The Arboretum at The Village
The Arboretum at The Village
A SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PLAN & MANUAL
A Joint Partnership of: The Minervini Group Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park September 1, 2013 | Traverse City, Michigan
INFLUENCE DESIGN FORUM www.influencedesignforum.com INFLUENCE DESIGN FORUM PROJECT FELLOWS Dusty Christenson, RCA PC Emily Mitchell, Nielsen Design Group INFLUENCE DESIGN FORUM STAFF Nathan Elkins, Studio Director
Project Partners THE MINERVINI GROUP & THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS www.thevillagetc.com THE BOTANICAL GARDEN AT HISTORIC BARNS PARK www.northwestmichigangarden.org MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES – FOREST RESOURCES DIVISION Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program www.michigan.gov
All ideas, designs, arrangements and plans indicated or represented in this report are owned by, and the property of The Minervini Group, The Botanical Garden at Historic Barns Park, and Influence Design Forum and were created, evolved and developed for use on and in connection with the specified project. None of such ideas, designs, arrangements or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without written permission of Influence Design Forum, The Minervini Group, and the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.
Traverse City State Hospital under construction. Foreground shows the current Arboretum site well before planting of the Arboretum trees. Circa 1883, History Center Archive.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: CONTEXT
18 THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS 18 History of The Place 19 The Arboretum 20 Resource Assessment 21 BENEFITS OF A MANAGEMENT PLAN 21 Environmental & Ecological 21 Social 23 Economic 24 PLANNING PROCESS 24 Purpose 24 Working Group & Advisory Committee 24 Survey Input
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
31
MAP OF TREE LOCATIONS
32
LISTING OF TREE NAMES
PART III: FUTURE VISION
46
GENERAL PLAN GOALS
47
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS
48
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK GOALS
PART IV: THE RECOMMENDATIONS
52 THE 16 RECOMMENDATIONS 54 GENERAL 1-6 62 REGENERATIVE 7-12 72 MAINTENANCE 13-16
PART V: BEST PRACTICES
78 DESIGN 78 Engaging Public and Community Participation 78 Designing for Broad Appeal & Universal Accessibility 79 Integrating Maintenance Planning into Design Process 79 Planning for Connectivity 80 Choosing the Right Materials 80 Mitigating Climate Change 81 81 81 81 81 84 85 85
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS Obtaining Maintenance Funding: An Opportunity to Partner Expanding Capital Expenditures Integrating Maintenance & Operations Staff Training Implementing a Public Information and Education Program Developing Maintenance Schedules Soil, Water, and Vegetation Assessment Practices Using Biointensive Integrated Pest Management
86 POLICY FRAMEWORK 86 Adopting a Policy Framework 86 Inviting Public Use and Access 87 Supporting Festivals & Events 87 Construction Best Practices
PART VI: NEXT STEPS
90 OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS 92
IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
PART VII: APPENDIces
96 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 97 RELEVANT POLICIES & GUIDELINES 100 SURVEY of PROJECT PARTNERS
Northern Michigan State Hospital, Main Building, Traverse City, Michigan. Color postcard, by O. W. Peck. Courtesy of the History Center of Traverse City Archive.
Honey Locust Norway Maple
Pyramidal English Oak Basswood Sugar Maple
Larch
White Oak
Basswood
Pin Oak
Crimson Maple Basswood
The Arboretum today. View looking north into The Arboretum from historic Building 50 at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
WE STARTED ON THE ENDEAVOR to redevelop the former Traverse City State Hospital in 2000, with the vision to create a mixed-use neighborhood within the historic buildings and surrounding campus. But I was captivated by the site long before then. I have a great appreciation for historic structures because I grew up in Detroit when it was widely known as a great American city, full of grand architecture and public spaces built to stand for the ages. When the State Hospital first opened in 1885, the Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Munson was an advocate for the idea that “Beauty is Therapy.� In addition to the design of the buildings and physical care of the patients, Dr. Munson made great efforts to beautify the grounds for therapeutic purposes. After more than 125 years since the first tree plantings on what is known today as the Historic Front Lawn, there have been many decades when both the buildings and the landscapes have suffered. Our incremental preservation of the site has brought life back to the area, and now we look forward to the regrowth of the asylum arboretum. It is with great excitement that we have the opportunity to work with Influence Design Forum (IDF) and focus our effort and energy on the natural and historic landscape. The Historic Front Lawn is considered one of the most diverse historic arboretums in the State of Michigan. As The Village continues to develop we have the responsibility to manage that growth and ensure the future stewardship of the historic arboretum. There is a remarkable collection of businesspeople, property owners, residents, visitors, customers, government officials and community supporters who have invested in and contributed to building the neighborhood that is The Village, and we will continue to draw in their efforts and support. The Grand Traverse region is a community of hard-working, creative and forward-thinking people. We have the pleasure of receiving their support and working alongside many of them. I am not sure that a project, or a neighborhood like The Village, could begin, thrive and grow in any place other than here. That’s something we can all be proud of.
R AY M I N E RV I N I
The Minervini Group, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
THERE ARE MANY THINGS that make Traverse City a highly desirable place to live and to visit. Expanded opportunities in recreation, arts and entertainment, education and medical care are just a few of the draws that bring people here, for a visit or for a lifetime. As a result, the city is experiencing an increased demand for both development and parkland conservation, demands that can often be at cross-purposes. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park recognizes the importance of preserving parkland for the future and understands the pressures development can place on existing parks. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons adjoins the Historic Barns Park and Botanic Garden. The Village is one of the largest historical restoration project in the nation. Spearheaded by the Minervini Group, the old Traverse City State Hospital buildings are being restored as condominiums, restaurants, shops and offices. Although proud of their work in both building preservation and development, the Minervini Group also shares our concern about the beautiful parkland that surrounds these buildings. Many of the trees, a number of which are rare and unique to the region, were planted over 100 years ago as part of a landscape arboretum plan for the hospital. The community embraces this arboretum as a true treasure. But time has taken a toll and this parkland needs and deserves a long-term management plan to preserve its beauty and “plant� for the future. The Minervini Group, the Botanic Garden, and a group of volunteers from across the community have worked together, with direction and assistance from the Influence Design Forum, to create a Management Plan that will provide the long-term direction and tasks necessary to preserve, plant and maintain this beautiful arboretum. This plan recognizes the unique public-private nature of the arboretum and identifies specific roles for all of the stakeholders. It is an excellent example of how private development and public parkland preservation can work hand in hand.
KAREN SCHMIDT
Chair, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
The Arboretum at The Village
16
Part I:
Context 18
THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS
24
18
History of the Place
24 Purpose
19
The Arboretum
24
Working Group & Advisory Committee
20
Resource Assessment
24
Survey Input
21
BENEFITS OF A MANAGEMENT PLAN
21
Environmental & Ecological
PLANNING PROCESS
21 Social 23 Economic
“The fact that this site contains such a wide variety of plant communities and a large number of species of northern hardy trees on the historic front lawn area puts the Grand Traverse Commons in a unique position to function as a major arboretum in northern Michigan.” —Unknown Author The arboretum at The Village is rich with history and provides the Grand Traverse Commons and surrounding community of Traverse City with a tremendous recreational asset. The tree inventory includes a diverse collection of trees that are native to the eastern United States and include Cherry, Ash, Oak, Maple, Apple, Elm, Hawthorn, Beech, Chestnut, Sycamore, Walnut, Aspen, Poplar, Birch, Willow and more. At left: Main Gateway to the Northern Michigan Asylum, circa 1910 postcard. 17
The Arboretum at The Village
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons HISTORY OF THE PLACE A breathtaking blend of historical buildings, beautiful rolling hills, a century old arboretum of trees, state of the art assisted care facility and popular public space; mixed with trendy shops, restaurants, professional offices, living spaces, schools, a yoga studio and a training gym are just the beginning of the place Northern Michigan calls The Grand Traverse Commons. Nestled in the ever-growing town of Traverse City, Michigan, The Grand Traverse Commons is a place rich in history and on the verge of making it again. This remarkable reuse project is nothing short of ambitious. The Minervini Group (the developer who purchased 63 acres within The Commons, now referred to as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons) has made great strides to turn this once controversial landmark into a cherished space. The Village is one of the largest, historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. A true “Common” space for people to live, work, learn, and play. The main attraction in the over 480-acre Grand Traverse Commons is the historic buildings that make up the former Northern Michigan Asylum, later called The Traverse City State Hospital. The property was originally purchased in 1882 and the asylum construction began shortly after. The Kirkbride Plan was the main influence on the design of the hospital. The Kirkbride approach to mental healthcare was based on the belief that one’s surrounding and environment were an essential part of the therapeutic healing process; an approach to design that Landscape Architects continue to evolve today. Now 125 years later, the element and nature of the Kirkbride design is still prevalent in the preserved buildings and the tranquil environment of the mature arboretum and surrounding campus. By the 1980’s, the aged and then under-used space of the Traverse City State Hospital was under constant scrutiny and threat of being demolished. In 1989, the once self-sustaining hospital closed its doors entirely. Multiple attempts by the State to demolish the historic buildings of the old State Hospital were overturned by numerous efforts by the community to preserve the property. The uphill battle to preserve the property really began in 1992 when the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation (GTCRC) was created under Michigan’s Urban Redevelopment Corporation Act (Public Act 250) to implement a Master Plan, acquire the property and oversee its redevelopment. The buildings were slowly rotting and the land was neglected. There was hodgepodge renovation and some development was conducted throughout The Commons, but there was never a collective thought process as to how to proceed with 18
PART I: CONTEXT
the renovations and development of the old hospital grounds. It was not until 2001 when The Minervini Group purchased the historic site and a new master plan was drawn up that great strides began to be seen. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons campus consists of 24 buildings and Historic Building 50, which approaches 400,000 square feet of mixed-use living, offices, and retail space. Building 50 is over two-thirds renovated while reuse of the remaining space and outbuildings in The Village are still in the early planning stages or available for development. Rich in history, the unbeatable atmosphere of The Village puts one back in time and as you roam the halls of the buildings and the vast grounds that were once filled with over 3,600 patients. The experience of the place is half the excitement that visitors, employees and residents get when spending time in The Village and as the adaptive reuse of the buildings moves closer to completion. The Grand Traverse Commons is truly a unique project – a sprawling adaptive reuse and brownfield redevelopment that in a little over a decade has already become a vibrant place in Northwest Lower Michigan. A place that is using sustainability as a stronghold to thread together the space while preserving the nature of Northern Michigan and also serving as a neighborhood sanctuary and metropolitan park.
THE ARBORETUM Today’s arboretum is much different than the arboretum of 1924—the year Dr. Munson retired as superintendent of the hospital. In 1924 the arboretum grounds sprawled throughout the hospital campus connecting different gardens, orchards, and fields. The diverse tree collection that included unusual tree species collected while traveling throughout the country was at that time maturing to adolescence. His vision for the arboretum and gardens was to provide a therapeutic landscape that could be used by patients and staff for healing and recreation. Today, the historical property lines and arboretum boundary is harder to visualize and has been broken up into several parcels and under multiple governmental jurisdictions. Portions of the historic arboretum remain today on adjacent property that is owned by Grand Traverse County, Women’s Resource Center, Munson Medical Center, The City of Traverse City, and other private ownership. The core arboretum and historic “Front Lawn” of Building 50 however has been preserved within The Village at Grand Traverse Commons development.
All historic images at left and directly above: appear courtesy of the History Center of Traverse City Archive. At top right: Willow Lake. Young Sidney Petertyl, circa 1933-34. Photo by Willard Petertyl. Courtesy Julius Petertyl.
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The Arboretum at The Village
For purposes of this management plan a “preliminary boundary� has been developed and includes trees and grounds that are owned by not only The Minervini Group and The Village at Traverse Commons, but Grand Traverse County (The Pavilions) and The Women’s Resource Center. Refer to MAP 1.1 Preliminary Boundary & Location Map.
