Nipmuc Community and Education Center

NIPMUC COMMUNITY & EDUCATION CENTERSUITABILITY STUDY AND MASTER PLANWest Brookfield, MA

ANNA FIALKOFF • NOAH ZIMMERMAN

THE CONWAY SCHOOL SPRING 2013GRADUATE PROGRAM IN SUSTAINABLE PLANNING & DESIGN

INDEX

NIPMUC HISTORY & CULTURE GOALSCONTEXTEXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING CONDITIONS: WETLANDSANALYSES:... DRAINAGE & SOILS... SLOPES & PRIORITY HABITAT... LEGAL & ECOLOGICAL... SUMMARY ... PROGRAM COMPONENTSDESIGN ALTERNATIVES:... CONCENTRIC CIRCLES... FRESHWATER... NARRATIVE LANDSCAPE... SELF-RELIANCEFINAL DESIGNFINAL DESIGN: DEVELOPMENT CLUSTERDESIGN ILLUSTRATIONSCOST ESTIMATE & PHASINGPLANTING PALETTE:... DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER... CEREMONIAL GROUNDSRENEWABLE ENERGY EVALUATIONGREEN TECHNOLOGYPRECEDENTS:... A LIVING BUILDING... AGROFORESTRY & EDIBLE FOREST GARDENS

12345

6789

10

1112131415161718

19202122

2324

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13

1/24NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

NIPMUC HISTORY & CULTURE

THE FRESHWATER PEOPLEThe Nipmuc people are the original inhabitants of an area that is now in southern New England and trace their ancestry back 15,000-20,000 years. Their original home territory comprised over 2,000 square miles in central Massachusetts, northeastern Connecticut, and northern Rhode Island. They migrated seasonally within a hilly landscape with many ponds, lakes, and streams, which are headwaters to the Connecticut and Blackstone Rivers. Thus, they are known as the freshwater people.

DISEASE AND DISPLACEMENTDeadly epidemics resulting from encounters with early European explorers significantly reduced the Nipmucs’ population. During King Philip’s War in 1675-1676, between 500 and 1,000 Nipmucs were forcibly removed from their lands and marched to Boston where many died during the winter, lacking sufficient food, shelter, and clothing.

NIPMUC TRIBE TODAYTheir story is not just events of the past. Today, the Nipmuc people are alive and strong with a population of about 3,000, comprising many family clans spread across their ancestral lands. However, there is currently no single community center that all the clans can call their own, a place for the whole Nipmuc Tribe to practice and teach their contemporary culture.

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services has given grant money to the Conservation Commission of the town of West Brookfield to fund this suitability study and master plan for the Nipmuc Tribe. The property being considered is privately owned and was identified by the East Quabbin Land Trust, which has an interest in purchasing a conservation restriction on part of the land. This plan will help inform the Nipmuc Tribe’s decision to purchase the property for use as the Nipmuc Community and Education Center.

“I am NIpmuc aNd I exIst”From “We shall Remain”

A A’

A A’

The Hassanamisco Nipmuc clan at a gathering in Worcester, Mass., in 1948.From: http://nipmucmuseum.org/photo_archive

Nipmuc people of today.

N.T.S.

There is an opportunity for the various clans of the Nipmuc Tribe to create a unified community center in West Brookfield, Massachusetts; a place to practice and teach their culture, as well as steward 42 acres in the heart of their ancestral lands. This is a suitability study and master plan of that property, created with and on behalf of the Nipmuc Tribe.

Source: “The Indian of the Nipmuck Country in Southern New England, 1630-1750: An Historical Geography” by Dennis A. Cannole.

West Brookfield

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

GOALS NIPMUC TRIBE’S GOALS

For a Community and EduCation CEntEr in WEst BrookFiEld

Preserve our collective history. a plaCE For our arChivEs.

Create greater self-reliance. a plaCE to produCE our oWn Food and EnErgy.

Educate both tribal members and the general public about historical, traditional, and contemporary Nipmuc culture. a plaCE to pass on languagE and storiEs.

Provide space to meet our present tribal needs and practice our traditions. a plaCE to host Community mEEtings and CErEmoniEs.

Steward the land. a plaCE to dEmonstratE ECologiCal and Cultural land managEmEnt.

COMMUNITY CENTER FEATURES:Program developed by the Nipmuc Tribe

COMMUNITY BUILDING

CErEmonial grounds

long housE

agriCulturE

rEsidEnCE For CarEtakEr and guEsts

intErprEtivE trails

outdoor Classrooms

A place for Algonkian exhibits, collections and research

FEaturEs• Three Sisters garden• Educational and interpretive trails• Exhibits, research and collections• Recreated Algonkian Indian Village

with long house and wigwams

INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

Washington, Ct

“ ... a place to build community, to maintain connection with traditional values, and to be with other native peoples.”-From http://www.ifhurbanrez.org/index.php

FEaturEs• Elders’ luncheons • Ceremonies, powwows• Language classes, traditional

gardening, food cooking classes, beading circles

• Youth development and positive support groups

INTERTRIBAL FRIENDSHIP HOUSEoakland, Ca

CASE STUDIESExisting centers for native peoples cover a spectrum from serving as places to teach the public about an historical culture, to providing places for people to practice their cultural traditions. At the teaching end of the spectrum, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut, holds exhibits and collections and does research. A re-created Algonkian Indian Village presents a snapshot of how various Algonkian tribes might have lived pre-European contact. On the practicing end of the spectrum, the Intertribal Friendship House is a small center where tribes from various clans from near Oakland, California, can come together to be with other native peoples. It was created in the early 1950s for displaced tribes to reclaim their cultures and create a place to “encourage multigenerational healing.”

A girl dressed up for powwow dancing.

TEACHPRACTICETEACHINGthE gEnEral puBliC

PRACTICINGnipmuC traditions

The Nipmuc Tribe’s goals lie in the middle of a spectrum between teaching their culture to the public and practicing their traditions. For example, they would like to bring school groups to interact with the landscape through story telling and to host powwows open to the public, while also holding tribal meetings and having private ceremonies.

Tribal members teach by creating three sisters gardens with children.

A group of men from the Nipmuc Tribe practices ceremonial drumming.

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

CONTEXTCentrally located within the Nipmuc’s ancestral lands, the cultural, ecological, and historic context in which the property lies make it well suited for the Nipmuc Community and Education Center.

nEarBy toWns and a CityWhile located in the town of West Brookfield, the project area lies within three miles of four small town centers: New Braintree (population >1,000), North Brookfield (4,626), West Brookfield (3,294), and Ware (9,872). Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts (181,045) and where the Nipmuc Tribe currently holds many of its meetings, is about twenty miles east of the property. Because of the property’s proximity to four town centers and a major city, it is well situated to act as a Native American educational center for the greater public.

ECologiCal landsCapEThe site lies within a matrix of forest and wetlands, with a few large patches of Priority Habitat (designated by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program) and many patches of protected open space. Because of the property’s proximity to sensitive habitats and protected open space, it is well situated to connect the Nipmuc community to the broader ecological landscape.

nipmuC historiC landsCapEWickaboag Pond is about 1.5 miles southwest of the project area, and used to be the site of a major confluence of old Indian trails, such as the Bay Path, Springfield Road, and the Nashaway Trail. These paths run from the Connecticut River to Boston. Wigwam Hill is about a half mile east of the project area, and its name suggests that it was historically used by the Tribe. Because of the property’s proximity to significant cultural features and protected open space, it is well situated to connect to the broader cultural and historic landscape.

Sucker Brook Wetland Project Area Wigwam HillWhortleberry Hill

A

A’

A A’The property is located in a valley between Wigwam Hill and Whortleberry Hill and is adjacent to the Sucker Brook Wetland.

Source: “The Indian of the Nipmuck Country in Southern New England, 1630-1750: An Historical Geography” by Dennis A. Cannole.

Springfield Road

Bay Path

Nashaway Trail

Ware

West Brookfield

North Brookfield

Wickaboag Pond

New Braintree

Wigwam Hill

Whortleberry HillSucker Brook

West BrookfieldProject Area

A three-mile radius around the property with approximate locations of old Indian trails.

N.T.S

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

EXISTING CONDITIONSThe property is about 42 forested acres located in a rural residential area, on the corner of Shea Road and Birch Hill Road.

ForEst managEmEntThe stone walls along the roads and the dominant white pine forest indicate that the property was likely cleared for pasture, probably in the early 1800s. Since then it appears to have been selectively logged and is currently in Chapter 61 Forest Management. The Tribe is interested in continuing forest management for building, food, energy, and crafts.

