and infiltrate rainwater as it makes its way down the sloped site. Diverse, multilayered plant compositions attract an abundance of urban wildlife, including an endangered endemic California salamander.

On this small 5,000 square foot site, an average of 1500-2000 pounds of food is produced each year, with very little manual input. The largely perennial plant selection, no-till agriculture practices, and a belief that all plants are ‘allies’ mean the garden requires little weeding. Trees are pruned to keep their fruits accessible, and all biomass not consumed is either left directly on the ground to decompose and add nutrients back into the soil, or are thrown into the on-site compost pile for later application.

In 2008, the lot on the northwest corner of 18th and Rhode Island in San Francisco’s view-boasting Potrero Hill was vacant, save for a young oak and olive tree. An article in the local newspaper caught the eye of the owner, a doctor with an interest in nutrition and food security. The article, titled Farming City: Can S.F.’s Vacant Lots Become Garden Plots?, featured permaculture designer and San Francisco resident Kevin Bayuk’s vision to create a city teeming with food, accessible to all (Green, 2008). Soon, an alliance was formed.The landowner agreed Kevin and his Permaculture network could plant a permaculture garden on the site, as long as all the nutrient-dense foods grown on the site were donated to those in need. Students from Kevin’s Permaculture class conducted site assessments, interviewed about 100 people who walked their dogs in the neighborhood, and went door-to-door to neighbors within view of the site, sharing their vision and gathering information.

From there they developed a plan.

Perhaps the greatest success of this garden is its role as an open community and educational space. The garden is intentionally without a fence, meaning anyone can sample its yields and enjoy this piece of urban nature. During a garden tour with students from Menlo High School, Kevin shared a story of a woman he found in the garden one day harvesting some vegetables. When he reassured her that she could take anything she wanted, she was grateful and relieved. She said her mother was sick with cancer, and she couldn’t afford the fresh, healthy produce that her mother needed at this vulnerable time. The site is also a source of constant learning opportunities for permaculture students and other groups like these Menlo High Schoolers. Because it has been implemented over many years by many hands, a large community of people are connected to and continue to care for the space. Though it lacks any explicit therapeutic aims, access to a natural urban oasis and food equity are among the strengths of the design.

The site’s soil was nutrient-poor and contained serpentinite, the same source of natural asbestos found at the Phoenix Garden site. In order to prevent contact with asbestos and massively improve the soil’s organic matter, moisture retention, and nutrient content, the class received a donation of 10,000 pounds of used paper products from the nearby Whole Foods grocery, diverting it from the recycling center. One thousand pounds at a time, the paper was loaded into a truck and hauled up to the site. Over the course of many weekends, volunteers helped spread out the paper, building mounds where future beds would be. Next, mountains of mulch made from chipped urban biomass were spread over the paper. While trees were planted directly into the native soil

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Photos by author.

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Woodland Berm Adventure Trail Overall Concept The woodland berm adventure trail provides a chance for youth to challenge themselves physically in a restorative, natural setting. An abundance of native trees enclose the trail, allowing privacy for youth to explore uninhibited. The mulch path perched on the ridge of the berm offers the chance to walk in the woods and provides views to nearby conserved lands. For the more adventurous, notched logs and climbing nets invite scrambling up and down the berm; tree stumps and rope lines challenge users’ balance; a wooden wall requires teamwork to climb to the other side; and hammocks offer space for a relaxing respite in the cool, shady woods. The woodland berm is also an ideal place for temporary land art. Youth can experiment with different natural mediums.

The adventure trail is a later addition to the garden, as it requires a well-established, healthy woodland.

Adventure elements can continue to be added beyond those suggested to complement outdoor programs as they area developed.

Placement of trees on the berm mimics natural processes: trees and shrubs tend to colonize dips in the landscape first, where water is more plentiful. tempoprary land art

by Andy Goldsworthy

balancing rope

tree platforms

notched logs

Photo sources from top left to bottom right: 1) SĂŠlection de Land Art; 2) photo by George Caughey, with permission; 3) Ropes Course; 4) Tree Platform; 5) photo by author 82

Notched logs and a central climbing net provide a playful way to scramble up the slope without causing erosion.

Hammocks strung between trees provide spaces for quiet personal contemplation.

Between two trees, a low balancing rope is strung. Platforms at the base of the trees and raised tree stump pathway provide additional physical challenges.

A wooden wall encourages teambuilding; it is difficult to get over the wall alone.

A mulched adventure trail allows users to explore the oak woodland ecosystem and natural play elements.

1:50

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Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration rates of trees increase with each passing year, making existing trees the most valuable carbon reservoirs. 14 of the 17 existing trees are saved.

Soils hold about 2/3 of a plant’s carbon. Degraded sites such as this have diminished soil carbon reservoirs. Restoring a large area of grassland reverses the degradation of the site, improving soil and therefore carbon storage.

Coppiced systems can have low (0.5-1 tons/ha/year) to very high (10-20 tons/ha/year) sequestration rates, and soil carbon storage rates for these systems are estimated to be large (140 tons/ha). The coppiced forest also provides a renewable, local source of building and craft material that does not need to be replanted.

Improving soil organic matter increases soil carbon storage.

The large deposits of cardboard and compost on the food forest vastly increase organic matter.

Multistrata systems such as food forests have medium (1-5 tons/ha/year) to extremely high (20+ tons/ha/year) sequestration rates.

In contrast, tilled annual systems tend to lose more carbon than they store each year. Producing food on-site also lowers carbon emissions by reducing food-related transportation.