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT The arboretum today has reached maturity with the majority of trees over the age of 80 and the condition of some species (mainly sugar maple) beginning to decline due to age and the lack of maintenance from 1989 to 2002 when the arboretum grounds were closed and in transition from a state-owned hospital to the mixed-use development that it is today. Tree health from 2002 to today has somewhat improved; however, several trees adjacent to Building 50 have declined due to the redevelopment of the building. Those trees have been removed or are in the process of being removed and replaced. Trees uncommon and rare to the Eastern United States are found in the arboretum including pyramidal English Oaks, Copper Beech, Yellowwood, Pecan, Elm, Horse Chestnut, and Ginko Biloba. Sugar and Norway Maples dominate the arboretum with intermittent groupings of Norway Spruce, Oak, Basswood, Catalpa and other northern Hardwoods typical of Eastern Forest types. A complete inventory of all of the trees in the arboretum was finished in 2013 and includes valuable information for monitoring the future condition of the trees. Information includes tree condition and maintenance needs along with fundamental inventory data: genus species, variety, diameter at breast height (dbh), and height. The inventory was completed using Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments to map the tree locations using real world coordinates. The data was then imported into a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is capable of managing and organizing the data. Refer to Table 1.1 Tree Inventory and Map 1.2 Tree Inventory Map for additional tree inventory information. The arboretum at The Village is a community asset and part of not only the Grand Traverse Commons urban forest, but also the surrounding communities. The arboretum of trees provides numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits, including a healthy environment for people, supports the opportunity for recreation and provides a place for social engagement during festivals and events. 20
PART I: CONTEXT
The Benefits of a Management Plan The arboretum generally consists of trees needing proper care, which requires long-term planning, committed resources, and a management plan. Without a management plan the arboretum will continue to lose trees to decline, receive fewer resources needed to be sustainable, and lose out on the opportunity for community support and collaboration. A successful and well implemented management plan will: • Establish a shared vision and goals for moving forward • Identify recommendations for carrying out the goals • Outline new tree plantings, replacement targets and tree diversity goals • Define recommended maintenance activities and propose changes to management operations • Propose a policy framework and regulations • Establish protections for historic or significant trees • Define an agenda for funding • Identify partnership opportunities
ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS Trees and the arboretum provide many hidden ecological benefits that we cannot see. The trees reduce and filter stormwater by intercepting falling rainwater and uptake of water from the soil. The trees provide habitat for wildlife (including wildlife corridors which were identified in the District Plan, 1994), a refuge and food source for birds and insects, and indirectly improves aquatic habitats by improving water quality. The arboretum as an ecosystem moderates local climate by reducing the heat island effect, provides shade, and breaks from the wind. Trees also improve air quality by filtering particulates from pollutants and perform carbon sequestration by capturing and removing carbon dioxide from the air.
It is estimated that the arboretum today (and surrounding campus) contains over 100 tree species within the following tree families: Aceraceae Anacardiaceae Aquifoliaceae Betulaceae Bignoniaceae
Cannabaceae Caprifoliaceae Celastraceae Cornaceae Fabaceae Fagaceae Grossulariaceae Hamamelidaceae Hippocastanaceae Juglandaceae Moraceae Myrtaceae Olacaceae Platanaceae Rhamnaceae Rosaceae Salicaceae Simaroubaceae Tiliaceae
Ulmaceae Cupressaceae Pinaceae Taxaceae
The Maple Family The Cashew Family The Holly Family The Birch Family The Trumpet Creeper Family The Hemp Family The Honeysuckle Family The Bittersweet Family The Dogwood Family The Legume Family The Beech Family The Gooseberry Family The Witch Hazel Family The Buckeye Family The Walnut Family The Mulberry Family The Myrtle Family The Olax Family The Sycamore Family The Buckthorn Family The Rose Family The Willow Family The Quassia Family The Basswood Family The Elm Family The Cypress Family The Pine Family The Yew Family
SOCIAL BENEFITS The arboretum grounds and surrounding village campus contribute greatly to the community character through enhancing the visual quality and sense of place. By enhancing the community character and sense of place the quality of life is improved along with social and psychological benefits. Trees can relieve mental fatigue and also provide other therapeutic benefits. Historical accounts portray the arboretum at The Village as being specifically planned, designed, and constructed to function 21
The Arboretum at The Village
COTTAGEVIEW DR.
MUNSON MEDICAL CENTER
The Arboretum Boundary
VILLAGE BOUNDARY
VILLAGE BOUNDARY
WOMENS RESOURCE CENTER
VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS
DR
.
ELEVENTH ST.
RED
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DR
.
S
VILLAGE BOUNDARY
VILLAGE BOUNDARY
VILL
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NDA
BOU
GARFIELD TOWNSHIP
CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY
TBAISD
Map 1.1 Preliminary boundary and location map. Aerial photography depicting the boundary of the arboretum at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons for purposes of this management plan. Image: Courtesy of The City of Traverse City
22
ELMWOOD AVE.
THE PAVILIONS
PART I: CONTEXT
as a therapeutic landscape. Strong influence for this type of design came from both Kirkbride and Munson’s vision of therapeutic design and the idea that “beauty is therapy”. Interestingly, their ideas have held true and their overarching design goals continue to be implemented today in parks and campuses throughout the country. Studies show that exposure to nature and the trees reduces stress and provides significant restorative benefits. The trees in the arboretum will improve the recreational experience for visitors and residents of The Village - expanding opportunities for walking, bird-watching, learning about nature and spending time in the outdoors. The arboretum also provides a community event space where food, music, and art festivals are held - increasing the likelihood for chance encounters with friends and meeting new people.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS The economic benefits of the arboretum and the trees include direct and indirect benefits. Direct benefits include reduced building heating and cooling costs associated with shade trees adjacent to the building, reduced stormwater infrastructure costs, and increased property values that come from mature specimen quality trees. Increased Resale Values: Studies have shown that landscaping with trees is associated with an increase in the sales price of residential properties - positively affecting the condominium associations at The Village. Intermediate and large sized trees, regardless of species, have a greater effect on resale values than small trees. Typically, properties with trees show better and sell faster. Increased property values not only benefit The Village, but the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township tax base.
Aerial photographs showing the arboretum at early and later stages of maturity.
Economic Stimulus: Trees are attractive to both residents and businesses. The National Arbor Day Foundation explains that “trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.” In a survey conducted by the University of Washington, consumers indicated that they would be willing to pay 12% more for goods purchased in well landscaped districts. Indirect benefits are not as easy to calculate, and may include the following: ability to attract and retain residents and businesses to The Village and reduction in long-term health care cost of residents and visitors to the arboretum.
23
The Arboretum at The Village
Planning Process PURPOSE
The planning process engaged the following organizations and people over the course of the project: The Minervini Group & The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Ray Minervini Raymond Minervini Rick Gruber Bob Appleford Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Karen Schmidt Terry Harding Kurt Schmidt Jim Cooper Laurel Voran Master Gardeners Eric Zehender Friendly Garden Club Sue Soderberg City of Traverse City Garfield Township Grand Traverse County Grand Traverse Conservation District Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
A planning process was established to support and facilitate discussion about the future stewardship of the arboretum. The planning and input process structure was developed to garner momentum and support to help guide critical decision making that will ultimately decide the direction of the arboretum as it relates to future management and operations. The planning process was designed to build on input from the Working Group and Advisory Committee through online survey and workshops. Vision and project goals were established through the review and elaboration of opportunities and challenges that had been identified at the arboretum. The planning process then used the goals to guide the development of the management plan and ultimately the development of recommendations and implementation strategy. Best practices were developed to support the recommendations and provide a foundation for developing a maintenance and operations strategy.
WORKING GROUP & ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Working Group: The Working Group consisted of The Minervini Group staff and the consultant team. The purpose of the group was to perform primary decision making and oversee the development of content and plan documents. The Advisory Committee: The committee consisted of 10-15 representatives from different organizations and municipal partners. They were chosen to provide a diverse range of perspective and to advise the planning process. The Advisory Committee reviewed project scope, content, direction and recommendations of the plan, and provided guidance on the best approaches for engaging other stakeholders and the surrounding community.
SURVEY INPUT A total of six online surveys were utilized to facilitate and collect input from the Advisory Committee, they include: Part 1: Vision Part 2: Management Part 3: Partnerships & Outreach Part 4: Additional Information
24
PART I: CONTEXT
Part 5: Goals Part 6: Recommendations Survey Parts 1-4 demonstrated that Advisory Committee members are passionate and concerned about the long-term stewardship of the arboretum. Respondents provided a wide range of feedback on why the arboretum is important to them, highlighting the many benefits it provides to not only The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, but the Grand Traverse Commons and surrounding community of Traverse City. As it relates to Survey Part 1 and developing future vision for the arboretum respondents all agreed that they are open to change in operations and a move towards a more formal arboretum that contains specific collections of trees. Most respondents were open to the idea of increasing the inventory by adding new trees and increasing diversity of species - no one felt there were too many trees. Surprisingly, all respondents were open to exploring the idea of adding tree collections that were non-native to Michigan and the Eastern United States. Respondents also were open to the idea of the arboretum becoming a place for research, tree, and other woody plant archives. Respondents all agreed that the historical significance of the trees and Building 50 were the primary reasons they visited the arboretum. Survey Part 2 asked the Advisory Committee questions related to management and operations. Respondents replied with concern for the health and condition of the trees and would like trees replaced when they decline and/or die. Respondents all agreed that more maintenance and management is needed. As it relates to tree protection respondents felt it was very important to implement a tree protection program and consider a policy framework that addresses festivals and events in the arboretum. The majority of respondents when asked about tree inventory platforms were very interested in learning more about expanding programs to provide a more dynamic set of data. All respondents agreed that they would like to see a certified arborist regularly interact with the arboretum, prepare scouting reports, and make recommendations. Proactive maintenance and the desire to prepare a master plan for the arboretum were also met with no opposition. Survey Part 3 related to partnerships and outreach. Respondents agreed the opportunity to partner with local organizations was highly desirable. They also agreed that they would like to learn more about the opportunities of partnerships as they relate to community outreach, funding, and assisting with plan implementation. The majority of respondents when asked about community outreach and public awareness of the rich history of the arboretum all felt that most visitors are not aware. Last, an overwhelming number of respondents agreed they would encourage community support of the arboretum as long as public access remained open. 25
The Arboretum at The Village
26
PART I: CONTEXT
Part 4 of the survey focused on providing the Advisory Committee members an opportunity to provide additional information in a narrative response format as it related to the arboretum boundary, planning process, and overall management plan format. Not all respondents provided a response, but the majority of responses received inquired about the possibility to expand the arboretum boundaries outside the boundary of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and include property that was historically part of the hospital grounds. Survey Part 5 provided the opportunity for the Advisory Committee to review and rate the draft general plan goals, resource management goals, and community framework goals. Survey Part 6 provided the opportunity for the Advisory Committee to review and rate the draft recommendations. With the exception of a few outlying responses the majority of responses were in support of the recommendations.