Existing trailsA discontinued road off Shea Road is part of a mile-long trail loop that circumnavigates the parcel, weaving on and off the property. It runs parallel to an intermittent stream in the south of the site. These trails were probably used for logging, along with a few log landings. The Tribe is interested in developing interpretive trails to educate both the public and its members about its culture and its connection with the land.

thE nEighBorsThe property lies in a rural residential district on quiet rural roads. The surrounding neighbors enter their properties from the busier New Braintree Road, so the project area is adjacent to these residents’ backyards. Developing this property will affect these residents, so maintaining a positive relationship with them will be important. The Tribe would like to keep the noisier and more private components of their program away from the neighbors.

To the south and west of the project area is West Brookfield State Forest, with a grand vista of Sucker Brook Flood Control Area to the west. With permission from the state, there is a possibility to site some of the components of the program, such as ceremonial grounds and overflow parking, on the adjacent public lands.

Due to the most recent clearing and thinning 10-20 years ago, there are white pine saplings growing in this old log landing, and black birch saplings growing in the shady understory of the eighty-foot-tall white pines.

Discontinued road off Shea Road is now a dirt path.

A horse farm with wetlands east of the property.

Entrance to trail off Shea Road.

Looking west from the property toward the Sucker Brook Flood Control Area.

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Disc

ontin

ued

road

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road

Horse farm

Sucker Brook Flood Control Area

Sucker Brook

Log landing

Log landing

Log landing

B

A

C

D

E

A

B

C

D

E

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

EXISTING CONDITIONS: WETLANDS

suCkEr BrookThe existing one-mile trail moves north of the property and this view opens up to a large beaver pond and marsh, off the site, that are part of the Sucker Brook perennial stream and wetland system.

tWo poolsTwo pools at the north end of the property are identified as potential vernal pools through the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). However, through observation, it is believed the water level of both pools might stay high enough year-round to support fish, making them, by definition, not vernal pools. Fish are predators to many vernal pool species, so the lack of fish is what allows this special type of habitat to thrive.

BEavEr pondA small beaver pond is part of an intermittent stream in the southeastern corner of the property. The size and shape of this pond will fluctuate over time with change in beaver activity.

BordEring vEgEtatEd WEtlandA bordering vegetated wetland runs south to north in the center of the property. It is composed of two forested swampy areas connected by a small intermittent stream.

intErmittEnt strEamAn intermittent stream flows east to west, from the neighboring residences, across the property, and out to the Sucker Brook.

isolatEd WEtlandAn isolated wetland is located on the east side of the property, adjacent to Shea Road. It is a forested swamp, with some standing water observed in spring, making it a potential vernal pool.

The variation in wetlands and the habitats associated with them can provide educational opportunities to describe the relationship of the Nipmuc Tribe — who are known as the freshwater people — to the land.

Sucker Brook

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Shea Road

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad


AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

DRAINAGE & SOILS ANALYSIS

SOILS The NRCS soil survey indicates:all soils on sitE havE:• More than 80 inches to a restrictive feature

such as ledge or bedrock.• More than 80 inches to the water table.

thrEE major soil typEs on thE sitE:• hinCklEy sandy loam Excessively drained• mErrimaC FinE sandy loam Somewhat excessively drained Designated as prime farmland • BrookFiEld FinE sandy loam Well drained

soil tEstsSoil tests were conducted on three areas of the site and submitted to the University of Massachusetts Soil Lab. The tests indicated that the site generally has a low pH, ranging from 4.6-4.8 (typical of New England forests), and is low in macronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The site tends to be low in micronutrients such as boran, manganese, and zinc, but high in micronutrients like iron and sulphur.

impliCations• According to the NRCS soil survey, the soils are

well suited for development.• With soil amendments, agriculture could

succeed anywhere on this site (excluding wetlands), especially in Merrimac fine sandy loam. But due to the well draining soils, to protect water quality agriculture should be kept away from wetlands or buffered by vegetation to avoid nutrient runoff.

• The excessively drained soils may not filter pollutants well, so using best management practices in construction may help protect sensitive habitats.

DRAINAGE There are two main high points. The northern one is part of a plateau in the middle of the site.There are two areas of observed flooding after heavy rains (June 2013). The northern one has shallow pooling. The southern one was a small rivulet, moving west out of the isolated wetland into the trail where it ponded. Drainage is generally moving from east to west across the site. Water moving off the site affects Sucker Brook, Wickaboag Pond, and beyond. Water draining off adjacent roads and rural residential properties may contain pollutants, salt and silt.

impliCations• The pooling in the northern point of observed

flooding could either be a sign of poor drainage, which could be engineered to improve, or a high water table, which might make this area of the site unsuitable for development.

• Climate change, along with increased development and impervious surfaces on and off the site, could exacerbate flooding in areas that already flood.

• Construction can disturb soils, increasing erosion and sedimentation of water bodies. Using best management practices, such as vegetated buffers, can help to alleviate degradation of water bodies by slowing and infiltrating runoff. Agriculture should also not be placed next to the roads without a vegetated buffer.

Well-drained soils with a relatively deep water table and depth to restrictive feature are ideal for siting buildings, especially on positively drained high points. There are two high points with positive drainage that might be suitable for development. However, because soils are well-drained, development may still be possible in the two lower areas away from wetlands.

A

A’

A A’Project Area Residential Neighbors


N.T.S.

Drainage is generally moving from east to west across the site. Water moving off the site affects Sucker Brook, Wickaboag Pond, and beyond. Water draining off adjacent roads and rural residential properties may contain pollutants, salt and silt.

Shea Road

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road

HP

HP

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

SLOPES & PRIORITY HABITAT ANALYSIS

PRIORITY HABITATDevelopment should stay out of Priority Habitat to avoid legal review and to protect sensitive species, especially if other alternatives are available.

The northern portion of the property is part of a 780-acre patch of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Priority Habitat, possibly for the wood turtle, a species of concern. (NHESP does not reveal the names of species of concern, only the location.) The property hosts 8.5 acres of this Priority Habitat.

impliCations• NHESP reviews any development within Priority Habitat to ensure that

state-listed species are not adversely affected, and after designs are reviewed the plan could require a redesign. Before developing or managing land within Priority Habitat, the Nipmuc Tribe should contact NHESP.

• Knowledge of where Priority Habitat is located on the site could help make the case that the placement of a conservation restriction on the northern portion is appropriate. A conservation restriction would keep in perpetuity this portion of the site from being developed, and also would maintain connectivity to the protected open space of West Brookfield State Forest to the north and west of the property.

SLOPESSteep slopes on the west and north may indicate that development is most suitable in the southeast and central part of the property where access and construction would be least expensive and easiest to make barrier-free.

• The steepest slopes line the south and west edge of the property and bisect the northern portion of the property (13 acres of the site is >15% slope).

• The northern portion of the property has an undulating terrain.

• The southeast and central parts of the property make up the largest contiguous flat area (18 acres are <10% slope), and there is a relatively flat (<10% slope) plateau in the middle of the property that is about 1.5 acres.

impliCations• Developing the flatter areas that are accessible from

the road would be cheaper and have less impact on the site.

• Steep slopes pose challenges to barrier-free access. Many of the existing trails in the northwest portion of the site are not currently universally accessible, but could be made so.

• The southern portion of the trail and the discontinued road may only need minor modifications to the substrate to have barrier-free access since they are relatively flat (<5% slope).

• It would be challenging to have barrier-free access to the Sucker Brook Flood Control Area if it were used as the ceremonial grounds because of the 15% slope on the west edge of the site (see photo B).

• Steep slopes accelerate runoff, so care should be taken with any site changes, such as development or trail creation in steep areas.

The Eastern wood turtle is an NHESP species of concern. Its habitat is often in and around large beaver ponds with sandy soils and may be found on the site. Photo by Mike Jones: www.nhesp.org

A

Undulating topography in the north of the site.

Looking toward a steep slope on the west edge of the site from Sucker Brook Flood Control Area in West Brookfield State Forest.

BA

B

Log landing(Potential overflow parking)

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road


(Potential ceremonial grounds)

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

LEGAL & ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

ZONING• The property is a corner lot within a Rural

Residential District. Permanent buildings are not allowed within these legal setbacks:

70 ft. on street frontage 50 ft. on side yards

impliCations• Within a Rural Residential District, certain

activities and features of development of home sites may require a special permit and there are specific dimensional requirements, which could be amended with a permit. (See tables below.) However, the Nipmuc Tribe may be exempt from some of these restrictions as an educational and/or religious organization.