Hedges, berms, and perennial vegetation help reduce soil erosion, maintaining soil organic matter and carbon storage potential.

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Source of carbon sequestration rates: Toensmeier, 2016.

Materials Philosophy The palette of materials for this project is intentionally simple, with much design emphasis placed on plant selection and naturalistic features.

With the exception of some professionally constructed buildings, all materials can be acquired locally – often for free or steeply discounted through San Mateo County – and have a light impact on the environment.

Wood Wood is another material that is easy to find locally and has a wide range of potential applications.

Because San Mateo County owns and manages the site, it is in a unique position to acquire and reappropriate municipal ‘waste’ such as fallen trees. for this project. In the Phoenix Garden, wood can be found as seating, a boardwalk, mulch for pathways and vegetation, play elements, raised beds, and buildings. Using long-lasting wood in the landscape is also a way to store carbon if the wood is harvested from sustainable, rejuvenating sources.

Why Not Concrete?

Selecting sustainable materials can be a challenge for a designer, as many of the negative impacts can be easily obscured. Concrete is one such material given little second thought. In a New York Times opinion piece, Vince Beiser investigated the world’s shrinking supply of sand, attributable in large part to the world’s insatiable hunger for concrete. Sand extraction has devastated far-flung costal communities and has disrupted ecosystems.

(Beiser, 2016). This project seeks out alternative, more sustainable materials. Urbanite, or reused concrete pieces, is a good alternative.

existing mulch piles provided by the county

Decomposed Granite All primary paths on the site are paved with stabilized decomposed granite (DG), an accessible alternative to concrete and asphalt. Usually sourced locally and from recycled materials, DG has a natural appearance. It is considered permeable paving and thus helps manage stormwater on-site.

DG also reduces the urban heat island effect as compared to concrete and asphalt, making the garden more tolerable on California’s hot summer afternoons.

Cob Cob is a natural building material that mixes subsoil, water, and fibrous material such as straw to create an inexpensive, flexible material that does not require professional hands and offers many creative opportunities. As such, it is the perfect alternative to concrete for the youth implementing the design. The soil, dried grass, and water required can be harvested on-site, leading to an ultra-local material.

Photo sources from top to bottom right: 1) photo by author; 2) Stabilizer Solutions, 2016; 3) Cob-Bench Seating Area

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Phasing and Implementation Gradual implementation

Temporary meadow plantings PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 1: Moving earth and Laying Foundations Remove temporary parking lot. Keep material on site.

Excavate stormwater area, move berms, and regrade site where indicated.

Immediately plant all newly-disturbed areas based on planting plan.

Labor Method

PHASE 2: Getting hands dirty Replant existing fruit trees, first to entrance meadow orchard (no dwarf varieties), then to food forest (where they will be planted on mounds of soil). Acquire and plant additional trees in food forest, as specified.

Build cob seating and cob oven.

Sheet mulch with large import of biomass to build soil and berms in food forest. Define secondary mulch paths.

Plant the understory of the food forest, starting with the area closest to the outdoor kitchen.

Install raised beds and keyhole gardens.

Plant redbud orchard.

Start filling in medicinal garden incrementally with each graduating class.

Construct amphitheater.

Labor Method

Professional Professional

Volunteer with professional guidance Install underground cisterns, wind turbine, bike racks, and decomposed Professional & volunteer granite paths. Start on-site compost system.

Construct restrooms.

Plant woodland berms, starting with nurse shrubs the first year.

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Volunteer

Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Professional with potential youth/volunteer engagement Volunteer

PHASE 3

PHASE 3: Continued development Construct buildings as funds become available. In order of priority: outdoor kitchen, greenhouse, garden and harvest sheds, plant ID learning lab, medicinal garden learning lab, honey production shed, open air classroom.

Fully plant stormwater management area.

Lavender labyrinth: install paths, plants, and pergola.

Sensory garden: install secondary paths, install plants, construct fountain, construct wood platforms (designed and built by youth) Medicinal gardens: construct wood walkway (youth), construct 12 steps gathering area, continue gradual planting as youth graduate Put in adventure trail elements as woodland matures.

Install natural playground.

Create entry phoenix sculpture out of redbud coppiced on-site (supplemented by willow if needed).

Construct remaining cob seating.

ONGOING Native meadow, chaparral, and oak woodland habitat restoration.

Food production planting and care.

Medicinal garden productive graffiti project.

General maintenance of landscape.

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Labor Method Professional with potential youth/volunteer engagement Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer with professional guidance Volunteer with professional guidance Volunteer with professional guidance Volunteer with professional artist guidance Volunteer

Labor Method Volunteer with professional guidance Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer

Next Steps: Working Toward SITES™ Certification What Is SITES™?

The Sustainable Sites Initiative™, or SITES™, is a rigorous rating system for the overall sustainability of landscapes. It differs from most architectural systems such as LEED in that it measures the actual performance of a landscape over time. This means that certification is not just about using the right materials that add up to enough points.

The system must actually perform as well as the designer(s) intend.

Why SITES™?

Striving for the very high bar of SITES™ certification can have multiple benefits. Foremost, it can serve as an achievable goal that a large group of agents can agree to work toward. If achieved, San Mateo County will have to continue to maintain the high performance of the site to keep certification through the years, increasing incentive to invest in the project as it matures.

Working toward and maintaining certification can open up important new avenues for funding.

Perhaps most importantly, can put Phoenix Garden on the map as an exemplary case study in what juvenile correctional facilities can look like, drawing visitors from around the state, country, even the world, and spreading the idea that such facilities can incorporate landscapes that support mental health, ecological health, and social justice in this vulnerable population.

