Applied Science, Faculty of
Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of
DSpace
Trout Lake design proposal
UBCV
Legere, Taylor
This project considers how opportunities for citizen science could be designed in urban parks to inform the design and monitoring of bird habitat restoration sites. Landscape architects are well positioned to design interventions for citizen scientists and birders to collect data in more consistent ways by aligning site programming with existing citizen science projects. This project is focused on applications of citizen science at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) in Vancouver, but lessons learned could be applied more broadly to inform future bird habitat restoration, public education, and landscape monitoring approaches in urban areas.
April 2025Prepared by Taylor LegereSupervised by Duncan Chambers TROUT LAKE DESIGN PROPOSALThe early bird meets the citizen scientistii | FRONT MATTERCONTENTSFront Matter iiAbstract ivAcknowledgments viPart 1 Research 3Introduction 4Literature Review 8Precedent Studies 14Site Matters 26Program 44Part 2 Design 47Design Process 48Design Proposal 56Conclusion 84Bibliography 86iv | FRONT MATTERABSTRACT This project considers how opportunities for citizen science could be designed in urban parks to inform the design and monitoring of bird habitat restoration sites. Landscape architects are well positioned to design interventions for citizen scientists and birders to collect data in more consistent ways by aligning site programming with existing citizen science projects. This project is focused on applications of citizen science at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) in Vancouver, but lessons learned could be applied more broadly to inform future bird habitat restoration, public education, and landscape monitoring approaches in urban areas.___Submitted in partial fulfillment for the Master of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia.vi | FRONT MATTERThis project would not have been possible without an incredible group of people to mentor and support me through the process. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute to my learning: Duncan Chambers for going above and beyond as a supervisor for this project, and for encouraging me to think about designing for birds in my first year of the MLA program. All of my professors at SALA for their mentorship - but especially Daniel Roehr for his dedication to his students and multi-sensory design, Patrick Mooney for his research on planting design and birds, Nicky Bloom for her attention to detail and learning landscapes, Benji Eisenburg for increasing my ecological literacy, and Michelle Gagnon-Creeley for helping me be a better neighbour. Chris McBride, Celia Winters, and Tory Michak for taking the time to talk about Trout Lake and encouraging me to think about this design proposal in new ways. Katie McPartlin, Caleb Spyksma, and many volunteers at Nature Vancouver for going birding with me and sharing their knowledge on bird identification. Viet Nu Nguyen for their kind offer to help me find plant assets for my drawings. Keegan Sabine for moving across the country with me and suggesting landscape architecture as a possible career direction. Brittney Legere for endless phone calls and reminding me to pause to think about the bigger picture. There are many more family members, friends, classmates and coworkers who have encouraged me throughout this degree - thank you for keeping me sane. And of course, thanks to the birds. ACKNOWLEDGMENTSINTRODUCTION | 32 | INTRODUCTIONPART 1 RESEARCHINTRODUCTION | 54 | INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONThis project investigates how landscape architects can create opportunities for citizen science to inform the design and monitoring of bird habitat restoration projects in Vancouver. Applications such as iNaturalist and eBird are examples of citizen scientist tools that provide valuable information for scientists to understand bird species distribution (Johnston et al., 2021; Wood et al., 2011), migration trajectories (Fuentes et al., 2023) and biodiversity (Geurts et al., 2023). Citizen science platforms, such as eBird, are already acknowledged as a possible landscape performance tool to aid project monitoring (Landscape Architecture Foundation, n.d.). However, there may be more opportunities to actively create design interventions for citizen scientists and birders to collect data in more consistent ways. This could result in more informed design decisions to improve habitats for birds and other wildlife, increased availability of data to inform future design projects, and the creation of more opportunities for people to connect with each other, and with wild nature. CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MONITORINGSince landscape architecture projects don’t always include budgets for long-term monitoring (Somers, 2023) our understanding of how urban landscapes are performing towards achieving biodiversity goals can be limited. This is a concern as monitoring is an important part of the design process and can also inform how we approach future projects striving to increase biodiversity (Landscape Architecture Foundation, 2024). Incorporating opportunities for collecting citizen science data in landscape designs could help address this monitoring gap by generating a greater quantity and quality of observations. IMPROVING BIRD HABITATOver the last 50 years, characteristic bird species have declined by 35% on the Pacific Coast (City of Vancouver, 2020, pg. 13). In response to this decline the City has defined a series of objectives, including the Vancouver Bird Strategy’s recommendation to “Increase awareness through the continuation and expansion of events celebrating birds in Vancouver and across the region and the country” (City of CITIZEN SCIENCE “Collaboration between someone who is conducting scientific research and the general public” (Nature Vancouver, n.d.) Vancouver, 2020, pg.25). The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation also outlines several goals around bird habitat in their action plan, VanPlay, such as enhancing, “...habitat value for pollinators, insects, and birds by improving the soil nutrients and surrounding ecologies with horticultural methods and species selection” (2020, pg.46). Given the constraints to develop new parks in Vancouver, linked to the competing need to maximize housing developments, it is critical to improve bird habitat in existing parks (City of Vancouver, 2015, pg.9). John Hendry Park, better known as Trout Lake, is an existing bird hotspot in Vancouver where there is opportunity to further engage with citizen science as a design and community engagement tool to help meet the City of Vancouver’s goals in this area. TROUT LAKE Opportunities to leverage citizen science as a design tool to understand and improve bird habitat will be applied through a focus on Trout Lake in East Vancouver. Trout Lake is already an important habitat for many species of birds, including barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and great blue herons (Ardea herodias) which are considered species at risk (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, pg. 19, 50). There is also an active group of park users that are already engaged in citizen science, with 580 eBird users that have identified almost 180 species of birds in the park since 2008 (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2024a). However, the presence of citizen science taking place at Trout Lake is still lower than more established birding hotspots in Vancouver such as Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Pacific Spirit Park. This project will also address some of the limitations of Trout Lake as a bird habitat outlined in the Trout Lake Renewal Plan, including planting additional woodland space to replace some lawn areas, enhancing vegetation edges along lake, and increasing pollinator plantings (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, pg. 50). A floating ecosystem was also added to the lake in 2022 to improve habitat for both fish and birds in the park (City of Vancouver, 2022). Design interventions that build on these intentions to increase tree density and improve water quality will be another key component of this design proposal. 