WETLANDS• All wetlands on the site, except the isolated

wetland, have 100-foot legal buffers regulated by the Wetlands Protection Act.

• Though the isolated wetland has no legal buffer, the wetland itself is still protected by the Wetlands Protection Act.

impliCations• It would be difficult to access the west side of

the property without crossing wetland buffers. • Most disturbances (including developing and

clearing) are restricted within these buffers, but an Order of Conditions could be issued by the Conservation Commission if they are shown to not adversely affect the wetlands or riparian habitat.

• The buffers are legal requirements, but they also maintain the ecological health of the wetlands. Thus any development that does occur within the buffers would need to be ecologically sensitive and avoid or mitigate runoff, silting, and loss of riparian habitat.

usE oF statE landsPermission would be required from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to use the Sucker Brook Flood Control Area for ceremonial grounds, or to use the log landing on Shea Road for overflow parking. Both of these areas in West Brookfield State Forest are adjacent to the site. A conversation has been started with DCR concerning the use of these lands by the Nipmuc Tribe and it appears to be a possibility. A long-term agreement or memorandum of understanding would be needed to secure the use of these properties into the future.

Permitted Uses in Rural Residential District Special Permit Required?

Farm - agricultural, orchard, plant or tree nursery, livestock and/or poultry No

Sale of agricultural or horticultural products No

Commercial greenhouses No

Two-family dwelling Yes

Renting of one or two rooms by a resident family to not more than three non-transient persons No

Use of up to three rooms for "Bed and Breakfast" facilities for not more than six persons Yes

Craft, consumer, or commercial service establishment dealing directly with the general public Yes

Church or other place of worship No

Family campground Yes

In general, there is adequate space (16.5 acres or 40% of the property) for the program components to be built outside of the buffers and setbacks, but in some cases the design may require development within buffers and setbacks, and legal variances may be needed. Developing within the wetland buffers must demonstrate ecological consideration and use best management practices.

Rural Residential Dimensional Requirements

Minimum Lot Size 90,000 sq. ft.

Minimum Lot Frontage 225 feet

Minimum Front Yard Setback 70 feet

Minimum Side Yard Setback 50 feet

Minimum Rear Yard Setback 50 feet

Maximum Stories in Height 2-1\2

Maximum Building Height 35 feet

A B

B

AShea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road




AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

pros• On high point with positive drainage.• Good view of open meadow to northwest.• Easy access from Shea Road.Cons• Isolated by the stream from the rest of the property, so any expansion

of development would require a bridge or additional driveways entering from different areas of the site.

• Limited solar gain for passive solar and photovoltaic because of the hill to the south in West Brookfield State Forest (but may be able to clear for solar gain on State lands with permission).

SUMMARY ANALYSIS

Out of the 42-acre property there are three areas, totaling 7.4 acres, that are accessible and are not limited by buffers, setbacks, priority habitat or excessive slopes (>10%). They each appear to be appropriate for siting the community building and other components of the community center. Only the western site appears to be large enough to site the ceremonial grounds.

pros• Opportunity for passive solar gain and photovoltaic panels.• On high point with positive drainage.• Good views of open meadow to the west.• Largest area of the three, and the only one that is large enough for the

1.5-acre ceremonial grounds.Cons• Because it is distant from the roads, it would have the most expensive

access, the longest driveway, have a greater impact, and require permitting to put a driveway through a wetland buffer.

• Disrupts the habitat connectivity of undeveloped land.

pros• Short and easy access from the east end of Shea Road.• North-south alignment could provide solar gain for passive solar in the

winter.• Doesn’t disrupt the habitat connectivity of undeveloped land to the

west.Cons• Close proximity to neighboring residents and their backyards.• Clearing trees for solar gain within the wetland buffers to the west for

photovoltaic potential would require permitting. May not be able to clear to the east due to the proximity of the property boundary.

• This is a lower point on the site and some parts could flood/pool seasonally (potentially for high water table).

• Limited views from this lower point.

3.8 ACRES

1.9 ACRES

1.7 ACRES

1

12

2

3

3

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road

THREE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT AREAS




AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

PROGRAM COMPONENTSCOMPONENT SIZE NOTES CRITERIACeremonial Grounds 65,150 ft2

144’ radius - 1.5 acre Accessible by car

Powwows with up to 700 people a few times a year Barrier-free access

Activities include dancing, drumming, and selling crafts Cleared, flat (≤5%) and even-surfaced grassland

Open to public access

Greatest possible sound/visual disturbance to/from rural residential neighbors

Located on a high and dry area

Community Building 4,500 ft2 38’ radius Direct barrier-free access with long house/residence/parking

Meetings, education, exhibits, and storage 1,500 ft2 Meeting space for 100 people @ 15-20 ft2 per person At least 6 hours of solar gain during the winter for passive solar

- Classroom uses meeting space @ 20 ft2 per person Entered from the east

150 ft2 Office for one person Circular building

350 ft2 Kitchen space – 1/4 – 1/3 size of dining area which is the meeting space Open to public access

100 ft2 Storage for tables and chairs Close access from the road (<300 ft.)

180 ft2 Bathrooms

? Archives - temperature controlled

? Exhibit Space - minimal UV exposure

Residence for Caretaker and Guests 900 ft2 30'x30' - 450 ft2 for caretaker plus three extra rooms @ 150 ft2 each Direct barrier-free access with community building/parking

At least 6 hours of solar gain during the winter for passive solar

View of the entrance to the property to provide security

Long House 1000 ft2 50’x20’ east-west axis Direct barrier-free access with community building

Smaller private ceremonies and some education Entered from the east by men and from the west by women

Semi-private

Parking Lot 7,800 ft2 65’x120’ for 24-car lot Accessible by car (with universally accessible parking)

Direct barrier-free access with community building/residence

Preferably to the south of buildings to take advantage of clearing

Agriculture 10,000 ft2

100’x100’ - .25 acre At least 6 hours of solar gain during the equinoxes and summer

Demonstration gardens and possible production Close to vehicle access (<50 ft.)

Open to public access

Preferably to the south of buildings to take advantage of clearing

Outdoor Classroom 600 ft2 24'x24' - 30 people at 20 ft2 per person Comfortable microclimate

Integration of education with the landscape Direct barrier-free access with parking

Close to educational opportunities including agriculture, wetlands, etc.

Septic and Leach Field 3,700 ft2

Community building without composting toilets Cleared area (any groundcover must have shallow root system)

1,850 ft2

Community building with composting toilets >4' above groundwater

800 ft2

Residence without composting toilet Accessible by machinery for pumping

400 ft2

Residence with composting toilet Should have minimal foot traffic to avoid compaction

? May be smaller if using greywater cleaning alternative Preferably to the south of buildings to take advantage of clearing for solar gain

Well ? Special regulations may apply because it is supplying Accessible by machinery for drilling

a community building and may be considered public water supply >100' from leach field

ALTERNATIVES

The alternatives on the following sheets explore development within the three different areas identified in the summary analysis. In all of the alternatives, the longhouse, the community building, parking, and residence are clustered for barrier-free accessibility, minimizing ecological disturbance and cost. Ceremonial grounds are sited either on or off site.

CRITERIA

This concept diagram illustrates the spatial relationships be-tween the components, including the type of accessibility, directional-specific entrances, and need for solar gain.

Summary Analysis(Sheet 9)

Concentric Circles(Sheet 11)

Fresh Water(Sheet 12)

Narrative Landscape(Sheet 13)

Self Reliance(Sheet 14)

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

Ceremonial grounds

Development cluster

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

CONCENTRIC CIRCLES

pros• Combining parking and agriculture south of the buildings creates optimum solar gain

(photovoltaic and passive solar) for the community building, and residence year-round, as well as for agriculture in the summer and equinoxes.

• Tribe can control public access to long house and inner trail loop, so there is a clear delineation of public/private spaces.