The central message of the SITES program is that any project – whether the site of a university campus, large subdivision, shopping mall, park, commercial center, or even a home –holds the potential to protect, improve, and regenerate the benefits and services provided by healthy ecosystems. (Sustainable SITES Initiative, 2014, p.vi)

The guiding principles of SITES™ are: • • • • • • • • • •

Do no harm Apply the precautionary principle Design with nature and culture Use a decision-making hierarchy of preservation, conservation, and regeneration Provide regenerative systems as intergenerational equity Support a living process Use a systems thinking approach Use a collaborative and ethical approach Maintain integrity in leadership and research Foster environmental stewardship (Sustainable SITES Initiative, 2014, p.viii)

The proposed design is intended to satisfy many of the requirements of the SITES™ program.

Certification requires documentation of the design process as well as post-construction performance.

This document can serve as a starting point.

A landscape architect should be engaged in continued progress toward certification. For more information on the certification process, visit the website at www.sustainablesites.org.

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Planting Scheme

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Planting Approach This project contains a mix of ecosystems and garden types, requiring a thoughtful approach to design and implementation.

These six qualities are especially applicable to grassland/meadow habitats, which comprise a large portion of the site, whether under fruit trees, redbud trees, an oak woodland, or growing out in the open.

Understanding Natural Ecosystems Three locally-occurring ecosystems – serpentine bunchgrass grassland, northern coastal scrub or chaparral, and coast live oak woodland – serve as reference ecosystems for the areas designated for restoration. Restoration projects usually necessitate different objectives than gardens for food or pleasure, and these stem direclty from observations of natural habitats. In their book Planting: A New Perspective, Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury identify key qualities of natural systems (primarily looking at meadows and grasslands):

The 70-30 Rule For perennial grasslands, a generally useful guideline, though a flexible one, is the 70-30 rule.

This states that 70% of grassland plantings should be structural plants, which provide consistent but not necessarily striking interest year-round, contributing to coherence. The remaining 30% should be filler plants, which may have distinct and beautiful moments during the year but which lack year-round structure.

1. Intermingling – “plant communities are obviously made up of densely intermingled species,” and not one species clump here, one there (Ibid., p.26) 2. Diversity – “in most cases there is more diversitiy than meets the eye. The more you look, the more you see, particularly in grassland habitats” (Ibid., p.26) 3. Complexity – “sheer intensity of the intermingled relationships of the plants present” (Ibid., p.26) 4. Change – “complexity is not evenly distributed... [it is] a constant shift in the distribution of species, or even their presence or absence” (Ibid., p.26) 5. Coherence – “despite the mind-boggling complexity of the plant distribution, there is an overall sense of unity... This simplicity and clarity among complexity gives a sense of coherence” (Ibid., p.26-7) 6. Distinction – “particularly effective at creating a sense of coherence are those species which rise above the mass: not necessarily literally, but in standing out, either through their color, form, height or mass” (Ibid., p.27)

Planting Ecosystems to Mimic Nature Oudolf and Kingsbury identify three approaches to creating a blended planting that mimics a natural system: 1. Randomized mix, planted or sown 2. Modular repetition, in which designed planting blocks are repeated in the landscape

Used to some degree in medicinal

garden, meadows, chaparrals 3. Designed intermingling, in which the location of every plant is designed

Used in sensory garden, food forest

(conducted on-the-ground),tree plantings These three approachees do not necessarily need to stand on their own, but can be mixed to create combined approaches – for example, by scattering a seed mix into a block planting. The following are the approaches used in each type of system represented in the design: • • •

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Meadows: randomized mix (planted and sown), loose modular repetition Chaparral: randomized mix (mostly planted, some forbs sown), loose modular repetition Woodlands and Orchards: loosely designed

• • •

intermingling (exact species placement determined on the ground) Medicinal Garden: a modular design, but not repeated (each grid area is unique) Sensory Garden: designed intermingling Food Forest: designed intermingling (conducted on the ground)

Managing a Dynamic Landscape When designing nature-inspired landscapes, it is important to recognize and work with their dynamic nature. Over time, certain species will grow to dominate, some may die off or migrate to other areas. First and foremost, managing a dynamic landscape means accepting that nature will modify your design over time. These modifications also offer important learning opportunities, and allow managers to modify their approach. Oudolf and Kingsbury discuss a passive and an active approach to management of dynamic landscapes, both of which are to be utilized for this project: 1. Passive Approach – includes weeding (removal of the most vigorous or undesired species); annual cutting back of dead growth (where applicable); bringing dominant plants back into the right proportion, either through direct planting or reducing competition.

2. Active Approach – “engaging with a dynamic planting involves controlling and editing the outcomes of natural processes” (Oudolf & Kingsbury, p.37).

In a number of years after establishment, a planted landscape may need an intervention. It is important not just to restore the landscape to the original design, but rather to renovate and apply lessons learned from long-term observations and trial and error.

Following are recommended plant lists associated with each area presented in the Design section.

Some areas lend themselves to plant additions and modifications more than others, such as the medicinal gardens and food forest.

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Orchard Meadow Common Name

Scientific Name

Native?