6 | INTRODUCTIONTHESIS/METHODSDesign interventions that are informed by, and encourage, citizen science are considered for Trout Lake to create more opportunities for engagement with the birds that inhabit this space, and to complement interventions to improve bird habitat. An initial analysis of how citizen science platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist are already being used at Trout Lake acts as a starting point for this research. A historical analysis of the practice of citizen science and of the site also informs the design. Monthly site visits (at minimum) from September to April, and personal knowledge of the park as a resident of East Vancouver, also informs this process. Finally, this project aspires to go beyond conventional approaches to citizen science as an individual centered practice to consider collective approaches to learning about and identifying birds.Literature review | 98 | Literature reviewLITERATURE REVIEWINTRODUCTION This literature review identifies how citizen science typologies can be used by landscape architects to inform the design and monitoring of bird habitat restoration projects. There are different typologies of citizen science including action, conservation, investigation, virtual, and education (Wiggins & Crowston, 2011). Each typology has varying levels of commitment for participants, engagement styles, and data outputs. This review outlines opportunities and constraints of two common typologies applied to understanding birds - investigation and education. Landscape architects should consider how approaches to citizen science are already being used and how landscape design can support future projects of this nature. Using data from citizen science projects could result in more informed design decisions to improve habitats for birds and other wildlife. TYPOLOGY 1: INVESTIGATION/ CONTRIBUTORY CITIZEN SCIENCE According to Wiggins and Crowson (2011) investigation citizen science projects support “scientific research goals requiring data collection from the physical environment” and often cover a large geographic area. Similarly, Fraisl et al. (2022) define contributory citizen science is “designed by professional scientists and involving primarily non-credentialed participants contributing to data collection”. Investigation and contributory projects are very prominent in birding research and include platforms such as eBird. The online platform, eBird, allows participants to track bird quantities, behaviours, and habitats within a specified scientific framework designed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, n.d.). The Cornell Lab also offers a complimentary app called Merlin which aids participants in identifying birds with sound data and step by step instructions. The data collected by eBird is one of many datasets being integrated into Bird Canada’s Nature Counts initiative, where participants can also upload their data directly or view synthesized findings on biodiversity based on 248 million data records (Birds Canada, n.d.). This data is then used to identify species of birds that are in decline. This can help landscape architects to prioritize designing habitats for at risk bird species. Having a baseline of which species are present on a site over time can inform decisions on site programming, layout, and planting to ensure these species continue to be supported. The main benefit of this approach is accessibility to participants and researchers. Access to smartphones allows a wide range of people to collect location specific data on birds and other organisms. An example is the iNaturalist app which allows participants to upload photos and get input on identifying a variety of species. Shaw and colleagues (2017) note that benefits for researchers include the affordability of data collection as information is collected by unpaid volunteers, and the allowance for a wider spatial range of data across longer time frames since there is a large network of people collecting data. Access to long-term data sets on species present at a site can also aid landscape monitoring efforts, as the Landscape Architecture Foundation indicates measuring increases in species richness and abundance as key biodiversity indicators for landscape performance (Canfield et al., 2018).However, there are challenges to ensuring the validity and quality of collected data. Shaw et al. raise concerns that participant skill set gaps could lead to inconsistent protocol application and data loss, inconsistent technical tool use, identification errors, and observation bias. To remedy these potential errors, Fraisl et al. (2022) propose researchers provide participants with training opportunities throughout the process, have experts validate the data, and structure research processes to collect data for specific areas and times. The Merlin Bird ID App is one example of an online tool that aims to improve the quality of citizen science data collection for birders. The app prompts users to identify the date, location, size, main colours, and activity of the bird they are viewing. A visual list of birds that could in the user’s area at that specific time of year is then generated to aid identification. The app also includes a feature to identify birds with sound recordings that is helpful for birds that can be heard but not seen (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2024b).Literature review | 1110 | Literature reviewThere may also be design opportunities to help citizen scientists and birders to collect data in more consistent ways. Examples could include adding frames or bird blinds with prompts to take pictures or observations from consistent viewpoints on a site. Another critique of this typology of citizen science is that participants often collect data for scientific projects individually. Bhawra (2022) notes that projects may miss opportunities for more community driven approaches to research design and data collection. Education focused citizen science approaches may help bridge this gap. TYPOLOGY 2: EDUCATION CITIZEN SCIENCE Wiggins and Crowston (2011) describe education citizen science projects as location specific with a key focus on formal and informal learning opportunities, which often include outreach components. In this case, research contributions are a secondary priority over participant learning. This approach is possibly less widespread in citizen science projects related to birding compared to investigative approaches. Although there is some overlap in priorities as educational elements and research contributions are components of both. One example of this typology is the DUCKS Unlimited Wetland Centres of Excellence, where students are invited to lead wetland projects and community outreach initiatives as a