• Doesn’t require clearing/grubbing of ceremonial grounds because the site is already a field.• Agriculture frames the outdoor classroom and is a central feature in the development cluster.• Minimal sound/visual disturbance to/from residential neighbors because it is away from Shea

Road.Cons• Construction and/or disturbance (driveway, clearing) in wetland buffers.• With the second longest driveway of the alternatives and development in the middle of the

site, creates larger ecological impact than clustering development near a road.• Need to ask permission from DCR for ceremonial grounds and overflow parking use.• Ceremonial grounds not on a high area.• Since the driveway is used year-round to get to the buildings, it may have ecological impact

because it requires snow and ice management within wetland buffers.

spECsParking: 24 development cluster spaces 24 south spaces 80 overflow spacesDriveway: 750 ft.Clearing: 2.7 acresNew Trails: .5 mileCeremonial Grounds: .6 acres

CONCEPTConcentric circles are layered in order from public outside to private inside, with the most sacred spaces at the center. One enters a parking lot at the southern end of the property on Shea Road, takes a wooded trail that passes over a stream, and then chooses to continue on a trail that loops around the property or to enter into the cleared and devel-oped inner circle, the heart of the Community and Education Center. From the community building, the exit outside north opens into a sa-cred circle courtyard formed by the U-shaped community building, the long house and forest edge. Lastly, from the long house one can travel an accessible and sacred loop in solitude.

Camping

Development cluster

Overflow parking

Ceremonial grounds

Sacredloop

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER0’ 100’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

FRESHWATER

spECsParking: 24 spacesDriveway: 50 feetClearing: 3.7 acresNew Trails: .6 milesCeremonial Grounds: 1.4 acres

pros• Development clustered towards the road and residential neighborhood creates the least

ecological impact.• Having the ceremonial grounds located on site allows the Nipmuc Tribe more self reliance since

they don’t need to ask permission to use them.• Ceremonial grounds on high/dry area.• The unpaved driveway to the ceremonial grounds is long (750 feet), but does not require winter

maintenance since it is for powwows that happen in the spring or summer.• Adequate solar gain for the buildings for passive solar in the winter.Cons• Limited solar gain for photovoltaic. (Clearing trees for solar gain within the wetland buffers to the

west for photovoltaic potential would require permitting. May not be able to clear to the east due to the proximity of the property boundary.)

• Potential for sound/visual disturbance to/from neighbors from the cluster, but not from the ceremonial grounds.

• Potential ecological impact on isolated wetland.• Requires clearing/grubbing, management, and mowing of ceremonial grounds, as well as

maintaining the unpaved road to them.

CONCEPTWater is highlighted in the landscape with a water feature central to the developed cluster, and by bringing trails to existing wetlands. There is a strong linear axis (roughly northeast-southwest, which avoids buffers and is generally flat) created by the community building and long house arrangement. An accessible loop begins from the development cluster, runs south to the beaver pond, crosses a stream channel (that connects two forested swamps) at the center of the site, and winds down to the community building from the north, with a spur to a kidney-shaped pool.

Inner trail loop

Development cluster

Ceremonial grounds

Camping

Isolatedwetland

Unpaved road

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road


DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER

0’ 100’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

NARRATIVE LANDSCAPECONCEPTThis design narrates Nipmuc culture by highlighting significant land features through trail interpretation. It invites visitors to actively engage in Nipmuc crafts and learn about their past. One might begin by stopping at a trail node on the southeast beaver pond, where one learns about the beaver’s role in the Nipmuc creation story. Farther north, the trail opens up to a pond edge that is disturbed and has invasive plants, and where basket making may be done with non-traditional plants like oriental bittersweet. A recreated village of wetus (small dome-shaped structures made of saplings) farther south has interpretation that explains historical social structure of the Nipmuc clans.

pros• Compact and clustered development by the road creates less ecological impact than

the other alternatives. Because of this it also may be the least expensive alternative.• Little sound/visual disturbance of cluster to/from neighbors.• Doesn’t require clearing/grubbing of ceremonial grounds because it is already a field.• Close proximity of the development cluster, ceremonial grounds, and overflow parking.Cons• The hill south of the property in West Brookfield State Forest blocks some of the buildings’

solar gain.• Need to ask permission from DCR for ceremonial grounds and overflow parking use.• Since it is visible from the road, there is not a strong delineation between public and

private for the development cluster.• The development cluster is somewhat isolated from the rest of the site since one must

cross a footbridge to get to the rest of the site and there is no vehicle access across the intermittent stream.

spECsParking: 24 development cluster spaces 80 overflow spacesDriveway: 30 feetClearing: 2.3 acres (least of the three)New Trails: .5 milesCeremonial Grounds: 1.3 acres

Inner trail loop

Creation story told at beaver pond

Medicinal walk

Overflow parking

Development cluster

Basket making

Mashoon (dugout canoe) launch & fishing

Recreated village with wetus

Views to ceremonial grounds

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road

Ceremonial grounds

DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER

0’ 100’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

SELF-RELIANCECONCEPTIn this design the Nipmuc Tribe can depend more fully on itself for energy, food, emergency shelter, and meeting and ceremonial spaces. Ceremonial grounds are the central feature that all the other components circle around. This 1.5-acre clearing opens up light for solar gain that can support photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the community and residential buildings. Agriculture is more extensive than the other alternatives, so the Tribe can focus more on production than just demonstration of traditional agriculture.

spECsParking: 18 development cluster spaces 24 south spaces 24 east spaces 80 overflow spaces Driveway: 950 feet (most of the three)Clearing: 4.5 acres (most of the three)New Trails: .8 milesCeremonial Grounds: 1.8 acres

pros• Placing parking and ceremonial grounds south of the buildings creates optimum solar gain

(photovoltaic and passive solar) for the community building, and residence year-round, as well as for agriculture in the summer and equinoxes.

• Having the ceremonial grounds located on site allows the Nipmuc Tribe more self reliance since they don’t need to ask permission to use them.

• Ceremonial grounds on high/dry area.• Least potential for sound/visual disturbance to/from neighbors.• Greatest amount of parking on site of all the alternatives, accommodating the most

people.Cons• Requires clearing/grubbing, management and mowing of ceremonial grounds. • Potentially, the largest ecological impact of all the alternatives because it has the greatest

clearing and driveway length. The driveway is used year-round to get to the buildings and may have a greater ecological impact because it requires snow and ice management within wetland buffers.

• May be the most expensive alternative because it requires the greatest land clearing and maintenance.

• Requires the most income and staff to maintain of all the alternatives.• Agriculture is far from the development cluster (though has easy access from the road).

Ceremonial grounds &development cluster

Overflow parking

Inner trail loop

Outdoor classroom

Camping

Overflow parking

Agriculture

Shea Road

Shea

Roa

d

Birc

h Hi

ll Ro

ad

New

Bra

intre

e Ro

ad

Shea Road


DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER

Ceremonial grounds

0’ 100’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13

15/24

NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

FINAL DESIGN

The ceremonial grounds are cleared and managed as a grass and wildflower meadow with a mowed path through the center. Mowing and fire help to minimize the growth of woody shrubs and trees, and provide habitat for ground-nesting birds. There is a barrier-free path along the west side of the meadow with a beautiful view of a mowed field and wetland on the Sucker Brook Flood Control Area to the west. Composting toilets are northwest of the ceremonial grounds, outside of the watershed of the central wetland and intermittent stream to protect water quality.

The long house is on a spur trail, surrounded by forest to maintain privacy. Signs are used to inform visitors of proper behavior in this special area. Barrier-free trails connect to the long house from the north and south of the Community Building, creating a universally accessible loop.

Small openings are interspersed within the landscape with interpretive signs, such as rocks with engravings or wood with burnings, that blend in with the surrounding forest. Some of these openings are used to tell traditional stories and demonstrate crafting and other practices. These openings alongside relevant ecological features tell the story of the Nipmuc people’s relationship to the land.

An unpaved road, connected to the main parking lot, offers vehicle and pedestrian access to the ceremonial grounds. This road is built up with swales on either side to keep it from being inundated by the rivulet, which overflows from the isolated wetland during heavy rains. A barrier at the parking lot keeps cars from using this road during winter (to avoid plowing) and during the mud season (to avoid erosion). This also helps to protect the nearby wetlands from sedimentation.

SUMMARYThe final design places development near Shea Road next to the rural residential neighborhood, maintaining contiguous undeveloped land to the west, adjacent to the state forest. The landscape tells a story of a dynamic historical and contemporary culture by highlighting natural fluctuating processes, embedding stories and events in the landscape, and blurring the line between managed and “wild” lands.

“Seeing the land with a Native eye means learning to dwell in community. Safely travelling that land signals reclamation of identity in a natural world that can be described but never defined by directions and distance. And listening to that land teaches one to hear and eventually to retell the stories embedded therein.”