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Yes

Perennial herb

6-12” x 6”

Sun

Summer Lupine

Lupinus formosus

Yes

Perennial herb

1’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Forest Scurfpea

Rupertia physodes

Yes

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun-shade

San Francisco WoodlandStar

Lithophragma affine

Yes

Perennial herb

<1’

Sun-part shade

Purple Needlegrass

Nassella pulchra

Yes

Perennial grass

1.5’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Foothill Needlegrass

Stipa lepida

Yes

Perennial grass

1-3’

Sun-part shade

Nodding Needlegrass

Stipa cernua

Yes

Perennial grass

2-3’

Sun-part shade

Blue Wild Rye

Elymus glaucus

Yes

Perennial grass

3-5’

Sun-part shade

California Oatgrass

Danthonia californica

Yes

Perennial grass

1-3’ x 1-2’

Sun-shade

Foothill Sedge

Carex tumulicola

Yes

Perennial grass

1-2’ x 2-3’

Part shade-shade

Spring Starflower

Ipheion uniflorum

No

Perennial bulb

4-12” x 6-8”

Sun-part shade

Golden Brodiaea

Tritelia ixiodes

Yes

Perennial bulb

1-2’

Sun-part shade

Tidytips

Layia platiglossa

Yes

Annual

6-18” x 6-12”

Sun

Large-Flowered Lianthus

Lianthus grandiflorus

Yes

Annual

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Fire Poppy

Papaver californicum

Yes

Annual

2’

Sun-part shade

Wind Poppy

Papaver heterophylla

Yes

Annual

1-2’ x 1’

Part shade

Gambel’s Milkvetch

Astragalus gambelianus

Yes

Annual

1’

Sun-part shade

Bearded Clover

Trifolium barbigerum

Yes

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

Tomcat Clover

Trifolium willdenovii

Yes

Annual

6-24”

Sun-part shade

Common Indian Clover

Trifolium albopurpureum

Yes

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

Chile Trefol

Acmispon wrangelianus

Yes

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

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Northern Coastal Scrub / Chaparral Berm Common Name

Scientific Name

Native?

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Madrone

Arbutus menziesii

Yes

Tree

15’+ x 10’

Part shade

Bay Laurel

Umbellularia californica

Yes

Tree

75’ x 60’

Sun-shade

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia Yes

Tree-Shrub

8-15’ x 10-15’

Sun-part shade

California Lilac

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens

Shrub

1-3’ x 3-10’

Sun

Yes

Coyote Brush

Baccharis pilularis

Yes

Shrub

3-9’ x 3-12’

Sun

Sticky Monkey Flower

Mimulus aurantiacus

Yes

Shrub

2-3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Montara Mountain Manzanita

Arctostaphylos montaraensis

Yes

Shrub

4-20’ x 4-20’

Sun-part shade

Kings Mountain Manzanita

Arctostaphylos regismontana

Yes

Shrub

12’ x 12’

Sun-part shade

Wayside Manzanita

Arctostaphylos hookeri

Yes

Shrub

2-6’ x 6-10’

Sun-part shade

California Sagebrush

Artemisia californica

Yes

Shrub

3-4’ x 4’

Sun-part shade

Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana demissa

Yes

Shrub

15’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Scrub Oak

Quercus berberidifolia

Yes

Shrub

3-10’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica

Yes

Shrub

3-10’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Chaparral Currant

Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum

Yes

Shrub

5-8’ x 5-8’

Sun-part shade

Pink Flowering Currant or Blood Currant

Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum, or var. sanguineum

Yes

Shrub

6-10’ x 6’

Sun-part shade

Chamise

Adenostoma fasciculatum

Yes

Shrub

2-10’ x 10’

Sun

Thimble Berry

Rubus parviflorus

Yes

Shrub or Vine

5’ x spreading

Shade

Blackberries

Rubus ursinus

Yes

Vine

3’ x 20’

Sun-shade

Coastal Golden Yarrow

Eriophyllum staechadifolium

Yes

Perennial herb

2’ x 2-3’

Sun-part shade

California Narrowleaf Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis

Yes

Perennial herb

4’

Sun-part shade

Miniature Lupine

Lupinus bicolor

Yes

Perennial herb

1.5’

Sun

Silver Bush Lupine

Lupinus albifrons

Yes

Perennial herb

3-4’ x 3-4’

Sun

Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa

Yes

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun-part shade

Black Sage

Salvia mellifera

Yes

Perennial herb

5’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Arroyo Lupine

Lupinus succulentus

Yes

Annual

2’

Sun

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Conventional Medicinal Garden Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Properties

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla

Shrub

9’ x 9’

Sun

Digestive disorders, joint pain, insomnia, colds, and more

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Shrub

5’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Antiseptic, antiinflammatory

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Shrub

2’ x 2’

Sun

Digestive, antidiarrheal, antiseptic, stimulant

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Shrub

8” x 1’

Sun

Aromatherapy, diaphoretic, disinfectant, expectorant, sedative

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides Shrub

19’ x 8’

Sun

Astringent, vitamins, tonic

Tea Tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Shrub

19’ x 13’

Sun

Antiseptic

Turmeric

Curcuma domestica

Root

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Antiinflammatory

Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile

Perennial herb

0.25-0.5’ x 0.5-1’

Sun-part shade

Anti-anxiety, antiinflammatory

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Perennial herb

2.5’ x 1.5-2’

Sun-part shade

Treats colds, upper respiratory tract infections, UTIs, slow-healing wounds

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Perennial herb

2’ x 1’

Sun

Antiinflammatory, sedative, headaches, rheumatism

Johnny-Jump-Up

Viola tricolor

Perennial herb

8” x 8”

Sun-part shade

Antiasthmatic, antiinflammatory, eczema

Lavender

Lavandula spp.

Perennial herb

4’ x 3’

Sun

Sedative, aromatherapy, antianxiety

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Perennial herb

2.5’ x 1.5’

Sun-part shade

Cold sores, antianxiety, antiviral, digestive

Peppermint

Mentha spp.

