This document aims to address the topics involved in the creation and management of meadows as well as provide informational supplementary sources. In this case, we are examining the potential of meadows to be used as alternatives to open grass spaces that require frequent mowing. These mowed open spaces are maintained as a buffers that […]
Case type: Project Story
Ecology of Riparian Ecosystems
In the urban landscape, ecosystems are being fragmented into smaller and smaller pieces that lack the connectivity and resources to function properly. Riparian zones are ecosystems that act as an ecotone, or interface, between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. A properly functioning riparian ecosystem provides a multitude of ecosystem services that help keep the surrounding area […]
The Farming Industry: Profitable Models
The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability is seeking food hub-based solutions that connect small and mid-sized farmers in Howard County with restaurants and retailers to expand the market for locally produced agricultural products. Under the supervision of instructor Philip Gottwals, the University of Maryland’s PALS-affiliated AREC 489N team studied successes and failures of organizations […]
Owen Brown Village Center
Students in the Master of Architecture program worked with representatives from the Howard County Department of Planning, the Columbia Association, and the Owen Brown Village board to come up with redevelopment schemes for Owen Brown Village Center. The semester began with the production of a series of base maps, which analyzed demographics, issues hydrology and […]
Elkhorn Channelside Columbia, Maryland, A Mixed-Use Sustainable Village Center
This feasibility report is submitted for completion of the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) degree program in the Capstone course, RDEV 688I, Spring 2016 at the Colvin Institute, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, University of Maryland College Park. MRED candidate Kevin A. Fitzgerald, RA authored this report under the mentorship of Tim Pula, […]
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Elkhorn Crossing, Columbia, MD
The general context analysis of Owen Brown Village Center will analyze the current arrangement and ownership of the buildings on the site, as well as traffic and pedestrian uses around the site. This analysis will also make general suggestions for how to increase the value of the property for the developer. A site tour of […]
Messaging Sustainability for Environmental Health
The Montgomery County Department of Parks has asked our team of Environmental Science and Policy majors at the University of Maryland, to assist in developing creative ways to effectively message sustainability as a way to protect the health of County citizens. This paper highlights suggestions for ways to effectively do so. It focuses on the […]
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Greywater Implementation in Montgomery County
The Montgomery County Parks Department needs to adopt an alternative water source to secure the future of their water supply at their Damascus and Cabin John facilities. A greywater system is a viable option. Greywater is a sustainable, innovative water source collected from sinks and ice shavings for reuse options, conserving water, and reducing energy. […]
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Creating Connections Between Environmental and Human Health and Messaging a Call to Pro-Environmental Action
The Montgomery County Department of Parks, and other environmentally-oriented organizations, have historically had a difficult time communicating the importance of environmental issues to the general public. A major reason is that much of this communication has promoted environmental protection for the intrinsic sake of the environment, and not for human well-being. As a result, people […]
Upper Marlboro Community Center Trail Implementation Plan
The Upper Marlboro Community Center offers a wide range of services for the surrounding community, but is currently totally isolated from the multimodal network. No dedicated bike or pedestrian routes connects it to surrounding communities. Despite the lack of pedestrian infrastructure, community members still walk to and from the Community Center, along the edge of […]
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