From: Theresa S. Smith, Jill M. Fiore “Landscape as Narrative, Narrative as Landscape.” Studies in American Indian Literatures Volume 22, Number 4, Winter 2010

spECsParking: 24 development cluster spaces 24 south spaces 80 in south overflowDriveway: 300 feetClearing: 3 acresNew Trails: .6 milesCeremonial Grounds: 1.5 acres

A

A’

A

A’

Ceremonial grounds Bordering vegetated wetland Development cluster Residential neighbors


SuckerBrook

Ceremonial grounds

Overflowparking

Development cluster

Wetu village

Overflowparking

Property boundary Property boundary

Beaver pond

0’ 100’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

FINAL DESIGN: DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER

Pathways that are 4’-6’ wide and barrier-free radiate out from the central pool water feature, which is fed by the filtered greywater of the buildings. The filtered water overflows from the pool into a planted runnel, which bisects the central path, to a circular rain garden, where water is collected for infiltration. The pond edge is raised above ground level so that the sides can act as seating and be utilized to educate about the use and processes of water. It can also act as a place to tell about the Nipmuc people’s relationship to water, which can be reinforced with sculptural elements such as a turtle with the characters of the creation story on its back in the pond’s center.

The driveway uses the discontinued road and creates an entrance view of the community building and the agricultural area as a car turns into an unpaved parking lot. On the north side of the lot is a place to drop off passengers alongside an area with an entrance kiosk and seating. A rain garden, built along an existing trail, abuts the south end of the parking lot to minimize runoff into the isolated wetland. (If using the discontinued road turns out not to be feasible, then the driveway design from the freshwater alternative could be substituted.)

An area of shrubs bordered to the east by a living willow fence provides edibles, crafting materials, and flowers. The shrubs also provide a visual barrier between the parking lot and a circular seating area that is within the agriculture area.

The .14-acre agriculture area is used as demonstration gardens and provides food for the resident and community; some produce and plants may be sold on site. Small paths through this area provide access to different gardens. To the northwest is a shed for gardening tools and a mower. The mower is used for maintaining the ceremonial grounds, mowed paths, and leach field, which is north of the residence and infiltrates greywater during the winter months.

Bordering the agricultural area to the west is a multi-layered forest garden comprising trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers. The forest garden provides edibles, medicinals, and crafting materials. The vegetation is structured from lowest in the east to highest in the west, which helps to blur the line between the agricultural area and the lightly managed forest.

The outdoor classroom is a simple covered structure that can be used in inclement weather. It is surrounded by a multi-layered forest garden and is oriented with a view to the east across the agricultural area, circular rain garden, and a seating area backed by shrubs that create a visual barrier from the parking.

A meandering forest path moves through an area planted with wild medicinal and edible shrubs and managed by coppicing for biomass. The path extends to the isolated wetland to support ecological education and has a boardwalk to maintain accessibility during heavy rains. The path has a view to the south from a raised log landing down to the wetus along the banks of the beaver pond. The log landing also provides school bus parking with access to the path, which provides an engaging entrance into the site.

Kiosks are placed at major entrances to the trails to provide visitors with information about wayfinding and how the Nipmuc culture is represented in the landscape.

Wetus used for education are arranged in a semi-circle bordering the beaver pond with a central area that can be used for crafting and canoe building. The wetus are made of bent pine saplings and all the structures can be moved and arranged as the beaver pond rises and recedes. When the leaves are on the trees the location feels private and enclosed, even though it is close to the road and easily accessible.

As a car approaches the site along Shea Road, the first view is a glimpse of wetus and canoes along the banks of a beaver pond. Then a sign welcomes visitors at the bend in the road, directing them to continue onto the driveway. Views quickly open up to the west of the agricultural area, a central pond, and a large community building with a clear entrance in the east.

The community building is oriented with views to the south of the central pond and agriculture. The building is entered from the east by the largest pedestrian pathway in the focus area, identifiable by a welcoming archway of bent saplings, stones on the sides of the path, and a large entry trellis. There is also an exit, with a smaller trellis, to the south for visitors and an entrance in the west for the resident and guests.

The Nipmuc people’s relationship to water is central to the final design. The development cluster emphasizes the use of water and the relationship to the surrounding wetlands for purposes of education, beauty, and maintaining ecological functions.

The residence has a mowed gathering area to the south with a view of the agricultural area. To the north of the residence is a private deck and an open meadow, which is the leach field.

Community building

Residence

Outdoorclassroom

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13

17/24

NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.

DESIGN ILLUSTRATIONS

Entrance view From Shea Road to the wetu village at the edge of the beaver pond. Entrance view from the driveway to the development cluster.

0’ 10’ 20’

A A’

B B’10’ 20’0’

A

A’

B

B’’

Outdoor Classroom Circular rain garden Entrance archway

Rain garden near isolated wetland Circular rain garden Central pond water feature Community buildingNORTH-SOUTH SECTION

EAST-WEST SECTION

1 2

2

1

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

COST ESTIMATE & PHASINGELEMENT TOTAL ITEM COST UNIT QTY. UNIT COST SUBTOTAL CONTINGENCY @ 15%

Buildings

Community building $1,552,500 sq.ft. 4500 $300 $1,350,000 $202,500

Residence building $207,000 sq.ft. 900 $200 $180,000 $27,000

Long house $57,500 sq.ft. 1000 $50 $50,000 $7,500

Outdoor classroom (arbor) $27,600 sq.ft. 600 $40 $24,000 $3,600

Tool shed $4,313 sq.ft. 150 $25 $3,750 $563

Infrastructure

Parking lot - main (trap rock gravel) $26,910 sq.ft. 7800 $3 $23,400 $3,510

Parking lot - south (trap rock gravel) $26,910 sq.ft. 7800 $3 $23,400 $3,510

Gravel driveway on discontinued road (15' wide) $15,525 linear ft. 300 $45 $13,500 $2,025

Gravel road to ceremonial grounds (8' wide) $17,969 linear ft. 625 $25 $15,625 $2,344

Site Preparation

Cut and chip trees (development cluster) $8,970 acre 1.3 $6,000 $7,800 $1,170

Grub stumps and remove $5,980 acre 1.3 $4,000 $5,200 $780

Rough grading $2,990 acre 1.3 $2,000 $2,600 $390

Cut and chip trees (ceremonial grounds) $10,350 acre 1.5 $6,000 $9,000 $1,350


Rough grading $3,450 acre 1.5 $2,000 $3,000 $450

Cut and chip trees (south parking lot) $2,070 acre 0.3 $6,000 $1,800 $270


Rough grading $690 acre 0.3 $2,000 $600 $90

Utilities

Septic tank and leach field $46,000 lump sum 1 $40,000 $40,000 $6,000

Well $34,500 lump sum 1 $30,000 $30,000 $4,500

Electric $27,600 linear foot 800 $30 $24,000 $3,600

Burying electric line $4,313 linear foot 150 $25 $3,750 $563

Propane tank $23,000 lump sum 1 $20,000 $20,000 $3,000

Water storage/catchment $11,500 lump sum 1 $10,000 $10,000 $1,500

Renewable energy ? lump sum $0 $0

Amenities

Welcoming street signs $2,300 ea. 2 $1,000 $2,000 $300

Kiosk $18,400 ea. 4 $4,000 $16,000 $2,400

Bench $7,360 ea. 8 $800 $6,400 $960

Trash receptacle $2,300 ea. 8 $250 $2,000 $300

Picnic table $6,900 ea. 8 $750 $6,000 $900

Trail signs $1,840 ea. 8 $200 $1,600 $240

Outdoor lighting (development cluster) $23,000 lump sum 1 $20,000 $20,000 $3,000

Outdoor lighting (south parking lot and trail) $11,500 lump sum 1 $10,000 $10,000 $1,500

Central pond water feature $23,000 lump sum 1 $20,000 $20,000 $3,000

Composting toilet outhouse (ceremonial grounds) $24,150 ea. 3 $7,000 $21,000 $3,150

Alternative greywater treatment system $287,500 lump sum 1 $250,000 $250,000 $37,500

Entrance archway $1,150 ea. 1 $1,000 $1,000 $150

Trails

Accessible (granular stone about 4-6' width) $57,500 linear foot 2500 $20 $50,000 $7,500

Natural paths (native soil about 3' width) $12,880 linear foot 1400 $8 $11,200 $1,680