Perennial herb

1’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Antiseptic, digestive benefits

St. John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Perennial herb

3’ x 2’

Sun

Antidepressant, astringent, digestive, sedative

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Perennial herb

11’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Disinfectant, expectorant, antibiotic, UTIs

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Perennial herb

4’ x 2’

Sun

Astringent, emollient, expectorant

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Perennial herb

4’ x 3’

Sun

Antiasthmatic, antidandruff, astringent, nutritious

Marigold

Calendula officinalis

Annual

0.5’ x 1.5’

Sun-part shade

Skin problems, infections

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Native Medicinal Garden Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Properties

Madrone

Arbutus menziesii

Tree

Up to 50’

Part shade

Astringent, bladder infections, yeast infections

Bay Laurel

Umbellularia californica

Tree

75’ x 60’

Sun-shade

Multiple uses by Native Americans

Red Root

Ceanothus cunneatus, C. velutinus, C. integerrimus

Shrub

6-10’ x 3-11’; 3’ x 6’

Sun

Membrane astringent, sore throat

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

Shrub

5’

Sun

Decongestant, cold and allergy

Matilija Poppy

Romneya coulteri

Shrub

4-6’ x 6-8’

Sun-shade

Skin wash, antimicrobial

Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis

Shrub

3-4’

Sun

Skin oil from seeds

White Sage

Salvia apiana

Shrub

4-5’ x 4’

Sun

Staph, candida, Klebsiella pneumoniae

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Perennial herb

<1’

Sun

Antianxiety, sedative, analgesic

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Perennial herb

Up to 3’

Sun-part shade

Acute fevers, hemostatic, antiinflammatory

Angelica

Angelica hendersonii

Perennial herb

4-5’

Sun-part shade

Seeds for acid indigestion, nausea

California Spikenard

Aralia californica

Perennial herb

8’ x 8’ needs ample water

Shade

Lung tonic, antimicrobial & antifungal

Brook Mint

Mentha arvensis

Perennial herb

0-2’

Sun-part shade

Menthol, stomach distress, diaphoretic

Hummingbird Sage

Salvia spathacea

Perennial herb

1-2’ x 4-5’

Sun-part shade

Decongestant, expectorant, mild anti-microbial, tea

False Solomon’s Seal

Smilacina racemosa

Perennial herb

1-2’

Shade

Sore throat, respiratory excitability

Inside-Out Flower

Vacnouveria hexandra

Perennial herb

1-3’

Part shadeshade

Sinus congestion, chronic rhinitis, hay fever

Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun-part shade

Tea for sore throat

Manzanita

Arctostaphylos spp.

Varies

Varies

Varies

Tannins, lowers pH of urine, moderates blood sugar

Yerba Buena

Satureja douglasii

Groundcover

Groundcover

Shade

Diaphoretic for mild fevers, skin wash for rashes, nice tea

97

Oak Woodland Berms Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Coast Live Oak

Quercus agrifolia

Tree

33-82’

Sun-part shade

Valley Oak

Quercus lobata

Tree

70’

Sun

California Black Oak

Quercus kelloggii

Tree

50’

Sun-part shade

Canyon Live Oak

Quercus chrysolepsis

Tree

40’

Sun

California Box Elder

Acer negundo

Tree

30’

Shade

Madrone

Arbutus menziesii

Tree

15’ x 10’

Part shade

Manzanitas

Arctostaphylos spp.

Tree or shrub

Varies

Sun-part shade

California Lilac

Ceanothus spp.

Shrub

Varies

Sun-part shade

Plant first to use as nurse plants

Coyote Brush

Baccharis pilularis

Shrub

3-9’ x 3-12’

Sun

Plant first to use as nurse plants

Sticky Monkey Flower

Mimulus aurantiacus

Shrub

2-3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

Shrub

7’ x 6’

Sun

Purple Milkweed

Asclepias cordifolia

Perennial herb

1-2’

Sun-part shade

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa

Perennial herb

0.5-1’ x 1-3’

Part shade

Creeping Sage

Salvia sonomensis

Perennial herb

8-12” x 3-4’

Shade

Slender Hairgrass

Deschampsia elongata

Perennial grass

1-1.5’

Part shade

Goldfields

Lasthenia glabrata

Annual

1-3’

Sun

Clover var.

Trifolium spp.

Annual

Varies

Sun-part shade

98

Notes

Native Meadow

NOTE: Due to rarity, many of these plants, especially annuals, will be difficult to find in nurseries. It is recommended that partnerships with local open spaces be developed, and seeds collected from these sites.

Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Notes

Summer Lupine

Lupinus formosus

Perennial herb

1’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Hosts Mission Blue Butterfly

Forest Scurfpea

Rupertia physodes

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun-shade

San Francisco WoodlandStar

Lithophragma affine

Perennial herb

<1’

Sun-part shade

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Perennial herb

6-12” x 6”

Sun

Yellow Mariposa Lily

Calochortus luteus

Perennial herb

1’ x 4”

Sun

Purple Needlegrass

Nassella pulchra

Perennial grass

18” x 12”

Sun-part shade

Foothill Needlegrass

Stipa lepida

Perennial grass

1-3’

Sun-part shade

Nodding Needlegrass

Stipa cernua

Perennial grass

2-3’

Sun-part shade

Blue Wild Rye

Elymus glaucus

Perennial grass

3-5’

Sun-part shade

California Oatgrass

Danthonia californica

Perennial grass

1-3’ x 1-2’

Sun-shade

Tarweed

Madia sativa

Annual

2’ 7”