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28
Part II:
The Tree Inventory 31
MAP OF TREE LOCATIONS
32
LISTING OF TREE NAMES
The map of tree locations and the listing of tree names contained in the Tree Inventory is for general information purposes only. 29
31
The Arboretum at The Village
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
1 Butternut
Juglans cinerea
40
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
2 Aspen
Populus grandidentata
41
Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis
3
English Pyramidal Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
42
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
4
English Pyramidal Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
43
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
5 Aspen
Populus grandidentata
44
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
6
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
45
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
7
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
46
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
8
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
47
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
9 Walnut
Juglans nigra
48
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
10
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
49
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
11
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
50
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
12 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
51 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
13
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
52 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
14
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
53
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
15 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
54
White Spruce
Picea glauca
16 Ironwood
Ostrya virginiana
55
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
17 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
56 Basswood
Tilia americana
18
Acer saccharum
57
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
19 Walnut
Juglans nigra
58
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
20 Walnut
Juglans nigra
59
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
21
Picea abies
60
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
22 Serviceberry
Amelanchier
61 Larch
Larix laricina
23
Black Locust
Robina pseudoacacia
62
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
24
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
63
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
25 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
64
Pyramidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
26 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
65
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
27 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
66
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
28 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
67 Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
29
Picea abies
68
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
30 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
69
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
31 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
70
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
32
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
71
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
33
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
72 Elm
Ulmus americana
34
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
73
Robina pseudoacacia
35
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
74 Elm
Ulmus americana
36 Beech
Fagus grandifolia
75 Basswood
Tilia americana
37
Acer platanoides
76
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
38 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
77
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
39 Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
78
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
32
Sugar Maple
Norway Spruce
Norway Spruce
Norway Maple
Black Locust
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
79 Basswood
Tilia americana
118 Pecan
Carya
80
Pinus sylvestris
119
Acer saccharinum
81 Basswood
Tilia americana
120 Hawthorne
Crataegus
82
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
121
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
83
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
122
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
84
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
123
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
85 Basswood
Tilia americana
124
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
86
Pinus sylvestris
125
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
87 Basswood
Tilia americana
126 Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
88
Acer platanoides
127 Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
89 Hawthorne
Crataegus
128 Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
90
Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
129
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
91
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
130
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
92
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
131
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
93
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
132
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
94
White Oak
Quercus alba
133
Crimson Maple
Acer platanoides ‘Crimson’
95
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
134
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
96
Crimson Maple
Acer platanoides ‘Crimson’
135 Basswood
Tilia americana
97
White Spruce
Picea glauca
136
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
98
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
137
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
99
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
138 Basswood
Tilia americana
100
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
139
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
101
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
140
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
102
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
141
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
103 Basswood
Tilia americana
142
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
104
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
143
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
105
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
144
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
106
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
145
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
107
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
146
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
108
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
147
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
109 Ash
Fraxinus
148
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
110
White Oak
Quercus alba
149 Ash
Fraxinus
111
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
150
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
112
Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
151
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
113
Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
152
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
114 Basswood
Tilia americana
153
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
115
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
154 Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
116
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
155
Acer platanoides
117
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
156 Elm
Scotch Pine
Scotch Pine Norway Maple
Silver Maple
Norway Maple
Ulmus americana
33
The Arboretum at The Village
34
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
35
The Arboretum at The Village
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
157 Elm
Ulmus americana
196
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
158
Acer platanoides
197
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
159 Magnolia
Magnoliaceae
198
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
160
Acer saccharum
199
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
161 Elm
Ulmus americana
200
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
162
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
201
Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis
163
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
202
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
164
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
203
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
165
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
204
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
166
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
205
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
167
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
206
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
168
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
207
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
169
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
208
White Spruce
Acer saccharum
170
Crab Apple
Malus
209
White Spruce
Acer saccharum
171
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
210
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
172
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
211
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
173
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
212
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
174
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
213
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
175
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
214
Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis
176
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
215 Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
177
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
216 Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
178
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
217 Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
179 Unknown
Unknown
218 Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
180
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
219
Acer saccharum
181
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
220 Ash
Fraxinus
182
Sweet Gum
Liguidambar styraciflua
221
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
183
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
222
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
184
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
223
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
185 Basswood
Tilia americana
224
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
186 Basswood
Tilia americana
225
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
187
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
226
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
188
White Spruce
Picea abies
227
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
189 Hawthorne
Crataegus
228
White Spruce
Picea glauca
190
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
229
White Spruce
Picea glauca
191
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
230
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
192
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
231
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
193
White Spruce
Picea glauca
232
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
194
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
233
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
195
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
234
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
36
Norway Maple Sugar Maple
Sugar Maple
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
235
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
274
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
236
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
275
Crab Apple
Malus
237
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
276
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
238
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
277 Ash
Fraxinus
239
White Spruce
Picea glauca
278
Pseudotsuga menziesii
240
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
279 Ash
Fraxinus
241
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
280 Ash
Fraxinus
242
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
281 Ash
Fraxinus
243
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
282 Ash
Fraxinus
244
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
283
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
245
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
284
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
246
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
285
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
247
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
286
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
248
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
287
Black Willow
Salix nigra
249
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
288
Black Willow
Salix nigra
250
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
289
Pyrimidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
251
Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
290
Pyrimidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
252
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
291
Pyrimidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
253
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
292
Pyrimidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
254
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
293
Pyrimidal English Oak
Quercus robur “Fastigiata”
255
Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
294 Mulberry
Morus
256
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
295 Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
257
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
296
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
258 Ash
Fraxinus
297
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
259
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
298
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
260
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
299
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
261
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
300
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
262
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
301
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
263
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
302
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
264
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
303
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
265
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
304
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
266
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
305
American Elm
Ulmus americana
267
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
306
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
268
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
307
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
269
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
308
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
270
Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
309
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
271
American Chestnut Group Castanea dentata
310
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Douglas Fir
272 Ash
Fraxinus
311
American Elm
Ulmus americana
273 Ash
Fraxinus
312
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
37
The Arboretum at The Village
38
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
39
The Arboretum at The Village
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
313
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
352
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
314
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
353
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
315
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
354
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
316
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
355
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
317
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
356
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
318
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
357
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
319
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
358
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
320
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
359
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
321
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
360
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
322
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
361
American Elm
Ulmus americana
323
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
362
American Elm
Ulmus americana
324
American Elm
Ulmus americana
363
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
325
American Elm
Ulmus americana
364
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
326
Weeping Mulberry
Morus alba ‘Pendula’
365
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
327
White Mulberry
Morus alba
366
Crab Apple
Malus
328
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
367
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
329
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
368
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
330
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
369
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
331
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
370
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
332
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
371
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
333
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
372
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
334
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
373 Lilac
Syringa
335
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
374
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
336 Basswood
Tilia americana
375
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
337
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
376
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
338
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
377
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
339
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
378
American Elm
Ulmus americana
340
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
379
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
341
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
380
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
342
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
381
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
343
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
382
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
344
American Elm
Ulmus americana
383
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
345
American Elm
Ulmus americana
384
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
346
American Elm
Ulmus americana
385
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
347
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
386
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
348
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
387
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
349
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
388
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
350
American Elm
Ulmus americana
389
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
351
American Elm
Ulmus americana
390
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
40
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
Tree # Common Name
Latin Name
391
Acer saccharum
430
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
392 Tamarack
Larix laricina
431
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
393
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
432
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
394
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
433
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
395
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
434
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
396 Oak
Quercus
435 Butternut
Juglans cinerea
397
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
436 Unknown
Unknown
398
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
437
Black Willow
Salix nigra
399
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
438
White Spruce
Picea glauca
400
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
439
Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
401
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
440
White Pine
Pinus strobus
402 Pine
Pinus
441
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
403
Acer platanoides
442 Butternut
Juglans cinerea
404 Basswood
Tilia americana
443
Weeping White Pine
Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’
405 Basswood
Tilia americana
444
Black Willow
Salix nigra
406
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
445 Cherry
Prunus
407
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
446
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
408
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
447
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
409
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
448
Scotch Pine
Pinus sylvestris
410
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
449
White Pine
Pinus strobus
411
Eastern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis
450 Unknown
Unknown
412 Tamarack
Larix laricina
451
Hop Hornbeam
Ostrya
413
Weeping Maple
Unknown
452
Hop Hornbeam
Ostrya
414
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
453
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
415
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
454
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
416
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
455
River Birch
Betula nigra
417
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
456
River Birch
Betual nigra
418 Basswood
Tilia americana
457
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
419 Basswood
Tilia americana
458 Tamarack
Larix laricina
420
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
459
River Birch
Betula nigra
421
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
460
Black Willow
Salix nigra
422
American Beech
Fagus Grandifolia
461
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
423
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
462
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
424
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
463 Ginkgo
425
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
426
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
427
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
428
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
429
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Sugar Maple
Norway Maple
Ginkgo biloba
41
The Arboretum at The Village
42
PART II: THE TREE INVENTORY
43
The Arboretum at The Village
44
Part III:
Future Vision 44
GENERAL PLAN GOALS
45
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS
46
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK GOALS
Three different categories of goals have been developed to support the Management Plan for the Arboretum at The Village—the goals have also been used as a guide for developing plan recommendations. The goals have been developed based on working group input and survey results. 45
The Arboretum at The Village
GENERAL PLAN GOALS General Plan Goals provide for a baseline of what is expected to be discussed and evaluated in the core body of the plan including the inventory, current conditions, history, future vision, and a framework for management practices. GOAL NO.1 Communicate the current and historical conditions of the arboretum. Logic: Understanding of the current conditions and the historical past will allow The Minervini Group to be better positioned to work with outside organizations when making decisions for the future. GOAL NO.2 Develop a clear vision for the future that can be shared by organizations involved and the community-at-large. Logic: Providing a shared vision for the future can help bring together supporting organizations and the community by conveying the methodology behind its management. GOAL NO.3 Convey a framework for management practices that focus on general, maintenance, and regenerative recommendations. Logic: Categorizing the recommendations will begin to organize a framework that can be used to set short and long-term targets. GOAL NO.4 Recognize the value of the arboretum and the role it plays within The Village and Grand Traverse Commons, but also the contribution it makes to the urban forest of Traverse City. GOAL NO.5 Be supported by The Minervini Group and adjacent property owners including Grand Traverse County, City of Traverse City, and Garfield Township. Logic: Support and understanding of the land owners is critical to the success of the plan and future management and implementation efforts.
46
PART III: FUTURE VISION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS Resource Management Goals focus on policies, practices, operations, and tools that can be developed and implemented to promote the sustainable management of the arboretum. GOAL NO.6 Better understand the sensitive ecology of the trees in the arboretum and the value of protection plans to support a healthy and sustainable urban forest. Logic: The plan should include tree protection plans and a framework for developing a shared policy that is supported by The Minervini Group and any supporting organizations. GOAL NO.7 Capitalize on the high demand of visitors, festivals, and other events in the arboretum by improving communications and developing a strong use policy. Logic: By enhancing communications and developing a use policy for events it will improve the quality and integrity of the arboretum GOAL NO.8 Maximize the opportunity to balance funding of operational, management, and maintenance costs by developing a non-profit or partnering with a local organization. Logic: By developing a non-profit or partnering with a local organization it will allow the arboretum to better attract support for funding opportunities and grant programs. GOAL NO.9 Standardize management and maintenance practices and policies. Logic: Standardizing practices and policies will allow operational costs to be better understood and better communicate what is expected as it relates to management and maintenance standards.
47
The Arboretum at The Village
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK GOALS Community Framework Goals relate to ways in which the community and visitors are engaged, informed, and educated through outreach, education, partnerships, and volunteerism. GOAL NO.10 Engage the community through outreach and education of the value of the arboretum and urban forest. Logic: Building long-term vision and support of the associated goals requires the community to be informed and educated about the value of the urban forest and current activities, policies, and state of the arboretum. GOAL NO.11 Build partnerships with local organizations to support a sustainable arboretum and urban forest. Logic: Non-profits and other organizations can play an important role in supporting the arboretum by organizing community outreach, partnering on funding opportunities, and assisting with plan implementation.
48
PART III: FUTURE VISION
49
The Arboretum at The Village
50
Part IV:
Recommendations 52
THE 16 RECOMMENDATIONS
54
GENERAL 1-6
62
REGENERATIVE 7-12
72
MAINTENANCE 13-16
The Recommendations have been separated into three key categories based on how they relate to future implementation: General, Regenerative, and Maintenance. Together, these categories provide recommendations at different points of time, at different scales, and in relation to multiple systems. 51
The Arboretum at The Village
The 16 Recommendations
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS General Recommendations relate to more broad-spectrum topics including inventory, management, and policy framework RECOMMENDATION NO.1 Develop a site preservation and protection plan. RECOMMENDATION NO. 2 Complete a strategic planning process to define what the best strategy and direction is for management and stewardship of the arboretum. RECOMMENDATION NO.3 Pursue an agreement with a local organization to assist and provide
52
management, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the arboretum. RECOMMENDATION NO.4 Develop an interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum. RECOMMENDATION NO.5 Review and update the Arboretum Management Plan every 5 years and on an as-needed basis. RECOMMENDATION NO.6 Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum.
REGENERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Regenerative Recommendations relate to renewal and rebranding of the arboretum, building on the current assets and opportunities, outreach, and implementation. RECOMMENDATION NO.7 Develop a brand and identity for the arboretum that will support stronger communications with the community and visitors to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. RECOMMENDATION NO.8 Develop a stronger data platform to maintain the tree inventory, improve management operations, and expand educational and interpretative programming.
PART IV: THE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION NO.9 Improve the tree canopy and diversity of species through an improved tree planting program. RECOMMENDATION NO.10 Develop a Site Master Plan that will serve as a guide for future planning and design character. RECOMMENDATION NO.11 Develop an outreach program to inform and educate the community about the historical significance, ecological benefits, and educational opportunities that exist in the arboretum.