Boardwalk (4' wide) $11,500 linear foot 40 $250 $10,000 $1,500

Foot bridge (4' wide) $15,525 linear foot 30 $450 $13,500 $2,025

Landscaping

Meadow planting $6,900 acre 1.5 $4,000 $6,000 $900

Rain garden $31,050 sq.ft. 1800 $15 $27,000 $4,050

Small tree $3,450 ea. 20 $150 $3,000 $450

Large tree $5,750 ea. 10 $500 $5,000 $750

Shrub $23,000 ea. 500 $40 $20,000 $3,000

Agriculture (amendments, compost, mulch) $10,350 sq.ft. 6000 $1.50 $9,000 $1,350

Subtotal $2,713,224

Sales tax @ 8% (exempt?)Design, permitting, grant preparation, and construction administration @ 25% $678,306

Total project cost $3,391,530

This is an estimation of the elements and associated costs that are present in the final design. Costs can be lowered by using materials from on-site and volunteer labor from the community. The initial investment can be reduced by phasing the implementation, though the total project cost may be more expensive because the construction process is less efficient and costs may rise. The sample phasing plan below concentrates on developing the community building and focus area before the ceremonial grounds. (Example does not account for the costs of design, permitting, grant preparation, and construction administration)

Phase 1 - community building

Community building $1,552,500

Parking lot - main $26,910

Gravel driveway on discontinued road $15,525

Site preparation (development cluster) $17,940

Alternative greywater treatment system $287,500

Utilities $146,912

Outdoor lighting (development cluster) $23,000

Central pond water feature $23,000

Welcoming street signs $2,300

Entrance archway $1,150

Rain garden $31,050

TOTAL $2,127,787

Phase 2 - trails and agriculture

Residence building $207,000

Long house $57,500

Outdoor classroom (arbor) $27,600

Tool shed $4,313

Kiosks $18,400

Site Amenities $18,400

Trails, bridges, and boardwalk $97,405

Trees and shrubs $32,200

Agriculture (amendments, compost, mulch) $10,350

TOTAL $473,168

Phase 3 - ceremonial grounds

Site preparation (ceremonial grounds) $20,700

Site preparation (south parking lot) $4,140

Meadow planting $6,900

Parking lot - south $26,910

Gravel road to ceremonial grounds $17,969

Outdoor lighting (south parking lot and trail) $11,500

Composting toilet outhouse (ceremonial grounds) $24,150

TOTAL $112,269

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

PLANTING PALETTE: DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER

A living fence at the Botanical Gardens of Wales. From: http://www.inspirationgreen.com/living-willow-hedges.html

RAIN GARDENS(Adapted from: “Applied Ecological Services”, Inc., Brodhead, WI. http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/GWQ037.pdf)

Botanical Name Common Name Human/Wildlife Value/Notes HeightFull SunAllium cernuum nodding onion edible 1'-2'Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed attracts pollinators 3'-5'Aster novae-angliae New England aster attracts butterfies 3'-6'Carex vulpinoidea fox sedge 1'-3'Iris versicolor blue flag iris 2'-3'Penstemon digitalis foxglove penstemon attracts pollinators 2'-3'Vernonia novaboracensis New York ironweed attracts pollinators 7'Full to Partial SunAngelica atropurpurea purple angelica medicinal 4'-6'Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry edible antioxident berries 3'-6'Carex comosa bottlebrush sedge 2'-4'Cephalanthus occidentalis button bush shrub attracts butterflies 5'-12'Eupatorium perfoliatum boneset history of medicinal use 3'-5'Juncus torreyi Torrey's rush 2'-3'Lindera benzoin spicebush spicebush swallowtail 6'-12'Lobelia siphilitica great blue lobelia tolerates dense shade 2'-3'Monarda fistulosa wild bee balm medicinal/edible 2'-5'Panicum virgatum switch grass attracts birds 3'-6'Pycnanthemum virginianum mountain mint attracts pollinators 2'-3'Full to Partial ShadeArisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit showy flowers 1'-2'Campanula americana tall bellflower attracts humming birds 2'-5'Carex grayi bur sedge 2'-3'Carex lupulina hop sedge 4'Carpinus caroliniana musclewood 20'-35'Elymus virginica Virginia wild rye 2.5'-4'Eutrochium purpureum Joe-pye weed attracts pollinators 4'-8'Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower attracts humming birds 2'-4'Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells showy flowers 18"-24"Osmunda claytonia interupted fern 3.5'-4'Phlox divaricata woodland phlox attacts hummingbirds 1'Sambucus canadensis common elderberry edible berries 5'-12'Solidago flexicaulis zig zag goldenrod 6"-1.5'Symphyotrichum puniceum purple-stemmed aster 2'-8'Vaccinium corymbosum highbush blueberry edible berries 6'-12'Zizia aurea golden Alexander attracts butterflies 1'-3'

AROUND BUILDINGS AND PARKING LOT

The planting palette in the development cluster concentrates on plants that define spaces and have visual interest, while providing wildlife value and edible, medicinal, and craft resources when possible. A living willow fence, woven into the earth, acts as a visual screen between the parking lot and the agriculture area, and provides material for fine basketry. The shrubs on the west side of the willow fence frame a circular seating area and the agricultural area. A long rain garden that wraps around the southwest edge of the focus area buffers the parking lot and agricultural runoff from the isolated wetland.

Edible Forest Garden(See sheet 24, “Precedents: Agroforestry & Edible Forest Gardens” for plant palette.)

Leach Field(See sheet 20, “Planting Palette: Ceremonial Grounds” for “Center- Main Meadow” section of plant palette.)

Agricultural Area (Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, Squash)

Botanical Name Common Name Human/Wildlife Value/ Notes HeightBetween Agricultural Area and Parking LotCeanothus americana New Jersey tea, red root low shrub, medicinal 2'-3'Comptonia peregrina sweetfern low shrub, medicinal 2'-3'Kalmia latifolia mountain laurel evergreen 4'-15'Rhododendron maximum rosebay rhododendron evergreen 6'-10'Salix glabra 'Blackskin' willow basketry, living structures 6'-10'Front of Community BuildingAmelanchier stolonifera running serviceberry edible berries 4'-5'Arctostaphylos uva-ursi bearberry, kinnick-kinnick smoking herb 6"-1'Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry shrub 4'-6'Asclepias tuberosa butterflyweed, pluerisy root medicinal herb 1'-2.5'Ceanothus americana New Jersey tea, red root medicinal herb 2'-3'Comptonia peregrina sweetfern medicinal herb 2'-3'Monarda didyma scarlet beebalm, Oswego tea medcinal herb 2'-4'Between Parking Lot and DrivewayAcer pensylvanicum striped maple, moosewood nice fall color 15'-25'Dennstaedtia punctilobula hay-scented fern aromatic, tolerates compaction 1'-3'Sassafras albidum sassafras edible/medicinal leaves 30'-60'

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

PLANTING PALETTE: CEREMONIAL GROUNDSBotanical Name Common Name Notes HeightCenter- Main MeadowAgrostis scabra rough bent grass native, responds well to burning 6"-2'Agrostis perrenans autumn bent grass native, responds well to burning 1'-2'Anntenaria plantaginifolia pussy-toes spring blooming 6"-1'Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats gamma clumping grass, but sod forming 1.5'-2.5'Festuca ovina sheep fescue cannot tolertate a lot of burning 6"Festuca rubra creeping red fescue cannot tolerate a lot of burning 1"-3"Fragaria virginiana wild strawberry herbaceous groundcover 3"-6"Monarda punctata spotted bee balm soft stemmed herb 6"-3'Hedoma pulegioide American pennyroyal annual that self-sows 4"-12"Juncus tenuis path rush can tolerate compactions 6"-24"Potentilla canadensis dwarf cinquefoil herbaceous groundcover 2"-4"Solidago nemoralis gray goldenrod soft stemmed herb 1.5'-2'Trifolium repens white clover herbaceous groundcover 3"-6"Clinopodium vulgare wild basil soft stemmed aromatic herb 10"-18"Zizia aurea golden Alexander soft stemmed herb 1'-3'Shady South EdgeCampanula rotundifolia hairbell 1'-2'Carex pennsylvanica Pennsylvania sedge sedge, spreading groundcover 6"-1'Carex appalachica Appalachian sedge from on site or plugs 6"-1'