mechanism to learn more about biodiversity. Participants of one DUCKS project at Muddy Boots Outdoor Learning Center in New Brunswick participated in nest-box workshops and plant surveys to learn more about waterfowl (Ducks Unlimited, n.d.). Another example is an education project called, “Keep Cats Safe and Save Birds Lives”, in which NatureKids BC ran an experiment with youth citizen scientists to identify different ways to deter outdoor cats from killing birds (Pedersen, 2008). Education citizen science projects offer opportunities for participants to connect with nature, and each other, and offers unique programing opportunities for landscape architects to incorporate into their designs. With this approach there may also be more participatory design and agency from participants since the primary goal is not to follow as strict of a research methodology. Multiple researchers found that for participants who are collecting data, benefits can include educational opportunities to increase scientific/ecological literacy and awareness of local issues (Fraisl et al., 2022; Hansen & Macedo, 2021; Shaw et al., 2017). Shaw et al (2017) and Fraisl et al (2022) also find that motivations to participate could include feelings of civic duty, general interest and enjoyment, alignment with values or worldviews, and the chance to be an agent of change for their community. Hansen and Mecedo (2021) find that participating in citizen science projects can also shift understandings of, and actions towards, our environments, which could encourage more environmental stewardship. This typology may be more likely to fit Shaw et. al’s (2017) idea of democratic landscape research, which integrates stakeholder perspectives throughout the research process and communicates the findings from this research clearly back to stakeholders. Educational typologies of citizen science may also push researchers to pursue options that engage participants beyond just data collection, which Shaw et al. (2017) finds is often all that is in scope for investigation projects. Examples of how this type of citizen science could be incorporated into landscape design could include adding workshop spaces or gathering spaces to facilitate teaching, educational signage, and circulation that allows for community maintenance and observations. The primary challenges with this approach are funding, and the applicability of data. For example, Wiggins and Crowston (2011) suggest a focus on more tailored place-based curricula for citizen science projects may limit the applicability of the findings to larger scale research projects. They also note that having more specialized programing may also be more expensive to implement, compared to projects such as eBird that allow users to participate just by downloading a free app. Challenges around funding may prevent projects from being carried out long-term, which could diminish the understanding of landscape changes over time. Some of these barriers could be overcome by connecting programming to existing initiatives run by well-established organizations and networks, such as DUCKS Unlimited, or Nature Vancouver. Nature Vancouver already offers several educational programs at parks across Vancouver, and designing dedicated spaces to support this programming could be a more sustainable option than starting from scratch. Literature review | 1312 | Literature reviewCONCLUSION Both investigation and education typologies of citizen science can be leveraged at different points of the landscape design process. Data from investigation projects can be used to inform site analysis to generate more ecologically informed designs. The data can also allow for monitoring of habitat enhancement projects over long periods of time and capture seasonal variation in bird populations that would otherwise be cost prohibitive. Design interventions that encourage park visitors to participate in investigation and education typologies can also activate public spaces and encourage environmental education and stewardship. This graduate project aims to utilize both approaches to citizen science throughout the design process and explore opportunities to engage more park users in birding and citizen science. One key theme across the articles reviewed was the need to think critically about the balance of power between researchers and participants of citizen science, and to seek opportunities to empower and give agency to participants in the process. I hope to build on this work by designing an intervention that could facilitate community driven data collection that benefits those collecting data, wildlife being observed, and landscape architects. Additionally, while accessibility of smartphones has enabled increased access to digital citizen science projects, there are still many people that may be excluded if this is the only opportunity for participation. Future designs could consider opportunities to participate that are not reliant on having a phone in addition to technology driven data collection. Finally, much of the research on citizen science approaches is not centered on landscape architecture research, but rather adjacent fields such as ecology and environmental studies. This project may help bridge this gap by demonstrating the applicability of citizen science approaches in landscape design. Precedent StudieS | 1514 | Precedent StudieSPRECEDENT STUDIESINTRODUCTION AND APPROACHThere are many design approaches for outdoor education and birdwatching that offer lessons learned to apply to designing for citizen scientists. The precedents outlined relate to the anticipated programing for this project, including: (1) Outdoor education and engagement to learn about birds; (2) Collection of bird and plant data by citizen scientists; (3) Enhancing bird habitat. Therefore, evaluation and takeaways from these precedents focus on the success of the projects related to education and citizen science programing – although there may also be lessons learned from spatial and planting design.In particular, the Children’s Discovery Garden within the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an excellent example of interactive environmental education on plants and bird habitat. Coastie Coastal Monitoring is a helpful example of both local and global citizen science projects that aid understanding of coastal landscape changes. The Bent of the River Audubon Center features an innovative bird blind design that is responsive to the needs of local birds and landscape conditions. Elements from these precedents may inform how educational citizen science programing could take shape at Trout Lake.Brooklyn Botanic Garden Discovery GardenCoastie Coastal Monitoring InitiativeBent of the River Audubon Center Bird BlindPrecedent StudieS | 1716 | Precedent StudieSPRECEDENT 1: BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN – DISCOVERY GARDENTRADITIONAL TERRITORIES Canarsie, Munsee LenapeLOCATION Brooklyn, New YorkYEAR2015DESIGNERMichael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc.KEY WORDSOutdoor Education; PlayFIGURE 1.1Tree fruit identification game DESCRIPTION The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910, and is an urban garden that features “education programs that emphasize learning by doing” (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2013, 2020). The garden has approximately 800,000 visitors annually, including over 250,000 children (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2018). One acre of the Botanic Garden is dedicated to the Children’s Discovery