Sun

Miniature Lupine

Lupinus bicolor

Annual

16”

Sun

Arroyo Lupine

Lupinus succulentus

Annual

3-4’

Sun

Gambel’s Milkvetch

Astragalus gambelianus

Annual

1’

Sun-part shade

Bull Clover

Trifolium fucatum

Annual

2’

Sun

Bearded Clover

Trifolium barbigerum

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

White-Tipped Clover

Trifolium variegatum

Annual

3’ 3”

Sun

Tomcat Clover

Trifolium willdenovii

Annual

6-24”

Sun-part shade

Common Indian Clover

Trifolium albopurpureum

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

Pinpoint Clover

Trifolium gracilentum

Annual

<1’

Sun

Small-Headed Clover

Trifolium microcephalum

Annual

3-12”

Sun

Notch-Leaved Clover

Trifolium bifidum

Annual

1.5’

Sun

Foothill Deervetch

Acmispon brachycarpus

Annual

4”

Sun

Desert Deervetch

Acmispon parviflorus

Annual

<1’

Sun

Chile Trefol

Acmispon wrangelianus

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

Bird’s Eye Gilia

Gilia tricolor

Annual

24” x 18”

Sun

Purplespot Gilia

Gilia trivolum

Annual

2-14”

Sun

Calistoga pincushioonplant

Navarretia heterodoxa

Annual

5”

Sun

Found on site

Likes wet areas

Endemic

Abram’s Wollystar

Eriastrum abramsii

Annual

6”

Sun

Endemic

Variable Linanthus

Leptosiphon parviflorus

Annual

10”

Sun-part shade

Endemic

False Babystars

Leptosiphon androsaceus

Annual

2-15”

Sun-part shade

Endemic

Serpentine Leptosiphon

Leptosiphon ambiguus

Annual

<1’

Sun-part shade

Threatened

California Plantain

Plantago erecta

Annual

10”

Sun-part shade

Hosts Bay Checkerspot

Marin Dwarf Flax

Hesperolinon congestum

Annual

<1’

Sun

Threatened

99

Sensory Garden Common Name

Scientific Name

Native?

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Valley Oak

Quercus lobata

Yes

Tree

40-60’ x 10-30’

Sun

Pineapple Guava

Feijoa sellowiana

No

Tree

10-25’ x 10-25’

Sun

Mountain Lilac

Ceanothus Ray Hartman

Yes

Tree

10-20’ x 10’20’

Sun

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus betuloides

Yes

Shrub or Tree

5-12’ x 5-12’

Sun-part shade

Coast Silktassel

Garrya elliptica

Yes

Shrub or Tree

10-20’ x 10-20’

Sun-part shade

Ocean Spreay

Holodiscus Discolor

Yes

Shrub

3-10’ x 4-8’

Sun-shade

Canes Hybrid Bottlebrush

Callistemon ‘Canes Hybrid’

No

Shrub

8-10’ x 10-15’

Sun

Red Flowering Currant

Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum

Yes

Shrub

5-12’ x 5-12’

Sun-shade

Oakland Hills Manzanita

Arctostaphylos pallida

Yes

Shrub

6-12’ x 6-8’

Sun-part shade

Arbutus ‘Marina’

Arbutus ‘Marina’

No

Shrub

6’

Sun

Fireworks Heath Banksia

Banksia ericifolia ‘Fireworks’

No

Shrub

6-8’ x 4-6’

Sun

Manzanita

Arctostaphylos densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’

Yes

Shrub

5-7’ x 6-8’

Sun

‘Dark Star’ Wild Lilac

Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’

Yes

Shrub

6’ x 8’

Sun

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’

No

Shrub

4-6’ x 3-5’

Sun

Dwarf Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’

No

Shrub

3’ x 5’

Sun

Pitcher Sage

Lepechinia fragrans

Yes

Shrub

3-5’ x 2-3’

Sun-part shade

Koala Blooms Banksia

Banksia spinulosa ‘Schnapper Point’

No

Shrub

2-4’ x 4-5’

Sun

Australian Fuschia

Correa pulchella ‘Pink Flamingo’

No

Shrub

2-3’ x 2-3’

Sun-shade

Calamint

Calamintha grandiflora; Calamintha nepeta

No

Perennial herb

1-1.5’ x 1-1.5’

Sun-part shade

Wild Onion

Allium amplectens, Allium unifolium

Yes

Perennial herb

1’

Sun-part shade

Narrow-Leaved Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis

Yes

Perennial herb

Up to 3’

Sun

San Miguel Island Buckwheat

Eriogonum grande var. rubescens

Yes

Perennial herb

1-2’ x 1-2’

Sun

‘Dean’s Hybrid’ Euphorbia

Euphorbia ‘Dean’s Hybrid’

No

Perennial herb

1.5-2’ x 1.5-2’

Sun-part shade

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

No

Perennial herb

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Red-Hot Poker

Kniphofia citrina

No

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun-part shade

Spanish Lavender

Lavandula stoechas

No

Perennial herb

3’ x 2-3’

Sun

Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii

Yes

Perennial herb

3-5’ x 3-5’

Sun

Creeping Sage

Salvia sonomensis

Yes

Perennial herb

8-12” x 3-4’

Shade

100

Common Name

Scientific Name

Native?

