Reconciliation Ecology and Architecture Practicum SFS 512, Winterim 2013 Sara Krueger

1. Reconciliation Ecology and Architecture PracticumSFS 512, Winterim 2013Sara Krueger Project Background The purpose of this project is to design an urban stream to compliment the design for the UWM Harbor Campus. The constructed urban stream will transport fish effluent from the aquaculture facility at the Great Lakes Water Institute to the harbor. Currently the fish effluent is discharged into the via pipe. By day lighting the fish effluent stream, it becomes a major feature of the campus and provides a valuable opportunity to bring to light many aspects of stream habitat and function while increasing the esthetic value of the campus area. Please refer to Figure 1 the design of the proposed stream. The ability to reduce erosion was another key factor in wetland marsh plant choices. Since the marsh wetland and stream are being constructed over a liner, it is essential to reduce erosion and substrate re-suspension. Excess loss of sediment would result in the need for substrate additions which would disturb established habitat within the wetland. Sago pondweed, floating-leaved pondweed (Potamogetannatans), pickerel weed (Pontederiacordata), and hardstem bulrush (S. acutus) were chosen for their ability to control erosion. Figure 3: Height profile of proposed wetland plants. From left to right: Sago pondweed, floating-leaved pondweed, yellow water buttercup, pickerel weed, and hardstem bulrush Courtesy of Paula Guenther These plants have a rhizome root system that forms a thick mat over the marsh substrate inhibiting the re-suspension of sediments2. (Refer to Figure 2 for an illustration of the rhizome root system. These plants also reduce stream bank erosion from wind and wave forces. • Sago Pondweed (Stuckeniapectinata) • Submerged with no floating leaves • Found in water less than 2 m deep • Important food source for ducks and habitat for micro and macro invertebrates • Reduces wave velocity thereby reducing shoreline erosion • Suppresses algal blooms by assimilating phosphorus Marsh Wetland Figure 2: Rhizome Root System. Courtesy of UWEX Providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife is another priority in creating a functional ecosystem. Sago pondweed, floating-leaved pondweed, pickerel weed, and hardstem bulrush provide cover and food for a variety of species including micro and macro invertebrates, fish, ducks, and other waterfowl. • Floating-Leaved Pondweed (Potamagetannatans) • Submerged plant with floating leaves • Found in water less than 2 m deep • Rapid growth rate/short life span • pH range 5.8-7.5 • Note: Curly-Leaved Pondweed (P. crispus) is invasive Figure 1: Proposed Stream Design.(SFS 512 Practicum, Winterim 2013) Wetland Function In this stream reconciliation project it is essential that the wetland is functional by providing nutrient removal, erosion control, habitat and esthetic value. Each wetland plant was chosen for its ability to fulfill these requirements. Finally in order to create a successful constructed wetland, it needs to be esthetically pleasing as well as functional. Studies have found that wetlands with a noticeable arrangement of flowering plants are deemed more attractive than wetlands designed purely for ecological function1. The proposed plants for the marsh wetland were chosen to create a variety in heights, leaf shapes, and flower colors to promote a diverse, interesting, and appealing wetland. Refer to Figure 3 for an illustration on the different plants levels within the marsh wetland. • Yellow Water Buttercup (Ranunculsflabellaris) • Floating flower 0.5 m tall that is sometimes found rooted into substrate. • Found in slow moving shallow water (< 2m deep) • Commonly found alongside floating pondweed, bladderwort, and broad-leafed arrowhead It is essential that the marsh wetland is capable of removing excess nutrients since the fish effluent/source water contains high levels of nutrients from fish waste and uneaten fish food. Sago pondweed (Potamogetanpectinantus) and hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectusacutus) were chosen for their capability to assimilate nutrients effectively. Sago pondweed can assimilate large quantities of phosphorus which will aid in suppressing algal blooms2. Sago pondweed also assimilates heavy metals and may be an ideal plant to use for a stream that receives stormwater runoff from roadways. Hardstem bulrush was also chosen for its ability to assimilate nutrients and is commonly used to filter agricultural runoff 2. • Pickerel Weed (Pontederiacordata) • Emergent plant that grows to a height of 1 m • Can survive in up to 50 cm of water but grows best in a depth of 30 cm. • pH range 4.9-8.7 • Once established will block out other emergents. • Provides cover for fish and food for waterfowl, ducks, and muskrats. Wild rice (Zizaniapalustris) was initially considered for the marsh wetland. It was found to be incompatible with the temperature range of the source water. Wild rice requires water temperatures at 35 °F to break seed dormancy and 45 °F to germinate. The source water remains between 54-64 °F throughout the year; therefore, wild rice, an annual plant, would be unable to propagate. • Hardstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectusacutus) • Emergent plant that grows to a height of 1-3m. • pH range 5.2-8.5 • Controls erosion by creating a buffer from wind and wave forces. • Provides habitat and food for fish, waterfowl, and muskrats. • Assimilates nutrients and contaminants from water/used to filter agricultural water • Often forms monocultures References: 1.Nassauer, Joan I.2004. Monitoring the success of metropolitan wetland restorations: Cultural sustainability and ecological function. Wetlands, Vol 24 (2). Dec 2004:756-765 2.USDA, NRCS. 2013. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 12 January 2013). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.