RECOMMENDATION NO.12 Consider implementing a development program that would support philanthropic funding, grants, and loans to support capital improvement programs for the arboretum.
MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Maintenance Recommendations focus on maintenance and operational planning including programming and scheduling, staff training, partnership opportunities, cost and expenditures. RECOMMENDATION NO. 13 Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, businesses, festivals and event promoters, and the City of Traverse City whose activities impact the trees.
RECOMMENDATION NO.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees. RECOMMENDATION NO.15 Develop a manual of best management practices that can be used by management and maintenance staff, project partners, others entities, and the community. RECOMMENDATION NO.16 Develop a life-cycle analysis and ecobalance program for all trees in the arboretum.
53
The Arboretum at The Village
RECOMMENDATION no.1 Develop a site preservation and protection plan OBJECTIVE A site preservation and protection plan would facilitate the preservation and conservation of the landscape and trees of the historic Arboretum at The Village. The plan would ensure protection of landmark and special trees that are identified through adopted policy guidelines. The policy guidelines would define the difference between a landmark tree and special tree. Landmark Tree: Would meet species related size requirements or historical significance. For example any tree 24-inch DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater Special Tree: Would have unique value or special importance to The Village at Grand Traverse and /or the community.
2. Investigate funding opportunities to care for historically significant trees. 3. Engage and collaborate with the neighbors of the Arboretum at The Village. • The historical boundary of the arboretum is not easily defined, but is evident that it includes trees outside of the legal boundary that now defines The Village at Grand Traverse Commons property. STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group Grand Traverse County and Grand Traverse Pavilions Women’s Resource Center The City of Traverse City
TASKS 1. Develop policy guidelines that will be used to identify landmark and special trees in the site preservation and protection plan. Idea: Develop additional policies and best practices for trees that meet the landmark and special tree criteria including special care and protection. (For example cabling or bracing for branch or trunk support)
54
Charter Township of Garfield
PART IV: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.2 Complete a strategic planning process to define what the best strategy and direction is for management and stewardship of the arboretum OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
Completing a strategic planning process will help better understand the future vision, mission, and values for the arboretum. A strategic planning process will also strategize options for future management and stewardship.
Recommendation no.3 Work towards developing a collaborative management agreement with a local organization to assist and provide management, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the arboretum
The purpose of this recommendation is to determine the preferred strategy for moving forward as it relates to management options. A planning process that will determine where the arboretum / organization is going over the next 3 to 5 years or an extended vision to 20 years.
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
TASKS 1. Assemble a steering committee to oversee the strategic planning process. 2. Summarize goals and objectives into a mission statement and/or a vision statement. 3. Complete a SWOT analysis as part of the strategic planning process in order to identify all strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
55
The Arboretum at The Village
RECOMMENDATION no.3 PURSUE AN AGREEMENT WITH A LOCAL ORGANIZATION TO ASSIST AND PROVIDE MANAGEMENT, OVERSIGHT, AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ARBORETUM
OBJECTIVE The administration involved to develop a successful management and stewardship program for the arboretum will be a remarkable task that involves time, resources, and dedication. Currently, the Minervini Group oversees management and day-to-day maintenance operations using part-time staff. As the redevelopment of Building 50 and other buildings in The Village near completion the management and oversight of the arboretum and grounds will begin to shift to the condominium associations that have been created under the development. Three associations exist that include The Village at Grand Traverse, South Commons, and West Commons – with the first two associations boundaries comprising the grounds that make up the arboretum. The purpose of this recommendation is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the arboretum for future generations to enjoy. A third-party organization will be better equipped to provide oversight and fiduciary responsibility including grant writing, fundraising, capital improvements, educational and interpretive programming, and maintenance operations.
2. Consider the opportunities and challenges of partnering with an existing organization or developing a new one. 3. Secure a short-term agreement with the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park to act as a fiduciary partner.
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.12 Consider implementing a development program that would support philanthropic funding, grants, and loans to support capital improvement programs for the arboretum. Recommendation no.2 Complete a strategic planning process to define what the best strategy and direction is for the future of the arboretum
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
TASKS 1. Identify a formal boundary for the arboretum. • In order to begin discussions with any groups a boundary survey should be delineated. Special Note: The historical boundary of the arboretum is not easily defined, but is evident that it includes trees outside of the legal boundary that now defines The Village at Grand Traverse Commons property. A decision will have to be made whether the new boundary includes all, some, or none of the historical arboretum that is outside of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
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ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Friendly Garden Club Master Gardener of Northwest Michigan
PART IV: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.4 Develop an interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
Currently, no signage, maps, or guides exist in the arboretum with the exception of remaining tree tags that were implemented in 2000. The existing tree tags correspond with a GIS inventory that was completed at the same time. Today, many of the remaining tree tags are either broken or have been removed and the tree inventory data is unavailable to visitors.
Recommendation no.7 Develop a brand and identify for the arboretum that will support stronger communications with the community and visitors to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
The goal of this recommendation is to increase recreational opportunity by providing interactive and informational interpretive materials. The interpretive materials could be developed in several ways including printed maps that are available at a kiosk, interpretive signage, or even mobile applications.
The Minervini Group
STAKEHOLDERS The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
TASKS 1. Consider a variety of different interpretive material options and determine which are the most appropriate. • Consider working with a environmental designer or professional with related experience. Idea: Consider utilizing a range of interpretive materials from printed materials to mobile applications as a tool to appeal to a wider audience of visitors. 2. Implement short-term wayfinding and informational materials as a tool to build awareness about the arboretum. Idea: Purchase or construct two to three wayfinding kiosks that would provide information about the arboretum, maps, and information about how to support or get involved with care of the trees. 3. Develop a wayfinding master plan to guide the future implementation of interpretive and educational materials.
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RECOMMENDATION no.5 Review and update the Arboretum Management Plan every 5 years and on an as-needed basis OBJECTIVE
STAKEHOLDERS
The arboretum is a dynamic landscape and constantly changing and the management plan must be flexible and adaptive to these changes. Periodic review of the plan will provide an opportunity to ensure that the plan goals and recommendations are responsive to the changing landscape.
The Minervini Group
TASKS 1. Monitor plan tasks and report annually on progress of plan. 2. Develop a process for review. •Timetable for review and refinement •Process for approval of changes and refinements
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The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
PART IV: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.6 Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
An arboretum policy can provide an important tool for protecting and managing the trees and surrounding campus. Developing a framework of fundamental regulations can help strengthen their effectiveness and can assist in supporting the goals and recommendations of the management plan.
Recommendation no.1 Develop a site preservation and protection plan.
TASKS 1. Develop regulations that will provide for protection of the trees and surrounding campus. Regulations may include any one of the following topics: • Tree Planting & Maintenance • Land Use & Allowed Activities • Landscape Character • Construction Activities • Festivals, Events, & Public Use 2. Review all the current plans, documents, and ordinances that may affect the development of one unified arboretum policy. • Condominium documentation • Grand Traverse Commons Master Plan • City of Traverse City Zoning Ordinance • Garfield Township Zoning Ordinance • Historical Plans & Documents (i.e.District Plan) 3. Develop an arboretum use policy that supports festivals, events, and public use of the arboretum, but protects the arboretum and campus from damage and misuse.
Recommendation no.9 Improve the tree canopy and diversity of species through an improved tree planting program. Recommendation no.13 Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, businesses, festivals and event promoters, and the City of Traverse City whose activities impact the trees. Recommendation no.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees. Recommendation no.15 Develop a manual of best management practices that can be used by management and maintenance staff, project partners, others entities, and the community.
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association City of Traverse City Garfield Township
4. Develop a fee-for-service program that is widely supported by the community and user groups for festivals and events.
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RECOMMENDATION no.7 Develop a brand and identity for the arboretum that will support stronger communications with the community and visitors to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
Strong brands inspire people—how they think, feel and act. Building a strong brand requires both strategy and imagination. And when you bring them together, you get big ideas and even bigger outcomes.
Recommendation no.4 Develop an interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum.
A brand—an intangible asset—is often the most valuable asset of an organization. The development of a strong brand for the arboretum will support not only better communication of the vision, goals, and values, but influence the visitor experience in a positive way.
Recommendation no.11 Develop an outreach program to inform and educate the community about the historical significance, ecological benefits, and educational opportunities that exist in the arboretum.
STAKEHOLDERS TASKS 1. Work with a graphic artist to develop a logo and icon for the arboretum / organization. 2. Develop a web and online presence. • Build a website or blog • Utilize social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram)
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The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
PART IV: REGENERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.8 Develop a stronger data platform to maintain the tree inventory, improve management operations, and expand educational and interpretative programming OBJECTIVE The existing tree inventory data was mapped in 2000 using handheld computers or Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment. The data, which includes only tree genus, species, and common name, is stored in a Geographic Information System (GIS) format which limits its availability and flexibility of use. Included in the arboretum management planning process (2013) additional tree inventory has been added. Tree inventory software provides data storage and management to determine the quantity, quality, health, and risk level of the trees being managed, and provides important information such as potential planting sites. This allows the development of a predictable maintenance program and budget. The purpose of this recommendation is to evaluate all available options for data storage and acquire a management platform that is capable of multiple functions and dynamic use operations.
TASKS 1. Consider all available tree inventory programs and data platforms. • Weigh the potential differences between using a cloud platform versus a software platform
• Consider species, condition, maintenance and work history • Consider Urban Tree Canopy Assessment • Consider future expansion of the database and flexibility of the system • Consider public access and the ability to integrate the data to a website or mobile application. 2. Expand the inventory update program to regularly update the size, condition, and maintenance requirements of individual trees.
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.4 Develop an interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum. Recommendation no.11 Develop an outreach program to inform and educate the community about the historical significance, ecological benefits, and educational opportunities that exist in the arboretum. Recommendation no.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees.
• Available Data Platforms: The Davey Resource Group www.davey.com provides tree inventory software TreeKeeper 7.7 for management of urban forests. Morton Arboretum in Chicago, IL uses an integrated plants database that was developed specifically for them – www.mortonarb.org
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
2. Determine how comprehensive of an inventory is desired, what type of data would be useful, and how it will be used. 63
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RECOMMENDATION no.9 Improve the tree canopy and diversity of species through an improved tree planting program OBJECTIVE Expanding tree planting in the arboretum will bring many benefits to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. As older trees decline and are removed newly planted trees will have had time to mature. Additional trees will provide visual interest and expand opportunities in the arboretum for educational and interpretive recreation. Special Note: It can take over 20 years for a shade tree to mature and provide optimum ecological, economic, and social benefits to an urban forest or arboretum. Expanding tree planting programs will also provide the opportunity to expand diversity of tree species and collections—if the arboretum/organization determines it is suitable and desired by the surrounding community. Collections could include additional trees native to Michigan, the United States, and other countries.
• Consider species, condition, maintenance and work history • Consider Urban Tree Canopy Assessment • Consider future expansion of the database and flexibility of the system • Consider public access and the ability to integrate the data to a website or mobile application. 3. Verify with the State Historic Preservation Office on what is allowable under the current historic use regulations.
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees.
TASKS 1. Determine the direction the arboretum / organization will take as it relates to expanding its tree planting program.
STAKEHOLDERS
• Expanding the tree canopy and diversity of species in the arboretum will take time; care and thought should be taken when considering what direction the planting program will move in (i.e. species selections, planting locations, and availability of funding for young tree care and maintenance)
South Commons Condominium Association
2. Consider partnering with The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive to expand tree diversity by incorporating a collection of champion trees from around the world – www.ancienttreearchive.org
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The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Friendly Garden Club Master Gardener of Northwest Michigan Archangel Ancient Tree Archive Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
PART IV: REGENERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.10 Develop a Site Master Plan that will serve as a guide for future planning and design character OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
The development of a site master plan will provide comprehensive guidance and instruction for future design character, capital improvement planning, implementation, management requirements, and maintenance and operations of the arboretum. The master planning process is important to the future stewardship of the arboretum and it may be useful to complete the planning process together with strategic planning or once that process is completed.