Garden, which was redesigned by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc. to take up a larger portion of the Botanic Garden in 2015 (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2018). In addition to providing experiences in numerous ecosystem types, the Discovery Garden also emphasizes hands-on science experiences in the courtyard (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2018), such as interactive games to learn about tree identification (see Figure 1.1) (Art Guild, 2024). Another interactive element teaches kids how to make birds’ nests with sticks through play in a life size birds nest (Anderson, 2015). EVALUATIONIn keeping with the theme of discovery for the garden, the designers prioritize child scale paths that curve through a variety of native ecosystems to encourage visitors to explore (Anderson, 2015). The inclusion of loose parts and interactive elements in the garden that children can manipulate is one of the key strengths of this garden, as these types of features encourage more play and development opportunities (Herrington et al., n.d.). While the interactive programming of the Discovery Garden is designed for ages 1-12 (NYC-ARTS, 2015), it would be interesting to expand the interactive elements to other areas of the garden to facilitate additional learning opportunities for adults as well. The educational programming on plant and bird interactions could also be expanded beyond the bird nest building activity to also teach about which plants birds depend on for food sources throughout the year.There is already some citizen science taking place in the Botanical Gardens but this could likely be expanded. Since January 2024 there have been 146 different bird species recorded by 231 observers on eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2024d). There have also been 82 different bird species recorded by 108 observers on iNaturalist over the same period (iNaturalist, 2024b). This number of observers is minuscule compared to the hundreds of thousands of people visiting the garden each year. Interactive programing that encourages participation in citizen science projects could help measure the environmental impact of the garden and suggest priority areas for future garden enhancement projects.Precedent StudieS | 1918 | Precedent StudieSTAKEAWAYSGiven the relatively similar scale of Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (52 acres) to John Hendry Park (67.5 acres) the scale of the Discovery Garden may be a good model for education centered play additions to Trout Lake. Additionally, both parks may serve similar niches as key naturalized areas of urban neighbourhoods. However, the Botanical Gardens has greater ecological connectivity given it is adjacent to Prospect Park. Since the Botanical Gardens is a paid experience, it also has access to greater funding and maintenance resources. As such, a realistic plan for creating interactive play components at Trout Lake will need to be adapted for lower maintenance. Play elements that encourage hands on learning and exploration of different ecosystems and habitats at scales for both children and adults is the key element from this project to be incorporated into future designs for Trout Lake.PRECEDENT 2: COASTIE COASTAL MONITORING INITIATIVE LOCATION Canada/GlobalYEAR 2021PROJECT PARTNERSParks Canada, University of Windsor KEY WORDS Community engagement; Citizen ScienceDESCRIPTIONThe Coastie initiative is a citizen science project to monitor changing shorelines in Canada (Parks Canada Agency, 2023; University of Windsor Coastal Research Group, 2021). There are 30 Coastie monitoring stations at 10 parks across Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario (Parks Canada Agency, 2023). Each monitoring station includes a phone holder framing an area of interest along the coast, as well as a sign instructing how to record observations and upload photos to contribute to the project (see Figure 2.1). Researchers at the University of Windsor then add the photos to their database to help them understand how coastlines in Canada are shifting in response to climate change, erosion, storms, and beach use (Parks Canada Agency, 2023). FIGURE 2.1: Parks Canada Coastie sign explaining how to participate in coastal monitoring projectPrecedent StudieS | 2120 | Precedent StudieSThis research project is part of a larger global initiative started in Sydney, Australia in 2017 called CoastSnap Community Beach Monitoring (Harley & Kinsela, 2022). Data from this project can be downloaded for free to allow researchers and citizens understand coastal changes locally and globally. This data from the Coastie Project and other CoastSnap projects around the globe can be used to make more informed decisions for coastline restoration and land use projects. EVALUATIONThe key strength of this project is its ability to be scaled to different geographic areas to provide both local, regional, and global understanding of how coastlines are changing. As a citizen science project, it clearly articulates to participants how the data they submit is contributing to scientific research, and data is publicly available for citizens to do their own research and learning. The use of a consistent frame with clear instructions for data collection also addresses key concerns about data quality in citizen projects. However, this project is limited (as are all citizen science projects) in that they are reliant on public participation and interest. While data on the quantity of Coastie observations has not yet been studied in Canada, a study of Australian CoastSnap use found that there were 10,590 images taken at 44 stations from 2017 to 2022 (Harley & Kinsela, 2022). This suggests the project has been very well received by the public and provides a robust dataset to researchers. In Canada, data from a Coastie station helped understand the impacts of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island National Park (Davidson-Arnott et al., 2024). Given coastal environments are key bird habitats, understanding how shorelines are shifting may also inform bird habitat restoration projects in the future.TAKEAWAYSWhile the Coastie project isn’t directly focused on bird monitoring, it offers a simple and cost-effective method to collect citizen science data more consistently. This could be applied at Trout Lake by incorporating frames to hold phones in key birding locations to record bird behaviours, bird songs, and ongoing changes to habitat. Given concerns around water quality at Trout Lake, the idea of having consistent locations set-up for observations could also be extended to monitoring water levels and quality – both of which have implications for the birds and other wildlife on site. If interventions like this were to be installed in all bird hotspots in Vancouver it could also aid research on how birds are using urban areas in the city more broadly. Precedent StudieS | 2322 | Precedent StudieSPRECEDENT 3: BENT OF THE RIVER AUDUBON CENTER BIRD BLINDTRADITIONAL TERRITORIESSchaghticoke, Paugussett, Wappinger (Native Land Digital, n.d.)LOCATIONConnecticut, USAYEARAudubon Center (2000), Bird Blind (2011)DESIGNERNorth StudioKEY WORDS Bird Blinds; Weather Protection; Water ToleranceFIGURE 3.1: Constructed Bird BlindDESCRIPTION The Bent of the River Audubon Center is a recognized Important Bird Area, and became a nature center open to the public around 2000. The site has been managed by Audubon, a non-profit organization that focuses on protecting birds, since the land was bequeathed to be used