Planning for Site Restoration at the John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center
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Project Description
The goal of this planning project is to refine the strategic vision and conceptual site design for the ELC through a partnership with local and state agencies and educational institutions. The project will serve to bring together key stakeholders interested in restoration and education activities in the Newell Creek watershed. Successful project completion will enable the college to move forward with its plan to redevelop the ELC site into a regional outdoor laboratory and demonstration site that showcases innovations in stormwater managment, landscape design, and sustainable living practices.
Project Map
County: Clackamas County, OR
Project Size:
- 5.0 acres
Project Sites
- Clackamas Community College's John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center
Goals and Targets
Primary Motivations:
-
Public Benefit
The ELC is designed to be a community resource and is therefore open to anyone who wants to utilize the site. Ultimately, the development of a regional outdoor laboratory and demonstration site will allow the college and partner organizations to expand education opportunities to diverse audiences. -
Mitigation
This project will improve the overall health of the Newell Creek watershed. Non-point source pollution from stormwater runoff and the spread of non-native invasive plants are two critical threats to the watershed. This project will allow for the design on an innovative stormwater management facility to improve water quality in Newell Creek. It also will facilitate removal of invasive plants on the ELC site, reducing the threat of spread into Newell Canyon.
Primary Goals:
-
Development of a conceptual site design that aligns with design goals and objectives
Progress: Completed -
Development of a strategic vision that outlines a plan for the long term viability of the ELC site and its programs.
Progress: Completed -
Development of a new consortium of community partners dedicated to working together for the long term benefit of the Newell Creek watershed.
Progress: Completed
Targeted Habitats:
- Aquatic
- Lakes and Ponds
- Rivers and Streams
- Wetlands and Riparian Habitats
- Forested or Shrub Wetlands and Swamps
Targeted Species:
No targeted species were identified for this project.
Conservation Actions
| Action | Status | Start Year | End Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other - Aquatic and riparian restoration and management | Completed | 2011 | 2012 |
Planning phase of project |
|||
| Improve the function of an existing wetland | Proposed | 2011 | 2012 |
| Plant native trees and/or shrubs, herbs, forbs, grasses | Proposed | 2011 | 2012 |
| Control invasive plants | Ongoing Management | 2012 | 2012 |
| Education | In Progress | 2012 | 2012 |
Outcomes
Is the success of this project's actions being monitored? YesMonitoring Activities
Success of this project was measured by the completion of a conceptual site plan that was aligned with design goals and objectives. Evaluation techniques were applied throughout the project lifespan to allow for adaptive managment. At the front-end, the design team, as well as members of the ELC steering committee evaluated key features of the existing conceptual site plan in light of changed conditions, goals and priorities. The information obtained shaped the development of design goals under the major categories of "water management", "facility functions", "habitat/landscape", "circulation", and "education". The design goals guided ELC site plan revisions and served as the basis for summative evaluation of project success. It is important to note that the true test of whether or not design goals have been met will not occur until the site is restored and summative evaluation data can be collected.