Recommendation no.2 Complete a strategic planning process to define what the best strategy and direction is for the future of the arboretum
Consider the following design objectives when completing the master plan process: • Engage Public and Community Participation • Design for Broad Appeal & Universal Accessibility • Integrate Maintenance Planning into Design Process • Plan for Connectivity
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Friendly Garden Club Master Gardener of Northwest Michigan Archangel Ancient Tree Archive Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
• Choose the Right Materials • Mitigate Climate Change
TASKS 1. Work with a landscape architect or related professional to complete the master planning process. 2. Determine if philanthropic resources or grant programs currently exist that could assist in funding the plan.
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RECOMMENDATION no.11 Develop an outreach program to inform and educate the community about the historical significance, ecological benefits, and educational opportunities that exist in the arboretum OBJECTIVE The purpose of this recommendation is to educate, inform, and engage the broader community in the stewardship of the arboretum. Outreach efforts may include the following ideas to establish a successful program: • Creation and distribution of printed materials (i.e. maps, guides) that are educational and related to activities at the arboretum • Development of a program to notify partnering organizations, stakeholders, and the community of upcoming forestry related activities including tree trimming and removal. • Establishment of a volunteer program that focuses on recruitment, organization of activities, and providing information about ways people can get involved. • Establish partnerships with local businesses, governments, and organizations related to outdoor recreation.
TASKS 1. Develop arboretum outreach and educational materials. • Consider working with a professional marketing firm or related professional
4. Develop an annual or biannual report that provides a list of activities, achievements, and ongoing needs during the year. 5. Contact organizations and groups that provide nature and recreation based curriculums and encourage them to incorporate the arboretum into their educational program. Organizations and groups may include: • Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative (Grand Traverse Conservation District) • Traverse City Area Public Schools • Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education ‘Learn for Life” programs • Local summer camps
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.4 Develop an interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum. Recommendation no.7 Develop a brand and identity for the arboretum that will support stronger communications with the community and visitors to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
2. Develop regular communication lines with the community about the arboretum and its benefits.
STAKEHOLDERS
• Consider using a blend of traditional and social media tools
The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association
3. Develop a who-what-where-when protocol for communication of arboretum practices and activities.
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The Minervini Group South Commons Condominium Association Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
PART IV: REGENERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.12 Consider implementing a development program that would support philanthropic funding, grants, and loans to support capital improvement programs for the arboretum OBJECTIVE The arboretum and surrounding campus are currently owned and operated by The Minervini Group. Over a decade in the making, the complex brownfield redevelopment project includes reconstruction of several historic buildings, costly infrastructure upgrades, and over a 60 acre campus which includes the arboretum. Three separate condominium associations have been established as part of the redevelopment project that include: The Village at Grand Traverse, South Commons, and West Commons. Note: Before a development program can be established either a collaborative management agreement with a local organization needs to be executed (Recommendation no.3), a fiduciary partner established, or separate organization created. The purpose of this recommendation is to begin to prepare for future development and implementation by preparing to close a funding-gap that exists between condominiumgenerated dues and the desired level of arboretum management and stewardship that The Minervini Group, members of the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Board, and other surveyed community stakeholders desire. Grants, loans, and philanthropic support can provide an important source of funding to supplement on-going operation costs by providing funding that can be used for capital improvements, developing new programs, or catalyzing a new implementation project.
4. Pursue external partnerships with public agencies, public institutions, and organizations. 5. Ensure adequate staff or hired consultants are available to pursue grant, loan, and philanthropic opportunities and to oversee the management of the funding. • Consider initially partnering with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for organizational support: www.gtrcf.org 6. Develop a long-term sustaining approach for development that is dynamic and can respond to the everchanging and competitive grant, loan, and philanthropic marketplace. 5. Develop creative programs that can provide opportunities for the community to support through donations and volunteerism. • Adopt-A-Tree Program • Arboretum perpetual tree care fund
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.3 Work towards developing a collaborative management agreement with a local organization to assist and provide management, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the arboretum
STAKEHOLDERS TASKS 1. Develop a diversified funding plan • Consider all sources of funding from federal grant programs to local philanthropy 2. Develop clear and measurable fund development goals 3. Develop a systemic approach for tracking grant funding opportunities and cycles.
The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Northsky Nonprofit Network: www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org 69
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RECOMMENDATION no.13 Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, businesses, festivals and events whose activities impact the trees OBJECTIVE
STAKEHOLDERS
The arboretum in not only impacted by the activities of The Minervini Group and maintenance crews, but also by The City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Garfield Township, annual festivals, events, and contractors and developers. If there is no working relationship activities can have a negative impact on the arboretum and surrounding campus. A strong partnership with oversight and coordination can prevent certain negative activities from occurring in the first place —negative activities and unwanted consequences include cutting tree roots during excavation, trimming for utilities, tree removal for development, and compaction of soil and roots during construction, festivals, and events.
The Minervini Group
Strengthening partnerships with outside entities will allow for improved coordination and management of the arboretum. Developing working relationships with key members of staff will provide opportunities for collaboration and reduce the potential for negative impact their work can have on the arboretum.
The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association The City of Traverse City Garfield Township Grand Traverse County - The Pavilions Women’s Resource Center Porterhouse Productions Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Watershed Church
2013 FESTIVAL & EVENT SCHEDULE June 19
Annual Hagerty Picnic
June 21-22
Traverse City Wine & Art Festival
July 20
IPR’s 50th Anniversary Party
August 2
Running 4 Babies 5K–All around Campus
August 17
Bike-in Movie
TASKS
August 23-24 Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival
1. Identify all the organizations, festivals, and events whose activities impact the arboretum.
September 6 Annual Bocce Tournament
2. Identify contacts within these entities to begin developing working relationships.
September 28 Walk to End Alzheimer’s– All around Campus
3. Educate the organizations, festivals, and events on best practices that affect tree and soil health. 4. Develop a policy that ensures all tree issues have been addressed before development contracts are signed, construction activities commence, festivals and event permits are issued.
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September 7 Bob Russell Memorial Service
* There were also 2 weddings on the Front Lawn with more anticipated in the future
PART IV: MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees OBJECTIVE
TASKS
The arboretum includes hundreds of trees that are a tremendous asset to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, residents of Traverse City, and surrounding community. The trees provide thousands if not millions of dollars in net benefits each year. Benefits include strong real estate property values, recreational assets, community and festival event space, and hidden ecological benefits of managing stormwater, improving air quality, and lowering energy costs.
1. Develop a strategy to monitor and address threats to the arboretum.
The current maintenance program is limited to parttime management that includes mowing the arboretum grounds, leaf pickup, and hazardous tree and limb removal. The program is limited by available funding and restricted to hazardous and preventative maintenance.
• Utilize information from the tree inventory, available scouting reports, updates, pest alerts, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and USDA Forest Service. • Consider training volunteers to conduct field assessments and pest monitoring. 2. Move towards removing all trees that are dead or dying and stumps that remain. 3. Develop a maintenance pruning cycle. 4. Develop a program where new trees are planted immediately following tree removals.
Current 2013 arboretum maintenance program: • Tree Field Investigation / Scouting: hazardous tree assessments only • Pruning: no routine pruning; only for hazardous tree and limb removal and storm damage • Tree Removal: removal of hazardous trees
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.6 Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum.
• Stump Removal: as funds allow • Mowing: Different areas receive different treatments • Leaf and debris removal: seasonal activity that occurs during the spring and fall seasons • Lawn irrigation: limited to areas adjacent to buildings The purpose of this recommendation is to transition to a proactive maintenance program that will improve the visitor experience, lifespan of the trees, value, and sustainability of the arboretum.
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
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RECOMMENDATION no.15 Develop a manual of best management practices that can be used by management and maintenance staff, project partners, others entities, and the community OBJECTIVE Best management practices (BMPs), refer to a practice, or combination of practices, that is determined to be an effective and practicable means of managing and maintaining a sustainable arboretum. Consolidating the methods into a set of BMPs will better inform staff, outside entities, and the community to arboretum related practices, policies, and operations. The purpose of this recommendation is to identify and develop BMPs that address specific practices related to the arboretum. The practices should address the management of the trees and grounds and be communicated through the development of a BMPs manual. The manual will improve standards to be used when planting, maintaining, working around and planning for trees.
TASKS 1. Identify activities that occur in the arboretum or adjacent to the arboretum that would benefit from having a best management practice (BMPs). • Site selection and planting details • Species selection • Tree pruning and removal - hazardous tree identification standards • Tree removal decision process • Post planting care and maintenance • Resident notification of upcoming events • Resident and community outreach and engagement regarding forestry activities
• Tree protection for construction activities: tree root zone protection • Coordination between external entities and organizations • Sidewalk and root conflicts 2. Research BMPs that support ecological functions of the arboretum. 3. Document current practices. 4. Develop a BMP manual as a single source of information. 5. Educate maintenance staff on BMPs. 6. Develop an enforcement system to ensure BMPs are followed by staff and contractors.
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation no.1 Develop a site preservation and protection plan. Recommendation no.5 Review and update the Arboretum Management Plan every 5 years and on an as-needed basis. Recommendation no.6 Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum. Recommendation no.13 Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, businesses, festivals and events whose activities impact the trees
• Tree preservation
STAKEHOLDERS
• Stormwater management
The Minervini Group
• Criteria for identification of landmark/special trees
The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association
• Inventory update procedures
South Commons Condominium Association
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PART IV: MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION no.16 Develop a life-cycle analysis and eco-balance program for all trees in the arboretum OBJECTIVE
RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS
When considering all aspects of sustainability and the life cycle of a tree it is important to consider the life of a tree from the time of planting, life-long maintenance to proper use and/or disposal of the wood generated when a tree is removed. Currently, each year the arboretum is removing anywhere from three to five trees on up to twenty depending on a variety of factors. The tree waste generated is either shredded or chipped and in some cases tree waste has been used to create firewood for a woodfired bakery in the Village.
Recommendation no.1 Develop a site preservation and protection plan.
This recommendation addresses the end of a tree’s life cycle and identifies strategies to extend the resource after it is removed from the arboretum. The purpose of this recommendation is to develop creative ideas for reusing a tree at the end of its life-cycle.
Recommendation no.14 Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees.
TASKS 1. Identify potential partnerships with businesses or organizations that would purchase or remove at no cost wood and wood debris after a tree is removed. • Partner with The Village bakery to continue to provide firewood for their wood fired ovens • Partner with wood workers or artists to make products from arboretum trees that could then be sold as a fundraiser
Recommendation no.3 Work towards developing a collaborative management agreement with a local organization to assist and provide management, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the arboretum Recommendation no.6 Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum.
Recommendation no.15 Develop a manual of best management practices that can be used by management and maintenance staff, project partners, others entities, and the community.
STAKEHOLDERS The Minervini Group The Village at Grand Traverse Condominium Association South Commons Condominium Association
• Develop a woodworking studio at an unused building and hold woodworking classes. 2. Establish criteria for determining which trees have a higher potential end-of-life use. 3. Implement a pilot program to test the feasibility of the preferred strategies.
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Part V:
Best Practices DESIGN 78 Engaging Public and Community Participation 78
Designing for Broad Appeal & Universal Accessibility
79
Integrating Maintenance Planning into Design Process
79
Planning for Connectivity
80
Choosing the Right Materials
80
Mitigating Climate Change
81
Implementing a Public Information and Education Program
84
Developing Maintenance Plans and Schedules
85
Soil, Water, and Vegetation Assessment Practices
85
Using Integrated Pest Management
POLICY FRAMEWORK
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS 81
Obtaining Maintenance Funding: An Opportunity to Partner
81
Expanding Capital Expenditures
81
Integrating Maintenance & Operations Staff Training Into The Planning & Design Process
86
Adopting a Policy Framework
86
Inviting Public Use and Access
87
Supporting Festivals & Events
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Construction Best Practices
Part V contains Best Practices in planning and design, maintenance and operations, and policy. Best Practices are a guide for improving the arboretum design, developing sustainable maintenance costs, as well as increasing the lifespan of the arboretum grounds. Understanding the site constraints and future costs of maintenance will improve the success of implementation efforts and reduce maintenance and reconstruction costs. Construction best practices will minimize the possibility of damage caused by heavy equipment, excavation, and earthwork. Maintenance and operations are the most important of any successful arboretum, and incorporation of maintenance concerns will improve the ability of the operations division to maintain the arboretum grounds successfully. 77
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DESIGN Engaging Public and Community Participation Benefits: • Promotes a sense of ownership of the arboretum • Encourages involvement of outside organizations and volunteers to maintain the arboretum grounds • Expands the opportunity for education and learning • Incorporates history and culture Community involvement is the most important ingredient in successful public spaces—including arboretums and campuses. Although the arboretum is not on public land, the Minervini Group and The Village at Grand Traverse have already set the stage and invited the public to enjoy the arboretum grounds and surrounding village campus. Merchants and tenants of the Mercato and condominium owners have developed a sense of ownership for the campus that surrounds Building 50 and are currently working towards implementing landscape improvements and beautification. The arboretum grounds are interconnected with Building 50 and surrounding campus and long have been considered as shared space for both visitors and tenants of The Village to enjoy. Identifying a “formal boundary” around the arboretum will be challenging and community involvement and a participatory design process is recommended. A participatory design process will engage local residents, stakeholders and adjoining property owners, and the surrounding community in the formalization of the arboretum. A community-driven process can inspire long-term stewardship initiatives and provide for a better design process by depth of knowledge and therefore a better understanding about the arboretum.