for education programs in 1992 (National Audubon Society, n.d.). Today, ecosystems in the park include forests, grassland, meadows, rivers, and swamps (Gershon, 2011a). Design students from North Studio at Wesleyan University were invited to participate in a design build project to construct a bird blind for the Audubon Center in 2011 (Wesleyan University, 2011). The bird blind is situated at the border of a forest and a meadow, among a collection of sycamore trees (Gershon, 2011a). Given the location of the bird blind in the floodplain, students selected rot-resistant bald cypress wood as the primary material for the project (see Figure 3.1) (Bartels & Shivni, 2017).One of the goals of the design was to facilitate an intergenerational gathering space that would provide seating for both elderly and young visitors to the park, reflective of the main demographics in the surrounding communities (Gershon, 2011a). It was also intended to create opportunities to observe swallows and kingfishers without startling the birds (Gershon, 2011b). To accomplish these goals, built in seating was incorporated with weather protection. The design is also more open than a typical bird blind to allow for wheelchair accessible circulation and gathering space. EVALUATIONIt is unclear if additional monitoring has taken place at the site of the bird blind installation since it was installed in 2011 to understand if it was successful in facilitating better interactions between park visitors and birds. However, pictures of the bird blind on All Trails from 2024 show the bird blind is still intact and has resisted rot as planned. Besides the slightly more weathered appearance of the cyprus, and missing the original roof panel, it looks nearly identical to when it was installed (Chute, 2024).One limitation to this project is the lack of educational signage or activities in proximity to the bird blind. This may limit learning opportunities for new birders that aren’t familiar with these structures. This may be because one condition of the bequeathment of the land was that it be left as “natural” as possible, including restrictions on installing interpretive signs (National Audubon Society, n.d.). While likely well-intended, this condition to the use of the land may give an unrealistic expectation that the Center is “natural” or “wild”, when in fact it has been modified by many different actors over time.There is already some citizen science taking place in the Audubon Center through eBird users and in a limited capacity from iNaturalist. Since January 2024, there have been 142 different bird species recorded by 148 observers (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2024c). There have also been 58 different bird species recorded by 8 observers on iNaturalist over the same period (iNaturalist, 2024a). Precedent StudieS | 2524 | Precedent StudieSTAKEAWAYSThe use of rot-resistant and water tolerant materials for bird blind construction is a key takeaway for this project. Since Trout Lake is a former bog, there are several drainage challenges on site and water levels of the present-day lake fluctuate greatly between seasons. Therefore, any design interventions near the lake edges (where bird activity is high) will need to consider similarly appropriate materials for this condition. Another key takeaway is the use of accessible pathways and offering opportunities for rest to ensure bird blinds are accessible to a wide range of users. There is also the potential to blend the view framing of the bird blind with an initiative like Coastie to encourage users to take observations more consistently. CONCLUSIONEach of the precedents addresses a different approach to encouraging park visitors to interact with their environment in a new way, and at different scales. Coastie encourages users to take notice of large-scale changes to shoreline landscapes locally and globally. The use of consistent view framing for this project also responds to one of the key critiques of citizen science, which is data accuracy. The bird blind at the Bent of the River Audubon Center also uses view framing to direct visitors’ attention and provide opportunities to interact with birds that might otherwise be deterred by human presence. Finally, the Discovery Center takes a hands-on approach to facilitating learning opportunities by inviting people to consider how birds create shelters. Best practices from these projects will inform programing in my graduate project at Trout Lake, including elements such as educational play features and interactive signage. It will also inform the design of site furnishings such as bird blinds around the water’s edge at Trout Lake. Site MatterS | 2726 | Site MatterSSITE MATTERSINTRODUCTION This project will utilize existing citizen science data to inform a new design for bird habitat at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park). The design will also explore opportunities to create more engagement in citizen science projects through landscape design, that could be replicated in other urban parks. Trout Lake is in East Vancouver in the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood (Figure 4.1). It is considered a destination park and welcomes over 750,000 visitors annually for its stunning views of the mountains, fall colours, and freshwater lake (City of Vancouver, 2013). The park also welcomes over 180 different species of birds each year.FIGURE 4.1: Current Metro Vancouver Parks and Historical StreamsHISTORYTrout Lake has a long history before becoming the destination park it is today. Since time immemorial Trout Lake, and the City of Vancouver has been the territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Before colonial interventions, there were trails alongside the area used by the Nations (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024). It was also a site for harvest including berry picking (Maracle, 2010, p. 20). The lake was originally connected to the surrounding watersheds through four creeks (Lesack & Proctor, 2019)(Figure 4.2) and was surrounded by a peat bog - which were key to cultural and harvest areas for the Nations (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022). Historic CreeksFIGURE 4.2: Historic Stream Connections to Trout LakeSite MatterS | 2928 | Site MatterSHISTORY1860 From 1860 to 1880, the lake was used to supply water to Hastings Mill on Burrard Inlet (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024). 1867The lake was temporarily known as Blackie’s Lake from 1867 to 1878 when it was owned by Walter Blackie (Fass, 2009). 1908It was also a popular spot for skating in the winter, with an estimated six weeks of weather cold enough for skating up until around 1929 (City of Vancouver, 2024; Levitan & Miller, 1986).1911Resident Libby Greer Miller recalls their father harvesting Bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliata (Levitan & Miller, 1986). 