usda sustainable landscape partnership u.s. forest service natural resources conservation service...

USDA Sustainable Landscape PartnershipUSDA Sustainable Landscape Partnership

U.S. Forest ServiceNatural Resources Conservation Service

Agricultural Research ServiceAgriculture Marketing ServiceDepartmental AdministrationMatt Arnn, USFS

Bob Snieckus, NRCS


Jamie Whitten Building Grounds


Jamie Whitten Building Grounds

• Six acre site • Current Landscaping :

• Mix of mature & newly planted trees• Native and invasive shrubs• Sprawling ground covers and lawn• Planting beds (spring bulbs, annuals and cold weather

bloomers)• Poor landscape plan• Heavy amount of asphalt paved parking areas• Outdated Landscape Contract

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Storm water runoff connected directly to the District Sewer System


$240k has been spent annually to maintain the grounds, including the use of 30,000 gallons of water.


Goals of Sustainable Landscape Partnership

• Reduce Environmental Impacts• Demonstration site for sustainable landscaping • Learning opportunity for landscape contractors• Improve the appearance of USDA grounds• Showcase for other public institutions• Provide cost sharing opportunities for developing

& implementing sustainable landscaping practices

• Highlight the various missions of USDA

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Why integrate sustainable landscape practices to treat stormwater?

Better infiltration, pollutant removal, stabilization, habitat, reduced mowing costs, landscaping value (beautification)

Implementation of sustainable landscape practices has been limited - lack of collaboration among landscape architects and stormwater engineers


Stormwater projects can reduce water quantity, improve water quality…and be beautiful.


Good Stormwater Practices = Water Amenities


Stormwater practices can be resources for people…


12th street green street, portland oregon

Source: city of Portland


www.fs.fed.us/recreation


National Park Service

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Bureau of Land Management

U. S. Botanical Gardens

National Arboretum

D.C. Government

National Capital Planning Commission

American Society of Landscape Architects

Nation Arbor Day Foundation

Nature Conservancy

Casey Trees Endowment Fund

Low Impact Development Center

Alliance for Community Trees

National Mall Trust

Natural Resources Design

Morgan State University

University of Maryland

Catholic University

Prescott College

Virginia Tech

George Washington University

Participants


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Whitten Building Zones


Northeast Zone

Rethink memorial grove

Engage children and visitors

Connect to the National Mall

Demonstrate USDA mission

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Jefferson Drive and 12th Street


Concept Plan

Reduce stormwater runoff with raingardens and bioretention practices.

Create new habitat with pollinator gardens.

Educate public with interpretive signage and interactive features.

Reduce maintenance costs with high performing native plants.

Feature USDA agencies with thematic elements and plants.

Improve the visual quality of the headquarters with improved landscapes.


North/Northeast Concept Plan

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Since the Charrette…

Final report published in January 2008

Featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine, March 2008

Refining concepts with input from NCPC, Coalition to Save the Mall, US Botanic Garden and others

Beginning 106 (Historic Preservation) Review

Two rain gardens approved

Coop forestry proposed Independence Ave street tree restoration project

Networking continues (including planting commitments from Casey Trees)

Website: www.greening.usda.gov

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www.sustainablesites.org


USDA Assistant Secretary: Boyd Rutherford

usda sustainable landscape partnership u.s. forest service natural resources conservation service...

Documents