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ORGANIZE A STEERING COMMITTEE TO LEAD THE PROCESS Organizing a representative group of stakeholders or steering committee is recommended prior to engaging public and community participation. The committee will assist in facilitating a participatory process and connect with a network of local volunteers, groups devoted to caring for gardens and landscape, and can connect designers to key stakeholders who can inform the design process.
INCLUDE SUFFICIENT BACKGROUND & HISTORY OF THE PLACE Reach out to locals who know the arboretum best and can share their knowledge. Consider engaging former staff that worked at the State Psychiatric Hospital, local historians, The History Center of Traverse City, among others. Ask about what the arboretum grounds were like and how they were used. Encourage the historians to provide cultural and historically significant features that may help inform the design and re-imagining of the arboretum that is resonant of the past.
CONSIDER CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS • Go to where user groups congregate to interview them, as a full range of users do not always attend meetings • Seek participation from not only park users, but adjacent point sources of users such as schools (Greenspire School, West Middle School, and TBAISD).
MAKE IT ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY Treat the community as a partner in seeking the best management plan, design, and operation for
the future of the arboretum. Consider opportunities for the community to aid in planning, building, or maintaining elements of the arboretum: • Adopt a Tree Program • Its My Arboretum Day • Tree Planting Projects • Community-created art
Designing For Broad Appeal & Universal Accessibility Benefits: • Encourages use by less engaged groups • Provides a variety of levels of experience • Encourages social interaction • Ensures compliance with ADA guidelines and Universal Access best management practices The majority of the arboretum grounds have limited access and only allow ablebodied users to access the full extent of the arboretum. Future design of the arboretum should consider a diversified range of users and provide for accommodations that improve the user experience for all ages and abilities. Considerations should be made for persons with mobility, visual, cognitive, and hearing impairments. Designing for accessibility may include: • Regrading areas of the grounds to eliminate steep barriers • Providing for accessible and direct routes from parking areas to Building 50 and other buildings that play a supporting role to activities in the arboretum.
PART V: BEST PRACTICES
MAINTAIN AND DESIGN NEW SPACE FOR FLEXIBLE USE Design of the arboretum grounds should consider a variety of programming and different uses that might occur overtime. Maintaining the “Front Lawn” and other open lawn areas where larger events can occur will provide greater flexibility of use and allow for different uses.
PROVIDE INTERESTING PATHWAYS TO ENCOURAGE USE OF THE ARBORETUM Not only is it important to provide pleasant pathways and sidewalks throughout the arboretums grounds, but also consider viewsheds, places to sit and relax, access to bathrooms, and circulation routes or circuits.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Refer to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. www.ada.gov
Integrating Maintenance Planning Into Design Process
produce results that are more sustainable, resilient, attractive, and cost effective overtime. Maintenance staff and contracted service representatives need to be engaged during the planning stage to provide input about proposed design and material changes that could effect long-term cost. Maintenance costs for the arboretum will far exceed the cost of any improvements done which outlines and supports how important it is to understand long-term capital maintenance. Any reduction in maintenance costs, when multiplied overtime will provide a significant cost savings to the arboretum.
DEVELOP ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF MAINTENANCE A general consensus on the acceptable levels of maintenance will ease concerns of merchants, condominium owners, and visitors to the arboretum on what they should expect. Identify the “Level of Service” that is most desirable and attainable financially—refer to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) tiered level of service standards. Level of service range from (1) highest to (6) lowest.
• Improves the vested interest of the maintenance staff Integrating maintenance considerations into the planning and design process to restore the arboretum for long-term use will
It will be important when planning and designing for the future that connectivity be considered. The arboretum does not have a formal parking area and therefore most users arrive on foot from nearby parking or the surrounding neighborhoods. If connectivity efforts can be planned in tandem with other planning not only will the arboretum benefit, but it can lay the ground work for revitalizing streetscapes, developing green infrastructure, and supporting active modes of transportation.
EVALUATE THE ARBORETUM AND ITS PROXIMITY TO A NETWORK OF ADJACENT LAND USES The arboretum’s location at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons makes it highly attractive to be the central wayfinding point to surrounding parks, trails, and open spaces. Other recreational and park lands to consider connecting to include: • Historic Barns Park
• Trails and pathways throughout the Grand Traverse Commons • The Pavilions Campus
Benefits:
• Increases the likelihood that improvements will be maintained properly
• Increases the opportunity for chance encounters and social opportunity
• The Botanical Garden at Historic Barns Park
Planning For Connectivity • More resilient design that will be more cost-effective overtime
• Provides the opportunity to enhance and improve the watershed
Benefits:
• Munson Medical Center Campus
• Expands the opportunity for active modes of transportation
• City of Traverse City Parkland
• Provides the opportunity for neighbors to share the complimentary resource
• TBAISD campus and sports fields • Greenspire school campus
• Increases use and improves park vitality • Increases the opportunity for expanded greenbelts and native landscape areas
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DESIGN Building a simple map to start showing all of the surrounding land uses will be a useful tool when planning for connectivity. Mapping existing pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation routes, highlighting cultural or historically significant resources, identifying greenways, wetlands, and wildlife corridors, public transportation, and other points of interest will all be useful when determining how connectivity can be expanded and the opportunity for cross-programming and collaboration with nearby organizations can be developed.
Choosing The Right Materials
BENEFITS BENEFITS • Using locally produced materials may reduce cost, lower transportation costs, and benefit the local economy
• Create habitat connectivity along the existing creek corridor • Enhance watershed connectivity by improving overland flow of water and natural drainage areas • Expand the greenways and bicycle infrastructure to link different recreational and park areas in the Grand Traverse Commons
• Reduces energy consumption
Whether climate change and/or global warming is officially happening we may never know - we do know however that changes in weather patterns are occurring and strategies should be put in place to mitigate the affects of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of the arboretum.
Considering the full life span and impact of the materials production should be carefully evaluated before selecting materials to be used in the arboretum. The careful selection of materials can have a significant positive impact on climate change, air pollution, ecological destruction, and loss of natural resources. Material selection needs should also consider the following guidelines: • Quality and overall durability is important • Materials should have low toxicity
• Separate bicycles from pedestrians when possible
• Use materials that are made from waste from other industries (i.e. agricultural)
• Provide designated circulation routes or walking loops
• Use renewable materials
• Expand visual character and views by connecting users with appealing corridors and viewsheds of landscape and architectural features • Capitalize on borrowed views and existing viewsheds into and out of the arboretum
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• An increased tree canopy can help sequester carbon dioxide • Trees and landscapes can reduce ambient temperatures by evaporative cooling
• Design park circulation for universal access and barrier-free accessibility
• Consider safety concerns in remote areas of the arboretum
• Allows the arboretum and surrounding landscaped grounds to remain resilient
• Increase resiliency such as resistant to rot and vandalism • Reduces construction waste disposal
OTHER IDEAS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR CONNECTIVITY
Mitigating Climate Change
• Use recycled materials when possible
• Use local materials • Use materials that were produced using renewable energy such as wind or solar • Use sustainable harvested materials • Consider the service life of the material
PART V: BEST PRACTICES
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS Obtaining Maintenance Funding: An Opportunity To Partner BENEFITS • A well maintained arboretum will serve The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and surrounding Grand Traverse Commons better and promote increased activity and economic resiliency • Well maintained trees will live longer • Improved natural infrastructure will provide greater environmental benefits Funding for the arboretum currently exists as capital outlay by The Minervini Group—as part of the overall redevelopment investment of Building 50 and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The timeframe for completion of the 63 acre redevelopment project is unknown and the portion of property that includes the arboretum is complex and includes two condominium associations (The Village at Grand Traverse and South Commons), The county owned Pavilions, and The Women’s Resource Center. The complexity of ownership lends itself to partnering with an existing organization or developing a “third-party” group of stakeholders that would seek to increase levels of park maintenance funding. Partnering to support funding for maintenance can be looked at creatively in several ways. Ownership groups could come together to form a type of “development corporation” that would cost share maintenance costs or The Village at Grand Traverse Commons (which currently is a Renaissance Zone) could apply to the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township that a portion of their property taxes be used for landowner payments in lieu of taxes. Obviously, condominium owners at The Village already pay home owner association (HOA) dues and the simple an-
swer would be to use those dues collected for maintenance; however, the arboretum serves a much greater audience and user base and provides an asset that goes far behind the benefits that condominium owners will ever see in a return.
Integrating Maintenance & Operations Staff Training Into The Planning & Design Process BENEFITS
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN STRATEGIZING OPPORTUNITIES TO OBTAIN FUNDING • Incorporate revenue generating opportunities and facilities into the arboretum (festivals and events already pay a registration and use fee - consider other new facilities that may include a bike rental, pavilion, or concessions) • Prepare a database of maintenance costs and capital expenditures needed for the arboretum
Expanding Capital Expenditures
• Fosters a greater understanding and awareness by maintenance staff • Allows the organizations staff to develop working relationships with contractors or subcontractors who may be used in future maintenance or improvements of the arboretum The maintenance and operations personnel are key to a successful maintenance program. Ensuring that all staff are educated on how improvements were constructed will provide a direct benefit to how they are operated and maintained.
BENEFITS
Implementing A Public Information And Education Program
• Provides money to properly maintain existing and newly planted trees
BENEFITS
• Allows for an expanded maintenance program to care for not only the trees, but surrounding grounds Expanding capital expenditures for the arboretum will provide for a proactive maintenance program and expanded maintenance plan that incorporates critical pre-maintenance costs associated with newly installed trees, vegetation, and grass. The expanded outlay plan will also allow the managing organization / staff to purchase equipment and receive proper training to carry out the maintenance program.
• Increased public awareness of what is to be expected as it relates to the level of service for maintenance standards this includes merchants of the Mercato and condominium owners • Provides information about the benefits of maintenance including fertilization, tree trimming, and removals. • Explains the annual schedule of work The community at-large often struggles to understand the design intent of landscapes —even maintenance consultants often do not have a clear understanding from the planner or designer of that landscape of 81
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PART V: BEST PRACTICES
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MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS what their vision is. The poor communication and lack of understanding often results in mixed responses to new maintenance operations including green infrastructure and naturalized or native areas. By developing an education program for maintenance the community will have a greater understanding of the needs of the arboretum and grounds - if the pubic understands the value they will be more invested in its long-term success. With a strong public information and education program the arboretum and surrounding grounds will benefit the most. For example, lawn areas will have a better chance of establishing after festivals or other peak-use times because the public will understand that work needs to be done to restore the grass and why trees and limbs have to be proactively removed for safety.