1913The south of Trout Lake was a popular swimming and picnic spot. Resident George Forbes recalls diving through the peat to access the lake and splashing in the creek. He also recalls people and cows drowning in the lake after getting too close to unstable banks (Levitan & Miller, 1986).1926In 1926, the land was donated to the Parks Board and dedicated as John Hendry Park (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022), although it is still more commonly referred to as Trout Lake. 1932The Park Board conducted a peat-mining operation to generate profits (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024).1951Field house constructed (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024)1995Trout Lake Farmers Market founded (Vancouver Farmers Markets, 2023)2012Trout Lake Community Center opens (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024) (Figure 4.3).2013 Call for proposals for park renewal plans.2022 John Hendry Parks Renewal Plan is launched, proposing a series of interventions FIGURE 4.3: Trout Lake Community Center, Jan 11, 2023Site MatterS | 3130 | Site MatterSPREVIOUS CITIZEN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROJECTS AT TROUT LAKEBIRDINGThe Christmas Bird Count (CBC) has been running in Vancouver since 1900 (National Audubon Society, 2024). Trout Lake is part of the “Area J” zone of the Vancouver CBC and observations have been led by experienced birder and Nature Vancouver member Istvan Orosi in recent years. WATER QUALITY MONITORINGWhile water quality at Trout Lake is monitored by the City of Vancouver in the summer months, volunteers from the charity Swim Drink Fish monitor water at Trout Lake the rest of the year to inform the public on when it is safe to swim (O’Ray, n.d.). Swim Drink Fish was launched in 2001, and data on water quality for Trout Lake has been recorded since 2011 by the organization (Swim Drink Fish, 2024). PLANTINGIn 2017 a medicine wheel garden was planted to celebrate salmon and indigenous food sovereignty (Cedar Cottage Food Network Society, 2019). Educational workshops are held seasonally at the garden by the non-profit organization, Cedar Cottage Food Network (Community Garden Roots, 2024).Since 2019, ongoing enhancement of riparian areas was initiated, including the removal of invasive species, planting native species, and constructing nest boxes by Wildcoast Ecological Society and Echo Ecological (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022).In June 2022, a floating wetland is piloted to increase plant biodiversity and wildlife habitat (City of Vancouver, 2022) (Figures 4.4 and 4.5). FIGURE 4.5: Floating wetland, Oct 20, 2024FIGURE 4.4: Floating wetland and former dock, Jan 14, 2023Site MatterS | 3332 | Site MatterSSOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXTTrout Lake is a site for gathering through all seasons. It is a place for celebration and is home to several festivals including the former Illuminares event, the Parade of Lost Souls, and the Trout Lake Farmers Market. First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples have also been celebrated at the park on National Aboriginal Day on June 21 (Vancouver Heritage Foundation, 2024). Previous events have been organized by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, who hosts a breakfast at the Centre on Hastings before walking over to Trout Lake where there are cultural performances, music, dancing and canoe tours (Belonging Network, 2019).There are also a wide range of activities that take place in the park, including yoga, dance, music performances, weddings, birthday parties, costume races, parades, sports and recreation, educational workshops, and much more. Trout Lake is also a popular spot for birders, welcoming many eBird and iNaturalist users, as well as groups such as Nature Vancouver. The conservation organization, Nature Vancouver, also runs the Christmas Bird Count for Vancouver each year. The Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest running citizen science projects in North America and was initiated in 1900 by ornithologist Frank M. Chapman as an alternative to hunting birds on Christmas day (National Audubon Society, 2024). When I participated in the count on December 14, 2024, 32 different species of birds, and approximately 748 individual birds were observed around Trout Lake over a three hour time frame by seven volunteers (Orosi, 2024). Trout Lake’s existing popularity with individual birders and citizen science groups such as Nature Vancouver make it an ideal pilot site to support these initiatives.Rainy night at the Parade of Lost Souls, November 1, 2024People gather to view the Northern Lights, May 10, 2024Setting up for the annual dog library, September 21, 2024Crowd watches band play outside community center, July 31, 2024Shoppers at Trout Lake Farmers Market, September 28, 2024Vancouver Christmas Bird Count, December 14, 2024Site MatterS | 3534 | Site MatterSECOLOGYThe present-day ecology of Trout Lake has evolved considerably as the surrounding neighbourhood of Cedar Cottage has developed. There are several ecological challenges at Trout Lake, including prevalence of invasive species, poor water quality, and a lack of connectivity to surrounding ecosystems and watersheds. Water connectivity by creeks in the surrounding areas were primarily buried from 1911 to 1917, as sewers were constructed and False Creek Flats was created (Fass, 2009). However, there is also a variety of native plants, and the area is home to many birds and other wildlife throughout the year. ECOSYSTEM AND PLANTING TYPES• Fresh water lake + riparian area• Remnant bog area east of Lake• Floating wetland• Stand-alone trees• Hedgerow + Shrub layerPoor water quality: High E.Coli levelsInvasive species competing with native species Popular with geese : May be challenges to establish new vegetationOff Leash Dogs: May be challenges to establish new vegetation, danger to birdsSite MatterS | 3736 | Site MatterSFIGURE 4.6: Section of South East beach edge conditionVEGETATION There are over 100 species of plants that have been observed at Trout Lake on iNaturalist. Of those records 52 are research grade observations of native plants including red alder, yellow cedar, western red cedar, Douglas fir, rose spirea, red elderberry, and red osier dogwood. 58 species observed are introduced, and invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, yellow flag iris, and common holly are prominent throughout the park (Figure 4.6). Mature weeping willows and willow shrubs are also prominent at the park as the willows thrive in the wet environment along the edges of the lake. Most of the trees on site are stand-alone trees along paths, with a denser concentration of trees along the east side of the lake.Site MatterS | 3938 | Site MatterSWATER Trout Lake was originally connected to the surrounding watershed by four creeks, including China Creek and Canoe Creek (Lesack & Proctor, 2019)(Figure 4.7). Water levels in the lake fluctuate, with the deepest point of the lake at about 2m on the south side and 1m on the north side (Cooper, 2012). At the time of site visits in October 2024, the water levels were higher than usual due to the recent atmospheric river event. However, in the summer months, there has been as much as 200,000 m3 of drinking water pumped into the lake in a year to keep water levels consistent (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, p.26) (Figure 4.8). This is the equivalent of about 80 Olympic sized swimming pools. While some swim in the lake during the summer, it is often discouraged as the E. coli levels are often too high. The water quality is impacted by the lack of connectivity to surrounding water ways and fecal matter from high populations of geese and waterfowl (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, p.26).FIGURE 4.8: Water pump in Trout Lake, October 20, 2024FIGURE 4.7: Historic Streams SOIL Given much of the park is on a former peat bog, there are frequent challenges with trail and recreation field drainage. Soil layers include fibrous peat, granular peat, clayey silt and gray silty sand (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, p.21; Cooper, 