Folcroft Nature Park@ John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Dominic LupinacciLarc. 8153 Fall 2011

Site Design

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Design Introduction

The primary focus for this project has been on the former Folcroft landfill, which now lies within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge boundary. The site location of the former folcroft landfill has many issues. It is separate and isolated from the rest of the wildlife refuge, and there is currently no access from the refuge into the Folcroft site. Darby Creek creates a barrier to the east, while industrial and commercial land use disconnects the site from the surrounding community. There are currently no greenway connections for people or wildlife, and there is extensive invasie exotic plant populations found throughout the site. Lastly, because of the uncapped condition of the landfill, toxic pollutants are potentially leaching into the nearby waterways and refuge.

Although there are many existing negative conditions found within the Folcroft site, there are also many opportunities. The land form contains a 40’ grade change from sea level to the top of the site, which provides a unique opportunity to showcase the transition from freshwater tidal marsh to upland mesic forest habitats. Opportunities also exist to make connections between the new Folcroft section of the refuge to the surrounding community. This would potentially draw more people to the refuge and provide the surround communities with some much-needed green space that is lacking in the area. There is also an opportunity to create a destination place for the community and the region.

Goals for this project include the following:• Prevent toxic leachate from the landfill from entering groundwater and the refuge• Create upland habitat that is currently missing from remaining portions of the refuge• Attract wildlife that is currently missing or in small numbers in the park• Create a connection to existing or proposed greenways in the area• Create a destination place for the community and region Ideas for Programming:• Habitat development, restoration and conservation• Hiking trails with interpretive signage• Outdoor environmental education• Outdoor recreation element - bicycle, canoe & kayak rentals - wildlife observation, photography - fishing

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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area.

Combined land use for are surrounding John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo Credit: Google Earth

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Proposed Habitat Zones

Freshwater Tidal Marsh

Coastal Plain & Floodplain Forest

Upland Forest

Wet Meadows & Grasslands

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Site Opportunit ies and Constraints

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w e t l a n D So P e n w a t e r

P o S i t i v e v i e w Sn o a c c e S S t o f o l c r o f t

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Concept Narrat ive.The former Folcroft landfill, which is now within the property of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, is the area of focus for this design. This design fits within our group’s framework plan primarily as it relates to connectivity goals. Creating connections is a primary goal for this design, and more specifically the goal was to provide both human and wildlife connections through the improvement and establishment of green corridors, and habitat creation.

The design concept was to create a destination place for both local residents and the region by providing various passive recreational opportunities while also providing suitable wildlife habitats in order to strengthen opportunities for unique wildlife viewing experiences within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Currently the surrounding communities are disconnected from the refuge with no access to it other than through the main entrance by vehicle. The goal is to create access for the surrounding neighborhoods through a trail system that allows pedestrian traffic only. These trails would be designed specifically to allow for walking, running and bicycling.

Passive recreation activities being promoted through this design include nature walks, running, mountain biking, photography tours and cross country skiing. The trail system includes two proposed bridges and three elevated boardwalks to allow access through freshwater marsh and floodplain forest habitats. Constructed overlooks are built at strategic locations along the trail system in order to capture amazing view into the surround wildlife refuge and the Philadelphia skyline. These overlooks could also be used for activities such as birdwatching, photography, lunch gatherings or educational events.

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l lustrat ive Master Plan

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Programming/ Functional Diagram

P r o P o S e D t r a i l S y S t e m

m o u n t a i n b i k i n g o P P o r t u n i t i e S

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Landscape Types/ Habitat Types. Upland Forest

Floodplain Forest

Succesional Meadow

Meadow

Freshwater Tidal Marsh

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Schematic Grading

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Waste management/ mitigation

P h y t o r e m e D i a t i o n r e e D b e D SS h e e t P i l i n g ( l e a c h a t e c o n t a i n m e n t )

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P L A N S C A N G O H E R E A C R O S S T H E P A G E , O R N O T .

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Site Opportunities and Constraints Plan (1:100 to 1:200 plan, 1:20 to 1:40 sections, imagery). Only show information that you used to guide your plan.a. Existing topo b. Ex roads, sidewalks and buildingsc. Connectivity/ access pointsd. Hydrology (floodplains, streams, wetlands, etc)e. Surrounding land use and contextf. Ex Habitat typesg. Ex Viewshedsh. Others that may be useful: ex soil , right-of-ways, easements, microclimate, character, adjacent buildings, etc.

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P L A N S C A N G O H E R E A C R O S S T H E P A G E , O R N O T .