USE INFORMATIONAL SIGNAGE TO INFORM VISITORS AND THE COMMUNITY ABOUT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION ACTIVITY IN THE ARBORETUM • Provide information about maintenance operations in a positive and entertaining format • Show illustrations or graphics of the arboretum grounds and landscape functions • Demonstrate the hidden ecological benefits of trees including uptake of toxic chemicals and their contribution to stormwater management - provide them in fun and exciting “fact” format • Include the maintenance and operational investment so the community understands the extent of the investment • Show a phased plan showing future areas to be improved or planted with new trees 84
• Highlight sustainable practices • Provide access and locations visitors and the community can learn more about the arboretum (For example: A website or The History Center of Traverse City)
Developing Maintenance Plans And Schedules BENEFITS • Identifies future maintenance staffing needs • Identifies future equipment upgrades and associated costs • Provides a detailed schedule of staffing requirement that provides a basis for scheduling • Identifies material costs • Provides a basis for budgeting speciality maintenance and capital replacement • Provides a baseline for staff performance over time Maintenance plans serve as detailed work plans for future use by administration and staff. The plan should include at a minimum the following information: • Specific maintenance activities / task description • Type of task or maintenance to be performed • Frequency (Daily or more, Weekly, Monthly, Seasonally, Annually, Longterm) • Methods to complete tasks
Worker, Permanent Staff, Contractor) • Equipment required (Bucket truck, Mower, Trailer) • Estimated staff hours • Extraneous costs / materials Consider that maintenance plans will be making assumptions about staff levels and future costs and if staffing levels change it could effect future costs. Maintenance plans should also take into account the dynamic conditions of the arboretum and be aware of cost spikes that may occur because of disease, ice, or wind storms that requires staff to complete a large scale pruning and limb removal.
DEVELOP A MAINTENANCE PLAN TEMPLATE CUSTOMIZED FOR THE ARBORETUM • The customized template will provide consistency between in-house staff and outside consultants and contractors who are completing work
FOR ALL NEW IMPROVEMENTS DEVELOP A MAINTENANCE PLAN DURING THE PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS • Meet with maintenance staff during the development of plans • Develop common goals and objectives for the improvements and discuss the anticipated levels of service • Discuss design ideas and different types of maintenance required • Identify standard, nonstandard, and specialized maintenance procedures
• Available resources
• Discuss anticipated staffing requirements and equipment needs
• Size, type, and skills of crews required (Volunteer, Skilled Volunteer, Seasonal
• Discuss the need for onsite maintenance facilities or equipment storage
PART V: BEST PRACTICES
ESTABLISH MAINTENANCE ZONES IN THE ARBORETUM THAT MAY HAVE VARYING LEVELS OF SERVICE • Consider visibility and levels of use when determining zones
At a minimum the following examination of soils should be completed initially and then on an as-needed basis:
On-site Testing: Texture assessment, soil compaction analysis using a cone penetrometer, test pits or soil borings, drainage, and site observation
• Develop a diagrammatic plan illustrating the zones and that is scalable so accurate work and cost requirements can be estimated
Soil, Water, And Vegetation Assessment Practices
Water considerations for the arboretum may include surface and storm water management, potable water needs, and irrigation. The presence or absence of water and related elements will affect decisions on the design of the arboretum, the ability to infiltrate stormwater, and the ability to implement best practices.
BENEFITS • Understanding landscape performance and natural processes onsite can improve the overall health of the arboretum, specifically the trees Soil, water, and vegetation assessments are critical when achieving high performance standards and overall landscape health. Soil characteristics specifically are major factors in the health of vegetation (trees) and water management. Determining soil conditions and continuing to monitor them are critical - drainage rates and permeabilty, amendment requirements, and other characteristics should be considered.
Laboratory Testing: physical analysis, nutrient content and chemical analysis, compaction analysis, biological testing)
Vegetation is a primary determinant of site character and future development. The health of the existing vegetation can be used as indicators of site conditions to use in plant selection. The soils and water systems on-site, as well as the existing and desired programming for the arboretum, will all influence decisions about plant choices and siting.
Using Integrated Pest Management BENEFITS • Reduces human health hazards • Reduces the use of toxic chemicals that can pollute the soil, air, and water • Maintains a quality of habitat for wildlife • Reduces the cost of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers IPM or integrated pest management will introduce techniques in maintenance to control disease, pests, and invasive plants and mange beneficial organisms in an ecological context. IPM is a systems approach to pest management based on an understanding of pest ecology. It relies on a proactive and preventive approach of biological controls to keep pest populations within acceptable limits. The dynamic nature of a biointensive IPM strategy make it useful for landscapes accessible to the public.
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POLICY FRAMEWORK Adopting A Policy Framework BENEFITS • Protection of the trees, grounds, and surrounding campus • Improves the user experience • Strengthens the effectiveness of the management plan • Defines allowable uses • Improves communication with festival and event promoters, the public, and at-large community An arboretum policy can provide an important tool for protecting and managing the trees and surrounding campus. Developing a framework of fundamental regulations can help strengthen policies and can assist in the support of the goals and recommendations of the management plan. A very limited formal use policy currently exists for the arboretum. User requests and applications for festivals and events are handled on a case by case basis. The development of a policy framework would benefit the application process and provide standardized procedures for reviewing festival and event applications. Everyone would benefit from an arboretum policy including the arboretum and protection of the trees and grounds, festivals and events, and visitors - by understanding the expectations and clarifying the status of what is already in motion.
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NEW ORDINANCES OR RULES THAT WILL ASSIST AND SUPPORT THE GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS: • Trees and Vegetation - Addresses tree maintenance guidelines for public safety and new tree planting regulations • Construction Activities - Outlines protection measures for trees and other natural features, addresses site plan review and approval and development regulations, and other natural features related to site development • Landscape - Addresses landscape character, screening and buffer requirements for development in The Village • Festivals, Events, & Public Use - Addresses an application process to request use of the arboretum grounds and outlines regulations related to safety, access, sound, crowd control, duration, parking, accessibility, and more • Land Use - Outlines allowed and “desirable” land use in The Village, may include a site master plan as a guideline for planned future development
Although a private development, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons boasts a lively mixed-use atmosphere that is inviting to the visitors, adjacent neighborhoods, and the surrounding community. The redevelopment is unique in that the majority is held in open greenspace which will never be developed and historically was designed as a campus. The public is naturally drawn to The Village and arboretum which creates both positive results and negative - maintaining a “common ground” relationship with the public will be critical for the success of both The Village and surrounding arboretum grounds.
START WITH A UNIVERSAL SET OF RULES THAT EVERYONE HAS TO FOLLOW • Please Protect Our Plant Collections • The Arboretum at The Village is intended for the study of trees and plants and the passive appreciation of nature. Activities must be conducted in a manner that does not impact or deter the general public’s enjoyment of the Arboretum • Groups and individuals using the Arboretum should be aware of the following rules:
1. Picking or destroying plant material is strictly prohibited
2. Climbing trees is not allowed nor is walking in plant beds or mulched areas
3. Dogs must be leashed at all times Owners are responsible for removal and disposal of all waste
• Increases foot traffic to support The Village’s commercial businesses
• The community-at-large can be an asset as it relates to volunteerism and financially supporting the arboretum
4. Motor vehicles are not allowed without a special permit for individuals with mobility issues
5. Picnicking, fires, and barbecues are prohibited
• Strengthens the effectiveness of the management plan
6. Organized group sports and commercial film crews are prohibited
Inviting Public Use And Access BENEFITS
PART V: BEST PRACTICES
7. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths
Construction Best Practices BENEFITS
Supporting Festivals And Events BENEFITS • Increases foot traffic to support The Village’s commercial businesses • Provides an additional revenue source • Increases the richness of culture and diversity at The Village Festivals and events have already become popular on the arboretum grounds, specifically the Front Lawn which offers scenic views of the both the surrounding arboretum and historic Building 50. Festivals and events however can bring as many challenges as they do opportunities, especially if the carrying capacity of the arboretum is exceeded and long-term damage begins to occur. Implementing a policy framework will provide both festivals and events and the arboretum with the opportunity to grow and flourish. ENGAGING THE EVENT PROMOTERS In order to show support for the existing festivals and events it will be important to include event promoters in the planning process to develop a policy framework. They will offer valuable input as it relates to on-the-ground information and functional use of spaces, circulation, among other information.
• Minimize construction damage to arboretum grounds (i.e. soil, trees)
• Create construction staging & sequencing plans • Reduce diesel emissions • Implement a recycling & waste management plan
• Decreases maintenance costs
• Improve contractor qualification evaluation and maintenance staff training
• Increases the lifespan of the trees and plants
• Implement a public information program during construction
Often long term maintenance problems and tree decline can be directly attributed to poor construction practices that damage vegetation or result in irreversibly compacted soils. Unfortunately, the effects of this damage may not become visible for a year or two after a contractor has completed the work.
• Develop a comprehensive program for all trees to assess soil compaction and soil volume
Improper construction planning, lax oversight, or lack of knowledge among contractors or supervising project managers all contribute to poor long term performance of the arboretum and surrounding grounds. Inadequate practices along with improper design are symptomatic of a larger problem - not thinking about long term performance and the life cycle of plants and materials.
• Require tree protection deposits from developers and hold for “x” amount of years after construction. Tree damage may not become evident for 2-5 years.
Construction best practices will make the arboretum more sustainable. The environmental impacts of construction can be greatly improved by adopting more stringent contractor performance requirements. In the end, improving the way development occurs that is adjacent to the arboretum should improve the performance of trees and surrounding grounds, help conserve resources, and mitigate unintended environmental degradation associated with construction.
• Put up permanent chain link fencing around trees during construction with an attached notice that details who to call to report a violation
• Promote management activities that can have a positive impact on stormwater and air quality • Create guidelines for species selection that provide enhanced habitat functions
Implementation Ideas To Consider • Integrate constructability reviews into the design process. • Use proactive procurement strategies. 87
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Part VI:
Next Steps 90 OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS 92
IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
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Opportunities for developing partnerships The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and surrounding 63-acre campus that includes a historic arboretum of trees is a complex site that includes multiple layers of redevelopment and adaptive reuse. For more than a decade developer Ray Minervini and the Minervini Group have been hard at work implementing their vision to recreate the state hospital buildings and grounds into a mixed-use development. Multiple condominium associations have been created, outside developers have purchased portions, and The Minervini Group continues to provide operations and management of the work that has been completed to date. The overwhelming task of developing historic Building 50 and continued development of surrounding accessory buildings has been a great accomplishment. The approximate 15+ acres of The Village campus that constitutes the arboretum grounds intertwines itself around Building 50, the Front Lawn and south along existing buildings that sit vacant and are awaiting redevelopment. This is where the complexity lies and this is where an opportunity exists to develop a partnership with an organization or encourage the creation of a new one. The Minervini Group has expressed pride and a sense of responsibility towards the arboretum of trees; however, they also understand that the arboretum is not just an asset of The Village, but the greater community of Traverse City and State of Michigan. They want to see the arboretum thrive and be sustainable and understand that by securing a partnership with a third-party organization it will increase the opportunities for success. If a partnership is created, a critical part of the planning process and changeover will be to establish clear steps for a transition of management and operations.
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Steps involved may include: • Empower an advisory committee • Identify an organization • Complete a strategic planning process • Bring together the landowners • Identify an arboretum boundary • Employ pilot / test projects • Facilitate better communication • Track and evaluate progress Understanding what the steps are for moving forward will provide everyone with a clear vision of how to proceed. Everyone, including consultants, needs to join the effort. Below is an expanded explanation of the steps involved to secure a partnership and secure healthy stewardship for generations to come. Empower an advisory committee: By vesting the responsibility for completing a successful planning effort and transition it will only make the process stronger and build support from residents of The Village, Grand Traverse Commons neighbors, municipal property owners and community of Traverse City. The lead responsibility for research and providing oversight of the process should be vested with a specific committee or staff person. Identify an organization: Common sense lends itself to believe the Botanical Garden at Historic Barns Park (the project partner on this management plan) is the textbook partner - they are currently operating a public garden within the Grand Traverse Commons. Other organizations do exist in the Grand Traverse Area and a process to vet those options is recommended. The option to create a new organization also exists.
PART VI: NEXT STEPS
Complete a strategic planning process: By completing a strategic planning process all the alternatives can be discussed, evaluated and weighed against the existing conditions and recommendations laid out in the management plan. Bring together the landowners: Without bringing together the landowners the planning process is not possible. The complexity of land ownership will provide both opportunities and challenges. Identify an arboretum boundary: The historic state hospital arboretum boundary changed many times over the past century - a new boundary needs to be identified in order to move forward.