2012, p.4) (Figure 4.9). Future trail and planting proposals should take the high moisture of the soil into consideration.FIGURE 4.9: Estimated soil composition of the Southeast edge of Trout Lake (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 2022, p. 21; Cooper, 2012, p. 4)Site MatterS | 4140 | Site MatterSBIRDS Of the 250+ bird species that are regularly observed in Vancouver (City of Vancouver, 2020), 180 have been observed at Trout Lake. This includes 32 species that were reported to have large declines in population in the recent “State of Canada’s Birds Report” released by Birds Canada (Birds Canada & Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2024). Birds with declining populations that have been observed at Trout Lake on eBird: • American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus• American Tree Sparrow, Spizelloides arborea• Band-tailed Pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata• Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia• Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica• Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii• Black Swift, Cypseloides niger• Brewer’s Blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus• Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota• Common Nighthawk, Chordeiles minor• European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris• Evening Grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus• Glaucous Gull, Larus hyperboreus• Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus• Hermit Thrush, Catharus guttatus• Horned Lark, Eremophila alpestris• House Sparrow, Passer domesticus• Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus• Lesser Yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes• Long-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus• Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides• Northern Harrier, Circus hudsonius• Northern Pintail, Anas acuta• Olive-sided Flycatcher, Contopus cooperi• Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos• Pine Siskin, Spinus pinus• Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus• Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis• Short-billed Gull, Larus brachyrhynchus• Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius• Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta• Western Wood-Pewee, Contopus sordidulusSite MatterS | 4342 | Site MatterSProgram | 4544 | ProgramPROGRAMThe programming envisioned for Trout Lake is primarily informed by the Vancouver Bird Strategy, the 2013 John Hendry Park Terms of Reference, and my own observations of the park as a resident of the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood since August 2022.Objectives of the Vancouver Bird Strategy (City of Vancouver, 2020) this project plans to address: • Protect, enhance and create habitats for a diversity of native birds.• Reduce threats to birds in the urban environment.• Improve access to nature for Vancouver residents and visitors to the city.• Increase awareness of the importance of birds and their needs.The 2013 Terms of Reference for redesigning Trout Lake made a few key observations this project may address: • Poor drainage and extensive use of the existing trail system (City of Vancouver, 2013) may align with redesigning the trail network and materiality of trails to direct foot traffic away from sensitive habitat areas and to create view points for watching birds from safe distances. • The extensive trail system in the park is well used year-round and consideration is needed regarding drainage improvements, expansion, and appropriate surfacing. • Water quality concerns at Trout Lake (City of Vancouver, 2013) could potentially be addressed with proposed planting designs and/or better connectivity to surrounding water systems. This may also benefit the birds that are drawn to Trout Lake as one of the few freshwater lakes in the city. • The recommendation to replace playground south of the lake (City of Vancouver, 2013) could be an opportunity to combine play and educational citizen science programing. DESIGN GOALS AND PROGRAMMING INTENTIONS 1 Habitat Enhancement: Improve bird habitat at Trout Lake• Remove invasive species and replace with native water tolerant species.• Increase vertical stratification and replace sections of lawn with more biodiverse planting. • Increase size of vegetated buffer along lake. • Design interventions to monitor and/or improve water quality, benefiting both people and birds swimming in the lake. In particular I’m interested in how the current floating wetland is performing and how it could be expanded. 2 Monitoring: Encourage uptake of citizen science to improve monitoring of design interventions and increase understanding of ecology on site. • Mounted binoculars and sound recording stations. • Using boardwalks and framing views with seating placement to encourage more consistent data collection. • Interactive signage to aid bird and plant ID.3 Education: Increase opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other• Add covered areas near water to allow for bird watching during rainy weather• Interactive games and play based learning to retrofit or replace kids park at south end of lake.• Increase group seating space to accommodate larger groups for educational workshops. Program | 4746 | ProgramPART 2 - DESIGNDESIGN PROCESS | 4948 | DESIGN PROCESSDESIGN PROCESSEarly design work included brainstorming ways that different identifying characteristics of birds could be translated into play features. DESIGN PROCESS | 5150 | DESIGN PROCESSAdditional research and site observations helped me understand the habitat needs of the focus bird families I was interested in designing for and how this information could connect with play. Next, I selected three sites around the lake to test designs for different forms of citizen science observations. Sites were selected based on areas where I observed (1) regular bird activity, (2) structures in need of replacement (i.e. rotting wood, poor drainage), and (3) poor habitat quality. DESIGN PROCESS | 5352 | DESIGN PROCESSSouth playground design iterations and brainstorms. Play feature sketch models. DESIGN PROCESS | 5554 | DESIGN PROCESSEast view point design iterations and brainstorms. West view point design iterations and brainstorms. DESIGN PROPOSAL | 5756 | DESIGN PROPOSALDESIGN PROPOSAL0N 50 100mThe following design is one possibility for how landscape architects could encourage citizen science projects in urban parks through the form of designated observation points. Three key interventions are detailed in this proposal, each of which is connected by the modified circulation loop around the lake: 1. Sing with the Songbirds Playground 2. Hear the Hummingbirds Observation Point3. Watch the Waterfowl Observation and Gathering PointCommon goals across all three areas is to increase the vertical stratification of planting, increase density and variety of shrub and canopy layers, and improve circulation to allow access through all seasons. Finally, all design interventions include a series of observation points, denoted with the blue binocular icons in the following pages. Citizen science observation pointIce RinkCommunity CenterParkingVictoria DriveGarden DriveParkingE 19th AveParkingE 13th AveFloating WetlandsIncreased Canopy Density and Rain GardenIncreased Canopy Density and Rain Garden213DESIGN PROPOSAL | 5958 | DESIGN PROPOSALSING WITH THE SONGBIRDS A lot can be learned through watching bird behaviours. Some birds are more likely to be seen in particular habitats