Dennstaedtia punctilobula hay-scented fern colonizing fern 1'-3'Tridens flava purple-top forms tufts 4'-6'North & West EdgesAndropogon gerardii big bluestem clumping grass 6'-7'Pycnanthemum incanum hoary mountain mint tall aromatic herb 3'-6'Aronia melanocarpa black chokeberry shrub 4'-6'Ceanothus americana New Jersey tea, red root low shrub 2'-3'Comptonia peregrina sweetfern low shrub 2'-3'Eragrostis spectabilis purple love grass clumping grass 2'-5'Lupinus perennus sundial lupine flowering 1'-2'Panicum virgatum switchgrass clumping grass 3'-6'Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem clumping grass 2'-5'Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass clumping grass 4'East Edge Bordering WetlandSalix bebbiana Bebb's willow small tree, shrub, coppicing up to 25' (if not coppiced)Salix nigra black willow biomass, coppicing over 100' (if not coppiced)Sambucus canadensis common elderberry edible berries 8'-10'Vaccinium corymbosum highbush blueberry edible berries 6'-12'First Year Cover CropAvena sativa oats annual 1'-5'

Chamaecrista fasciculata partridge pea annual, nitrogen-fixer 6"-2'

Lolium multiflorum annual rye annual 2.5'

Triofolium repens white clover perennial groundcover 3"-6"

MEADOW SPECIES AND MANAGEMENTThe ceremonial grounds are 1.5 acres of grassy meadow that get mowed or burned once a year. The central meadow plant selection features grasses, herbaceous ground covers, and a rush that can tolerate trampling once a year during large ceremonies like powwows or the Strawberry Moon Ceremony. These species colonize rather than form tufts, so the main meadow can be as smooth of a surface as possible for walking and dancing, but still be a functional and diverse habitat for early successional species. The meadow edge species are a mixture of short and clump-forming native grasses, sedges, herbaceous perennials, low shrubs, tall shrubs, and small trees that frame the meadow and progress in height up to the forest edge. Since the ceremonial grounds require clearing in the wetland buffer, appropriate and ecologically beneficial native shrubs can be planted on that edge that will also provide coppicing, berries, and wildlife value. Cover crops should be seeded in after clearing, grubbing, and discing of the meadow space. They will stabilize and enrich the soil and shade out weeds in preparation for the perennial species to be planted the following year.

A

A’

A’A

West edge plantings Meadow in foreground & Long house in background

East edge shrubs bordering wetland0’ 50’

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

RENEWABLE ENERGY EVALUATION

WINDThe site does not appear suitable for wind energy.

The project area is identified as having wind speeds less than 4 meters per second at a 30-meter height, making it unsuitable for a small wind project.The U.S. Department of Energy (http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov) designates “areas with good exposure to prevailing winds and annual average wind speeds around 4 meters per second and greater at a 30-m height...generally considered to have a suitable wind resource for small wind projects.”

SOLARThe focus area may be too narrow to make photovoltaic panels suitable.

The east side of the property is bordered by a neighboring resident and the west side by a wetland. The solar clearing map below is a rough estimate of the clearing needed (assuming an average of 80-foot-tall trees) to make photovoltaic suitable but fails to take into account topography due to a lack of data. More information is needed to properly assess the solar potential.Another option is placing panels in the larger clearing of the ceremonial grounds or the Sucker Brook Flood Control Area with permission from the DCR.

BIOMASSUsing wood as a renewable energy source would be suitable for the site.

A general estimate is that 1/2 cord of wood can be sustainably harvested from 1 acre of forest per year. After the implementation of the final design there will be about 7.6 acres of white-pine-dominated forest that are easily accessible, outside of wetland buffers, and not on slopes >15%. That would be about 3.8 cords of white pine a year which is equivalent to about 10 tons. The National Association of Conservation Districts (http://www.nacdnet.org) estimates 1 ton of dry wood = 1 MWH (megawatt hour) which would total about 10,000 KWH per year. (White pine is not an ideal wood for stoves or fireplaces, due to creosote build-up in chimneys and stove-pipes.)

MICRO-HYDROThe intermittent stream on the project area does not appear suitable for micro-hydro.

Using information from StreamStats (http://streamstats.usgs.gov/massachusetts.html), the intermittent stream is estimated to have a low yearly flow rate of 3.1 GPM (gallons per minute) and a head (number of feet the water drops in elevation) of 40 feet over a length of 740 feet. RockyHydros micro-hydro calculator (www.rockyhydro.com/Free_Micro-Hydro_Calculator.php) estimates that a micro-hydro system here would only produce 108 KWH (kilowatt hours) in a year and according to U.S. Energy Information Administration the average residential utility customer uses 11,280 kWh per year.

GEOTHERMALGeothermal may be suitable for the property but has a higher initial investment than conventional heating/cooling systems and requires constant energy input for pumping.

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences (http://www.wbdg.org/resources/geothermalheatpumps.php), “Geothermal heat pumps use 25% to 50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.” Though there is some data about soils, more information is needed about depth to bedrock and the height of the water table to determine if geothermal is suitable.

Large commercial buildings and schools often use vertical systems because the land area required for horizontal loops would be prohibitive. Vertical loops are also used where the soil is too shallow for trenching, and they minimize the disturbance to existing landscaping. For a vertical system, holes (approximately four inches in diameter) are drilled about 20 feet apart and 100 to 400 feet deep. Into these holes go two pipes that are connected at the bottom with a U-bend to form a loop. The vertical loops are connected with horizontal pipe (i.e., manifold), placed in trenches, and connected to the heat pump in the building. (http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/geothermal-heat-pumps)

Wind speeds at 30m. The proximity of wetland and property boundary prevent the optimal amount of clearing for photovoltaic.

After the implementation of the final design there are about 7.6 forested acres (outlined above) easily accessible, outside wetland buffers, and not on slopes >15%, that can be sustainably harvested.

The intermittent stream on the property is not substantial enough to make micro-hydro suitable.

The intermittent stream drops 40’ in elevation over a length of 740’.

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

GREEN TECHNOLOGYThe greywater from the buildings is filtered by an interior aerated lagoon before reaching a holding tank which flushes the water out once full either to a leach field (north of the resident building) or the central pond water feature (see image to right). The water that overflows from the pond enters a long planted rain garden bisected by a curving path of larger rocks that mimic the movement of water even when the pond is not overflowing. The long rain garden is bordered by stone curbs with breaks to allow in runoff from the walking paths and the agricultural area. Visitors can cross the rain garden on a metal grate and have a view of its length, from where the pond overflows to where the long rain garden lets out into a circular more heavily planted rain garden where the remaining water is absorbed into the earth.

Interior aerated lagoon and holding tank

Central pond water feature

Circular rain garden

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICESothEr praCtiCEs that Can BE implEmEntEd to hElp CrEatE a sustainaBlE dEsign that is adaptaBlE to FuturE gloBal ChangE.

grEEn rooF• Moderates temperature extremes.• Provides habitat for flora and fauna.• Cools by transpiration.• Provides protection for roofing material.

Composting toilEt• Reduces water use (by 20-50%).• Produces fertilizer.• Allows for a smaller leach field.• Does not rely on heavy machinery for pumping.• Is a simple technology.

passivE solar• Creates comfortable well-lit building that needs

less energy and money to maintain.

insulation & airtight ConstruCtion• Reduces energy consumption.

shadE• Keeps the building from overheating. Most

important on the western side of the building when average temperatures are greater than 70º (May-September).

loCal and natural matErials• Maintains healthier indoor air. • Minimizes transportation and manufacturing. • Provides greater energy independence

solar poWErEd WEll pump• Is not at the mercy of the grid.• Does not rely on fuel.• Provides greater water security.

solar hot WatEr• Is a simple technology.• Does not rely on fuel.

Shade

Passive solar

Long rain garden with walking paths on either side.

Composting toilet

ALTERNATIVE GREYWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Long planted rain garden with metal grate in plan view.

Long rain garden

Metal grate

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

PRECEDENTS: A LIVING BUILDINGOMEGA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVINGA profile created by the American Institute of Architectshttp://www2.aiatopten.org/hpb/overview.cfm?ProjectID=1691

ovErviEW“The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is a purposeful building and site, designed to clean water, return the clean water to the local systems, and educate users about the process. The decisions to use engineered biological wastewater treatment system technologies, renewable energy, and efficient building strategies are central to the mission of the organization. The decision to embrace those strategies, LEED Platinum certification, and the Living Building Challenge was approached without cost analysis—it was just the right thing to do.”

indoor EnvironmEnt “Daylight, natural ventilation, and views are achieved through a system of operable, fixed, and solar-tracking fenestration. Operable windows are provided in each occupied space for both the health and enjoyment of guests, in addition to being part of the passive heating and cooling strategy for the building. Plants in the engineered biological wastewater treatment system remove carbon dioxide and other gases while producing oxygen—indoors and outdoors.”