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

California Goldenrod

Solidago californica

Yes

Perennial herb

1-4’ x 1-2’

Part shade

Lamb’s Ears

Stachys byzantina

No

Perennial herb

0.5-1’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Woolly Thyme

Thymus pseudolanguinosus

No

Perennial herb

2-3” x 3’

Sun-part shade

Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

No

Perennial herb

3” x 3’

Sun-part shade

Emerald Carpet Manzanita

Arcotstaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’

Yes

Perennial herb

1-1.5’ x 3-6’

Sun-part shade

San Simeon Ceanothus

Ceanothus hearstiorum

Yes

Perennial herb

2-3”

Part shade

Feather Reed Grass Karl Foerester

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerester’

Yes

Grass

2-4’ x 1.5-2’

Sun-shade

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

Yes

Grass

3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

California Meadow Sedge

Carex Pansa

Yes

Grass

6-8” unmowed

Sun-part shade

Symphyotrichum chilense

Yes

Perennial herb

2-3’ x 18”-3’

Sun-part shade

Meadow Mix California Aster Yellow Mariposa Lily

Calochortus luteus

Yes

Perennial herb

1-2’

Sun

Ookow

Dichelostemma congestum

Yes

Perennial herb

1.5-2’

Sun

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Yes

Perennial herb

6-12” x 6”

Sun

Catmint

Nepeta faassenii

No

Perennial herb

1’ x 2’

Sun

Beard Tongue

Penstemon heterophyllus

Yes

Perennial herb

1-2’ x 2-3’

Sun-part shade

California Goldenrod

Solidago californica

Yes

Perennial herb

1-4’ x 1-2’

Part shade

Spring Starflower

Ipheion uniflorum

No

Perennial bulb

4-12” x 6-8”

Sun-part shade

Golden Brodiaea

Tritelia ixiodes

Yes

Perennial bulb

1-2’

Sun-part shade

Purple Needlegrass

Stipa pulchra

Yes

Grass

18” x 12”

Sun-part shade

Foothill Sedge

Carex tumulicola

Yes

Grass

1-2’ x 2-3’

Part shade-shade

Leafy Reed Grass

Calamagrostis foliosa

Yes

Grass

1-2’ x 1-2’

Sun

Tidytips

Layia platyglossa

Yes

Annual

6-18” x 6-12”

Sun

Large-Flowered Lianthus

Lianthus grandiflorus

Yes

Annual

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Fire Poppy

Papaver californicum

Yes

Annual

2’

Sun-part shade

Wind Poppy

Papaver heterophylla

Yes

Annual

1-2’ x 1’

Part shade

Blue Thimble Flower

Gilia capitata

Yes

Annual

8-30” x 8-12”

Sun

Clarkia

Clarkia amoena ‘Aurora’, C. rubicunda

Yes

Annual

3’ x 2’

Sun-part shade

101

Food Forest Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Passion Fruit Vine

Passiflora edulis

Vine

1000’

Sun

Grape

Vitis vinifera

Vine

50’

Sun-part shade

Northern California Walnut

Juglans hindsii

Tree

20-50’ s 15-50’

Sun

Sweet Almond

Prunus dulcis

Tree

19’ x 19’

Sun-part shade

Bay Laurel

Umbellularia californica

Tree

50’ x 25’

Sun-shade

Pear Tree

Pyrus spp.

Tree

15’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun-part shade

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Tree

19’ x 19’

Sun

Citrus Trees

Citrus

Tree

10’ x 10’

Sun-part shade

Apple Trees

Malus spp.

Tree

10’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun-part shade

Apricot Trees

Prunus armeniaca

Tree

10’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun

Cherry Tree

Prunus avium

Tree

10’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun-part shade

Black Mulberry

Morus nigra

Tree

25-30’

Sun-part shade

Peach and Nectarine Tree

Prunus persica

Tree

Dwarf: 5-6’

Sun

Persimmon Tree

Diospyros kaki

Tree

25’ x 25’

Sun

Pomegranate Tree

Punica granatum

Tree

12-16’

Sun

Plum Tree

Prunus domestica

Tree

10’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun-part shade

Pluot, Aprium, etc. Tree

Prunus spp.

Tree

10’ x 10’ (prune)

Sun-part shade

Avocado Tree

Persea americana

Tree

Up to 80’

Sun-shade

Pineapple Guava Tree

Feijoa sellowiana

Tree

10-25’

Sun

Lychee Tree

Litchi chinensis

Tree

30’ (prune)

Sun

Starfruit ‘Carambola’ Tree

Averrhoa carambola

Tree

15’

Sun

Greek Olive Tree

Olea europea “Koroneiki”

Tree

15-20’

Sun

Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana demissa

Shrub

15’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Shrub

9’ x 9’

Sun

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Shrub

6’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus

Shrub

9’ x 9’

Sun-shade

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Shrub

5’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Shrub

8” x 1’

Sun

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Shrub

2’ x 2’

Sun

Perennial Kale, Broccoli, etc. Brassica

Perennial herb

Varies

Sun-part shade

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Perennial herb

11’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Strawberry

Fragaria

Perennial herb

0.25-0.75’ x 0.75-1’

Sun-part shade

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Perennial herb

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

Perennial herb

3’ x 1.5’

Sun-part shade

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Perennial herb

2’ x 2.5’

Sun-part shade

102

Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Perennial herb

6’ x 3’ 3”

Sun-part shade

Artichoke

Cynara scolymus

Perennial herb

5’ x 3’ 3”

Sun

Sorrel

Rumex acetosa

Perennial herb

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Comfrey

Symphytum

Perennial herb

4’ x 2’

Sun

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

Perennial bulb

4-6’

Part shade

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Perennial bulb

1’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Biennial

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis

Annual

0.5 x 1.5’

Sun-part shade

103

Stormwater Management Area Common Name

Scientific Name

Native?