or places in an urban park (such as on a lawn or in a tree), or doing different activities (such as swimming or using a bird feeder). This space is the first stop in the citizen science journey around Trout Lake. Targeted towards families with young children, play experiences such as the cableway and climbing structure mimic flight patterns of songbirds, and the motion of hopping from branch to branch like a chickadee foraging for catkins. Nest play houses encourage children to think about which cavity nesting birds use nest boxes, and which use other nesting types such as cup shaped nests. A child scale observation tower with mounted binoculars overlooks the rain garden and bird feeders as an introduction to observing songbirds. Interpretive signage in this location focuses on introducing the basics of bird ID of families and species likely to use bird feeders at Trout Lake. BIRD FAMILY FOCUSSongbirdsSENSORY FOCUSTactileCITIZEN SCIENCE TYPEEducational; PlayDESIGN PROPOSAL | 6160 | DESIGN PROPOSALRAIN GARDENBIRD FEEDER OBSERVATION POINTWORKSHOP GATHERING POINTNEST PLAYHOUSESBIRDWATCHING TOWER0N5 10mPLANTINGTREESAcR - Red maple, Acer rubrumAR - Red alder, Alnus rubra BP - Paper birch, Betula papyriferaFP - Cascara, Frangula purshiana MF - Pacific crab apple, Malus fuscaPM - Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesiiSB - Weeping willow, Salix babylonicaTP - Western red cedar, Thujia plicataNS - Black tupelo, Nyssa sylvaticaQR - Red oak, Quercus rubraSHRUBSAa - Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifoliaAu - Kinnikinnick, Arcstaphylos uva-ursiCs - Red osier dogwood, Cornus sericeaGs - Salal, Gaultheria shallonRn - Rosa nutkana, Nootka roseRp - Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorusRsa - Red flowering currant, Ribes sanguineumRsp - Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilisSa - Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albusSd - Rose spirea, Spiraea douglasiiVo - Evergreen huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatumVof - Oval-leaf blueberry, Vaccinium ovalifoliumFERNSpm - Western sword fern, Polystichum munitumGAZEBOSOAR LIKE A SONGBIRD CABLEWAYHOP LIKE A CHICKADEE CLIMBING STRUCTURESDESIGN PROPOSAL | 6362 | DESIGN PROPOSALSOUTH SECTION | SOAR WITH THE SONGBIRDSBIRD WATCHING TOWERRAIN GARDEN0 2.5 5mWORKSHOPGATHERING SPACECITIZEN SCIENCE OBSERVATION POINTDESIGN PROPOSAL | 6564 | DESIGN PROPOSALDESIGN PROPOSAL | 6766 | DESIGN PROPOSALEXHIBIT DESIGN - BIRD FAMILIES AND SPECIESDESIGN PROPOSAL | 6968 | DESIGN PROPOSALHEAR THE HUMMINGBIRDSOften when I’m birdwatching I hear calls and songs before I see a bird, and sometimes I don’t see them at all. At this particular viewpoint at Trout Lake, I’ve observed an Anna’s Hummingbird at every visit, and I usually hear it’s distinctive “buzzing” song which helps me to see an otherwise hard bird to spot given its speed and small size. This design stives to amplify the sound experiences by increasing the shrub layer between the primary circulation and the viewpoint and adding a covered ‘megaphone’ shaped viewpoint to shift visitors focus towards the lake. The observation point encourages citizen scientists to record the birds they hear using the Merlin app to create a more fulsome library of bird calls at Trout Lake. BIRD FAMILY FOCUSHummingbirdsSENSORY FOCUSHearing/SoundCITIZEN SCIENCE TYPEInvestigative; Merlin Sound IDDESIGN PROPOSAL | 7170 | DESIGN PROPOSALTROUT LAKEPLANTINGTREESAR - Red alder, Alnus RubraCP - Golden catalpa, Catalpa bignoniodes ‘Aurea’FS - European beech, Fagus sylvaticaMF - Pacific crab apple, Malus Fusca PA - Sweet cherry, Prunus aviumSA - European mountain ash, Sorbus aucpariaSB - Weeping willow, Salix babylonicaSD - Pussy willow, Salix discolorSJ - Japanese snowbell, Styrax japonicusSHRUBSCs - Red osier dogwood, Cornus sericeaGs - Salal, Gaultheria shallonRsa - Red flowering currant, Ribes sanguineumRsp - Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilisSa - Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albusSd - Rose spirea, Spiraea douglasiiSr - Red elderberry, Sambucus racemosaVo - Evergreen huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatumCLIMBERSLc - Orange honeysuckle, Lonicera cilosaGATHERING POINT0N5 10mDESIGN PROPOSAL | 7372 | DESIGN PROPOSALEAST SECTION | HEAR THE HUMMINGBIRDSSOUND RECORDINGOBSERVATION POINTEXISTING PLANTING0 2.5 5mGATHERING SPACENEW PLANTINGDESIGN PROPOSAL | 7574 | DESIGN PROPOSALDESIGN PROPOSAL | 7776 | DESIGN PROPOSALWATCH THE WATERFOWLViewpoints overlooking the lake make Trout Lake especially engaging for learning different species of waterfowl. It is a great spot to watch ducks dabbling and diving for aquatic vegetation. Since waterfowl are larger and slower moving than smaller species such as songbirds, they are a great starting point for learning bird ID. The addition of a new boardwalk creates viewpoints both across the water and towards the thickened vegetated buffer along the shore. This creates opportunities to interact with birds in a variety of settings from a safe distance. BIRD FAMILY FOCUSWaterfowlSENSORY FOCUSSightCITIZEN SCIENCE TYPEInvestigativeDESIGN PROPOSAL | 7978 | DESIGN PROPOSAL0N5 10mPLANTINGTREESAcR - Red maple, Acer rubrumBP - Paper birch, Betula papyriferaCN - Nootka cypress, Callitropsis nootkatensisMD - Crab apple, Malus domesticaPM - Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesiiSB - Weeping willow, Salix babylonicaTP - Western red cedar, Thujia plicataSHRUBSAu - Kinnikinnick, Arcstaphylos uva-ursiGa - Salal, Gaultheria shallonMa - Tall oregon grape, Mahonia aquifoliumRn - Rosa nutkana, Nootka roseRsp - Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilisSd - Rose spirea, Spiraea douglasiiVo - Evergreen huckleberry, Vaccinium ovatumVof - Oval-leaf blueberry, Vaccinium ovalifoliumAquatic co - Slough sedge, Carex obnuptasa - Hard-stem bulrush, Schoenoplectus acutustl - Common cattail, Typha latifoliavm - Verticillate water-milfoil, Myriophyllum verticillatumDESIGN PROPOSAL | 8180 | DESIGN PROPOSALWEST SECTION | WATCH THE WATERFOWL0 2.5 5mDESIGN PROPOSAL | 8382 | DESIGN PROPOSALCONCLUSION | 8584 | CONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONI started this project understanding citizen scientists as non-experts contributing data to scientific projects. This design process has helped me go beyond this definition to appreciate the much larger role of citizen scientists in my neighbourhood.The citizen scientists I’ve met over the course of this year have extensive expertise in birding, plant ecology, and how to be good neighbours to each other and our feathered friends. They activate public spaces by volunteering their time to teach others. They stop strangers in the park to point out rare and common birds and plants. They take the time to collect nesting materials and leave it as offerings suspended from the branches of willows. They hold incredible knowledge of how their neighbourhoods have changed over seasons and years. As landscape architects we have an opportunity to design for these incredible folks and to invite more park visitors into the conversation. While this certainly has benefits for our own understanding of the spaces we design, it can also be one of many ways to help build community connections in our neighbourhoods. 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Graduating Project
eng
Unreviewed
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Graduate
University of British Columbia. LARC_V 598
The early bird meets the citizen scientist
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