WatEr “Water supply is provided directly from the groundwater via wells on campus. Prior to construction, water was drawn from the wells, used for multiple human activities, then piped to a septic/leach field system. The new engineered biological wastewater treatment system now returns a higher quality of water back to the earth using natural systems that see our waste as food. Aerated lagoons, one component of the system, are on display for all to see, carrying gray water through the reclamation process.”

matErials “The OCSL facility is a showcase for salvaged materials and demonstrates how easily any building can take advantage of material reuse.”

From: http://www2.aiatopten.org/hpb/overview.cfm?ProjectID=1691

Biological wastewater treatment system, or a Eco Machine, inside the building. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shjohns2/3766617139/

WATERAnnual water use: 16,476 gal Estimated total water use per capita: 30 visitors/day for 231 days/year

6 visitors/day for 134 days/year2.525 gal/visitor/yr16,476 gal/yr (calculated)

Harvested onsite: 16,476 galRainwater cistern size: 1,800 galCollection strategies: Rain, ground wellSystems fed: Ground well: lavatories, drinking fountain, sinks

Rain: toilets, washdown functionsGreywater: Eco MachineSystems fed: Dispersal field that recharges groundwaterBlackwater: Eco MachineSystems fed: Dispersal field that recharges groundwater

ENERGYAnnual Energy Use: Actual: 37,190 kWh/yr

Simulated/designed: 48,460 kWh/yrEnergy use intensity: 28.3 kWh/sq ftAnnual electricity generated: 38,994 kWh

rhinEBECk, nyBuilding typE(s): Interpretive Center, LaboratoryBuilding sizE: 6,200 ft2 (576 m2)visitors: Typically occupied by 2 people, 20 hours per person per week; and 350 visitors per week, 1 hour per visitor per week total projECt Cost (excluding land): $2,800,000 These diagrams show the “layers of design,” that go into

making a living building. From: http://www2.aiatopten.org/hpb/overview.cfm?ProjectID=1691

AN

NA

FIA

LKO

FF &

NO

AH

ZIM

MER

MA

NTH

E C

ON

WA

Y SC

HOO

LG

RAD

UATE

PRO

GRA

M IN

SUS

TAIN

ABL

E LA

ND

SCA

PE P

LAN

NIN

G &

DES

IGN

Sprin

g 20

13


NIP

MUC

CO

MM

UNITY

& E

DUC

ATIO

N C

ENTE

R SU

ITABI

LITY

STU

DY

& M

AST

ER P

LAN

W

est B

rook

field

, MA

N

PRECEDENTS: AGROFORESTRY & EDIBLE FOREST GARDENS

COMMUNITY AND EDIBLE FOREST GARDEN URBAN AGRICULTURE AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK, providEnCE, riFrom: http://www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/urban_ag.html

“The Roger Williams Park Community Garden is a hub for on-site training on sustainable practices and gardening education. It features 12 teaching plots where...Master Gardeners (MGs) demonstrate a number of sustainable and organic gardening methods, including succession planting, Three Sisters, square foot and vertical gardening for small spaces. The garden also features a pollinator garden composed of native plants propagated through the Rhody Native Initiative, and 4 Children's Garden plots tended by URI Master Gardeners and utilized in youth programming.

“The Edible Forest Garden at Roger Williams Park demonstrates ecological urban landscape management and produces market-viable fruits, nuts, fuel, fiber and vegetables. The edible forest garden will grow to be a diverse, highly productive addition to the forested landscape in Roger Williams Park, and will meet the needs of humans and wildlife.”

Latin Name Common Name TypeMature Height

Mature Width Nativity

Edible Value Medicinal Value

Nectary Value

Dynamic Accumulator Coppice N Fixer Light Moisture Have

Total Needed Priority

Actinidia arguta Hardy Kiwifruit 0 -‐ Vine 20'-‐100' 20'-‐100' Asia E S Full Sun 3 0 2Amelanchier canadensis Juneberry / Shadbush 3 -‐ Large shrub 6' 9' RI E F Full to partial sun Mesic 5 0 1

Asimina triloba Pawpaw 2 -‐ Small Tree 20'-‐35' 20'-‐35' ENA E F Full to partial sun 5 0 2Caragana arborescens Siberian Pea Shrub 3 -‐ Large shrub 8-‐20' 12-‐18' ASIA F G Yes Full Sun 1 2 1Castanea dentata American Chestnut 1 -‐ Large Tree 75-‐100'+ 50-‐75' ENA E S G Yes Full to partial sun Mesic 5 0 1Corylus americana American Hazelnut 3 -‐ Large shrub 6-‐12' 6-‐20' RI E S G Full Sun Mesic 7 0 1Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry 7 -‐ Groundcover 4-‐12" indef RI E F G Yes Full sun Xeric, Mesic 20 0 2

Helianthus tuberosus Jerusalem artichoke 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 6' indef ENA E S S Full sun Mesic 3 0 2Pycnanthemum muticum Clustered Mountain Mint 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 2-‐3' indef RI 20 0 2Sambucus canadensis Common Elderberry 3 -‐ Large shrub 6-‐12' 6-‐12' ENA G E S Full sun to part shade 6 0 2

Solidago odara Sweet Goldenrod 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 2-‐4' 2-‐4' ENA G E S Full to partial sun 20 0 2Viburnum trilobum Cranberry Viburnum 3 -‐ Large shrub 8-‐10' 8-‐10' RI 3 0 1

Achillea millefolium Yarrow 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 18-‐36" indef EURA E S Yes Full to partial sun Xeric, Mesic 0 3Allium canadense Wild Garlic 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 6-‐24" 12" RI G S G Full to partial sun Mesic 0 3Apios americana Ground nut 0 -‐ Vine 4'-‐8' indef WNA E F G Yes Full sun Xeric, Hydric 0 3

Asparagus oficinalis Asparagus 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 3-‐5' 18-‐36" EURA E G G Full sun Mesic 0 3Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 3-‐4' 3-‐6' RI E E G Yes Full to partial sun Mesic 0 3Diospyros virginiana American persimmon 1 -‐ Large Tree 50'-‐75' 35'-‐50' ENA E G G Yes Full Sun Xeric, Mesic 0 3 3

Gaultheria procumbens Wintergreen 7 -‐ Groundcover 2-‐6" indef RI E F Yes Part to full shade 0 3Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich fern 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 2-‐6' indef RI E None Part to full shade 0 3Polygonatum pubescens Hairy Solomon's seal 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 1-‐3' 2'+ RI F F G Full sun 0 3

Rheum spp. Rhubarb 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 3-‐5' 3-‐5' ASIA E E Full sun Xeric, Mesic 2 3Stachys affinis Chinese artichoke 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 1-‐2' indef ASIA E F Full sun 0 3Stellaria media Chickweed 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 6-‐12" 1-‐2' EURA E E G Yes Full to partial sun Mesic 0 3

Symphytum officinale Boneset 5 -‐ Tall herbaceous 3-‐5' 3-‐5' EURA E G Yes Full to partial sun 0 3Urtica dioica Stinging nettle 6 -‐ Small herbaceous 1-‐5' indef RI E E Yes Full to partial sun 0 3

Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry 3 -‐ Large shrub 6-‐12' 6-‐12' RI E E Full Sun Mesic 0 3

EDIBILITY/ MEDICINAL E=EXCELLENT G=GOOD F=FAIR P=POOR N=NONE Y=YES S=SUPER FOOD

FUNCTION: G=GENERALIST S=SPECIALIST Y=YES N=NO

KEY:

NA=NOT AVAILABLE

Roger Williams Park Edible Forest Garden Plant List_last updated August 22, 2012_short list

2012

2013

From: http://www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/urban_ag.html

First phase: Predominantly native understory thrives while canopy layer grows up in the Urban and Edible Forest Garden at Roger Williams Park.

Second phase: American chestnut, American persimmon, and pawpaw canopy layer thrives.

undErstanding thE historiCal diEtThe early seventeenth century northeast Native American diet was diverse and shifted seasonally. A variety of land management strategies helped create an edible landscape, from planting agricultural crops to burning for wild fruit and nut trees, which also created good conditions for hunting.

Note: The hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) is the only plant on this list that should be strongly considered to be excluded from the Nipmuc Community and Education Center’s edible forest garden. It has been observed to be aggressive on a number of sites in Massachusetts, including a Trustees of Reservations site in Stockbridge.

Documents

Nipmuc Community and Education Center