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Bay Laurel

Umbrellularia californica

Yes

Tree

50’ x 25’

Sun-shade

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

Yes

Tree

15’

Sun

Hollyleaf Cherry

Prunus ilicifolia

Yes

Shrub-Tree

15-25’ x 10-15’

Sun-shade

Common Sticky Monkey

Mimulus aurantiacus

Yes

Shrub

2-3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Scarlet Sticky Monkey

Mimulus cardinalis

Yes

Shrub

2-3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

Spicebush

Calycanthus occidentalis

Yes

Shrub

5-12’ x 5-12’

Sun-part shade

Bush Anemone

Carpenteria californica

Yes

Shrub

6-8’ x 4-5’

Sun-shade

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Yes

Shrub

5-12’ x 4-8’

Sun-part shade

Redtwig Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

Yes

Shrub

3-6’ x 10-15’

Sun-part shade

Golden Currant

Ribes aureum

Yes

Shrub

4-6’ x 4-6’

Sun-shade

Pacific Coast Iris

Iris douglasiana

Yes

Perennial herb

1-2’ x 2-3’

Sun-shade

Wild Onion

Allium spp.

Yes

Perennial herb

1’

Sun-part shade

Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile

No

Perennial herb

0.25-0.5’ x 0.5-1’

Sun-part shade

Catmint

Nepeta faassenii

No

Perennial herb

1’ x 2’

Sun

Beard Tongue

Penstemon heterophyllus

Yes

Perennial herb

1-2’ x 2-3’

Sun-part shade

Woolly Thyme

Thymus pseudolanguinosus

No

Perennial herb

2-3” x 3’

Sun-part shade

Creeping Sage

Salvia sonomensis

Yes

Perennial herb

8-12” x 3-4’

Shade

Santolina

Santolina spp.

No

Perennial herb

2’ x 2’

Sun

Lamb’s Ears

Stachys byzantina

No

Perennial herb

6-12” x 3’

Sun-part shade

Purple Three-Awn

Astrida purpurea

Yes

Grass

2-3’ x 1-2’

Sun

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Yes

Grass

0.75-2’ x 1.5-2’

Sun

California Meadow Sedge

Carex Pansa

Yes

Grass

6-8” unmowed

Sun-part shade

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Yes

Grass

2-3’ x 1-2’

Part shade

Pacific Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa spp. holciformis

Yes

Grass

2’

Part shade

Clarkia

Clarkia amoena ‘Aurora’; Clarkia rubicunda

Yes

Annual

3’ x 2’

Sun-part shade

Lianthus

Lianthus grandiflorus

Yes

Annual

2’ x 1’

Sun-part shade

104

Beneficial Hedge Common Name

Scientific Name

Structure

Dimensions

Sun

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia Yes

Native?

Tree

10-20’ x 10-15’

Sun-part shade

Elderberry

Sambucus mexicana

Tree

25’ x 25’

Sun-part shade

Yes

Western Redbud

Cercis occidentalis

Yes

Tree-shrub

12-20’ x 10-15

Sun-shade

Ceanothus

Ceanothus spp.

Yes

Shrub

Varies

Sun-part shade

Coyote Brush

Baccharis pilularis

Yes

Shrub

3-9’ x 3-12’

Sun

Manzanita

Arctostaphylos spp.

Yes

Shrub

Varies

Sun-shade

Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana demissa

Yes

Shrub

15’ x 5’

Sun-part shade

Lemonberry

Rhus integrifolia

Yes

Shrub

6-10’ x 10-15’

Sun-shade

Western Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

Yes

Shrub

3-6’ x 10-15’

Sun-part shade

White Sage

Salvia apiana

Yes

Shrub

4-5’ x 4-5’

Sun

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

Yes

Shrub

1-3’ x 4-5’

Sun

Coffeeberry ‘Mound San Bruno’

Rhamnus californica

Yes

Shrub

3-4’ x 10-15’

Sun-shade

Sticky Monkey Flower

Mimulus aurantiacus

Yes

Shrub

2-3’ x 3’

Sun-part shade

California Goldenrod

Solidago californica

Yes

Perennial herb

1-4’ x 1-2’

Part shade

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Yes

Perennial herb

<1’

Sun

Bush Lupine

Lupinus albifrons

Yes

Perennial herb

3-4’ x 3-4’

Sun

The diversity and multi-layered structure of beneficial hedgerows leads to multiple services, including habitat for beneficial insects, year-round food for pollinators, erosion and runoff control, privacy, windbreaks, and food for poeple (Earnshaw, 2004).

105

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106

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For millennia, the phoenix has served across cultures as a powerful symbol of death and rebirth. Consumed by flames then miraculously resurrected from its own ashes, this mythical creature resonates with humankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for hope and the possibility of redemption.

For disenfranchised youth entering the detention system, the symbol of the phoenix is especially relevant. Juvenile detention may seem a fiery end to dreams of a better future, but the goal of the Phoenix Garden is to demonstrate, symbolically and through well-designed spaces and programs, that redemption is possible for all, regardless of past mistakes. The County takes a truly rehabilitative and therapeutic approach to juvenile corrections, and this should be evidenced in its surroundings.

The Phoenix Garden is also the rebirth of a landscape. From the ashes of an old building â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a relic of an era defined by a punitive approach to juvenile detention â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a productive, socially and ecologically beneficial garden will emerge. Much like personal transformations, this landscape transformation will be gradual, drawing on the support and hard work of a community and utilizing natural processes. As youth in the system begin their own journey of redemption, the landscape will grow and transform with them.

Willa Caughey Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis 2016