Employ pilot / test projects: Pilot projects can provide the opportunity to study a potential partnership opportunity. Pilot projects can be used to develop specifics related to details and other standards that may need to be developed. Facilitate better communication: Frequent discussion by ownership groups, condominium association boards, municipal partners, and other outside organizations will be instrumental to a successful planning and transition process. Track and evaluate progress: The success of this process will be measured by the results of the transition. Testing and evaluating progress throughout the planning process will be important to the success of the overall project.
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IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN This document sets forth suggested tasks laid out in the recommendations that support the vision and goals of the plan. Some of the management plan’s recommendations will require coordination with other organizations, include sub-tasks and require that some recommendations be completed before others can be considered. Some best practices will require a reevaluation and assessment of current standards and management practices. For the recommendations to succeed, The Minervini Group will need to work together with stakeholders, outside organizations and the community. Compliance with other existing authorities (The Village condominium documents, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service Office of the Interior, Traverse City Zoning Ordinance, Garfield Township Zoning Ordinance, Grand Traverse Commons Master Plan and draft zoning) initiatives will also affect implementation of the plan. Many of these mandates and regulations will need to be closely evaluated and in some cases require changes in order to carry out implementation.
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In addition, to implement new management, operational, and maintenance programs, The Minervini Group will need to explain its management plan vision and goals. Residents, approval bodies and boards, elected officials, developers, advocacy groups, and all of the other stakeholders who are invested in how The Village at Grand Traverse Commons infrastructure and resources are allocated, designed, and maintained should be treated as partners in The Minervini’s efforts.
PART VI: NEXT STEPS
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Part VII:
Appendices APPENDIX A 96 Acknowledgments APPENDIX B 97
Relevant Village at Grand Traverse Policies and Guidelines
APPENDIX C 100 Survey of Project Partners
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Acknowledgments
Special Thanks Grant Funding Michigan Department Of Natural Resources - Forest Resources Division Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Grant Fiduciary The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Tree Donations & Installation Archangel Ancient Tree Archive Schmuckal Transplanting Schichtel Tree Nursery MAM Contracting PRIMARY AUTHORS Influence Design Forum Nathan Elkins Influence Design Forum Project Fellows Dusty Christenson, RCA PC Emily Mitchell, Nielsen Design Group IMAGE CONTRIBUTORS The Minervini Group, Kristen Messner History Center of Traverse City Archives, Peg Siciliano TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTORS TRI-TURF, Tom Reed Sr. RCA, PC GRAPHIC DESIGN Emily Mitchell, Nielsen Design Group TECHNICAL EDITING Influence Design Forum 96
PART VII: APPENDICES
RELEVANT VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES There are a number of city guidelines that can be used by Parks Department designers to inform their approach. While some of these guidelines do not directly regulate the Parks Department, the thorough approach and research that has gone into these documents provides a great deal of useful of information. DISTRICT PLAN, 1994 GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS MASTER PLAN, 2009 CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY MASTER PLAN, 2009 THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTATION SOUTH COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTATION CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY ZONING ORDINANCE GARFIELD TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION STANDARDS & GUIDELINES, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, SECRETARY OF INTERIOR
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PART VII: APPENDICES
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Survey OF PROJECT PARTNERS / PART 1 VISION 1. Would you like to see the arboretum remain as it is today or grow and change into a more formal arboretum that contains different collections of trees and woody plants? j Remain
the same
j Somewhere
in the middle
j Contain
formal tree collections with a diversity of species
2. Throughout The Arboretum, do you feel there are too few or too many trees? j Too
Few
j Just
Enough
j Too
Many
4. If new trees are planted in The Arboretum what type would you prefer? j Only
trees native to Michigan
j Trees
from around the United States
j Trees
from around the World
j Native
trees and collections from around the United States
j Native
trees and collections from around the World
j Non-native
or Event
j Building
50 and The Mercato
j Historic
Significance of the Trees
j Other
3. Do you feel there are enough different species (diversity) of trees in the existing Arboretum? j Not
Enough Diversity
j Enough j Too
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Diversity
Much Diversity
and Leisure Time
j Concert
j Diversity
j Not
Likely
j Maybe j Most
Likely
trees only
5. What draws you to The Arboretum? j Recreation
6. Could you ever imagine The Arboretum becoming a place for research, tree and other woody plant archives, rare or endangered collections?
of Tree Collections
7. If you could have one over-arching goal for The Arboretum and its future what would it be?
PART VII: APPENDICES
Survey / PART 2 MANAGEMENT 1. Throughout the Arboretum, how do you perceive the condition or health of the trees?
4. Overall, how do you feel about the importance of protection measures for the trees?
j Poor
j Not
Health
Important
j Average
Health
j Somewhat
j Overall
Good Health
j Very
Important
Important
7. Would it be important for you to know an arborist or other certified professional completes regular scouting reports of The Arboretum to monitor disease, insect infestations, and hazardous conditions? j Not
2. Would you like to see more trees planted in The Arboretum, or just replaced when they become impaired or die?
5. Are you concerned concerts and events on the Front Lawn and in The Arboretum could cause damage to the trees?
j No
j Not
more new trees
j Only j Plant
Concerned
replace when they die
j Somewhat
additional new trees
j Highly
Concerned
Concerned
Important
j Somewhat j Very
Important
Important
8. If a maintenance program were established what type of program would you prefer? j Proactive
Maintenance
j Maintenance
3. Overall, how well do you feel the trees in The Arboretum are managed and maintained? j More
Maintenance and Management Needed
j Very
Well Maintained
6. How do you feel about the idea of expanding programs to provide a more dynamic set of data? By the end of this project all of the tree inventory in The Arboretum will have been surveyed using Geographic Information System Software; however, some of the previously completed inventory is out-of-date and the overall data platform is limited for management operations. j Not
j No
as needed
Maintenance
9. Do you feel The Arboretum needs a master plan? j No j Yes j Not
Sure
Interested
j Somewhat j Very
Interested
Interested
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Survey / PART 3 PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH 1. Do you feel community outreach and the opportunity to partner with local organizations is important to the success and sustainability of The Arboretum?
3. Do you feel most visitors to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons understand the historical significance of The Arboretum?
j Not
j Maybe
Really
j Maybe j Yes,
j Not
Likely
j Most
Likely
5. The Arboretum is located in the private development of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Do you think this makes community members and visitors less likely to visit and spend time walking the grounds? j No j Not
Definitely
Really Sure
j Yes
2. If a master plan was developed for The Arboretum do you feel non-profits and/or other organizations could play a role in community outreach, funding, and assisting with plan implementation? j Not
Likely
j Maybe j Most
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Likely
4. While the trees in The Arboretum are beautiful to walk around, they also provide hidden ecological functions. Is understanding these ecological functions important to you? j I
would like to opportunity to learn more
j Not j It
really sure
does not interest me
6. Which local businesses, community groups, nonprofits, and/or organizations do you think would be good partners of The Arboretum?
PART VII: APPENDICES
Survey / PART 4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1. Based on the Preliminary Arboretum Boundary that has been created for purposes of completing the Urban and Community Forestry Management Plan are there any additional areas of special interest (tree collections) that could be included for consideration?
2. Please provide below any additional thoughts you might have about this planning process and creating a Urban and Community Forestry Management for the Historic Arboretum at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
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PART VII: APPENDICES
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Survey / PART 5 GOALS Three different categories of goals (General, Resource Management, Community Framework) have been developed to support the Management Plan for the Arboretum at The Village - the goals have also been used as a guide for developing plan recommendations. The goals have been developed based on working group input and survey results.
GENERAL PLAN GOALS
General Plan Goals provide for a baseline of what is expected to be discussed and evaluated in the core body of the plan including the inventory, current conditions, history, future vision, and a framework for management practices.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS
Resource Management Goals focus on policies, practices, operations, and tools that can be developed and implemented to promote the sustainable management of the arboretum.
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK GOALS
Community Framework Goals relate to ways in which the community and visitors are engaged, informed, and educated through outreach, education, partnerships, and volunteerism.
GOAL NO.1
Communicate the current and historical conditions of the arboretum. LOGIC: Understanding of the current
conditions and the historical past will allow The Minervini Group to be better positioned to work with outside organizations when making decisions for the future.
j Do
j Neutral j Like
GOAL NO.2
Develop a clear vision for the future that can be shared by organizations involved and the communityat-large.
j Do
Not Like
j Neutral j Like
GOAL NO.4
Recognize the value of the arboretum and the role it plays within The Village and Grand Traverse Commons, but also the contribution it makes to the urban forest of Traverse City. j Do
Not Like
j Neutral j Like
LOGIC: Providing a shared vision for the future can help bring together supporting organizations and the community by conveying the methodology behind its management.
j Do
Not Like
j Like
GOAL NO.3
Convey a framework for management practices that focus on general, maintenance, and regenerative recommendations.
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tions will begin to organize a framework that can be used to set short and long-term targets.
Not Like
j Neutral
Please review the DRAFT General Plan Goals 1-5 below and provide general comments. The goals are not listed in any specific order of significance or priority.
LOGIC: Categorizing the recommenda-
GOAL NO.5
Be supported by The Minervini Group and adjacent property owners including Grand Traverse County, City of Traverse City, and Garfield Township. LOGIC: Support and understanding of
the land owners is critical to the success of the plan and future management and implementation efforts.
j Do
Not Like
j Neutral j Like
PART VII: APPENDICES
Please review the DRAFT Resource Management Plan Goals 6-9 below and provide general comments. The goals are not listed in any specific order of significance or priority.
GOAL NO.6
Better understand the sensitive ecology of the trees in the arboretum and the value of protection plans to support a healthy and sustainable urban forest. LOGIC: The plan should include tree pro-
GOAL NO.8
Maximize the opportunity to balance funding of operational, management, and maintenance costs by developing a non-profit or partnering with a local organization. LOGIC: By developing a non-profit or
partnering with a local organization it will allow the arboretum to better communicate support for funding opportunities and grant programs.
j Do
Not Like
j Neutral
tection plans and a framework for developing a shared policy that is supported by The Minervini Group and any supporting organizations.
j Like
j Do
GOAL NO.9
Not Like
j Neutral j Like
GOAL NO.7
Capitalize on the high demand of visitors, festivals, and other events in the arboretum by improving communications and developing a strong use policy. LOGIC: By enhancing communications and developing a use policy for events it will improve the quality and integrity of the arboretum
j Do
Not Like
j Neutral
Please review the DRAFT Community Framework Goals 10-11 below and provide general comments. The goals are not listed in any specific order of significance or priority.
GOAL NO.10
Engage the community through outreach and education of the value of the arboretum and urban forest. LOGIC: Building long-term vision and support of the associated goals requires the community to be informed and educated about the value of the urban forest and current activities, policies, and state of the arboretum. j Do
Not Like
j Neutral
Standardize management and maintenance practices and policies.
j Like
LOGIC: Standardizing practices and policies will allow operational costs to be better understood and better communicate what is expected as it relates to management and maintenance standards.
GOAL NO.11
j Do
Not Like
j Neutral j Like
Build partnerships with local organizations to support a sustainable arboretum and urban forest. LOGIC: Building long-term vision and
support of the associated goals requires the community to be informed and educated about the value of the urban forest and current activities, policies, and state of the arboretum.
j Do
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The Arboretum at The Village
Survey / PART 6 RECOMMENDATIONS The Recommendations have been separated into three key categories based on how they relate to future implementation: General, Maintenance, and Regenerative. Together, these categories provide recommendations at different points of time, at different scales, and in relation to multiple systems. Please review the DRAFT Recommendations below and provide general comments. The recommendations are not listed in any specific order of significance or priority.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
General Recommendations relate to more broad-spectrum topics including inventory, management, community outreach, and policy framework.
REGENERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Regenerative Recommendations relate to renewal and rebranding of the arboretum, building on the current assets and opportunities, outreach, and implementation.
RECOMMENDATION NO.1
Develop a site preservation and protection plan. j Do
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j Neutral j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.4
Review and update the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan every 5 years and on an as-needed basis. j Do
j Neutral
RECOMMENDATION NO.2
Develop partnerships with local organizations, businesses, festivals and event promoters, and the City of Traverse City whose activities impact the trees. j Do
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j Neutral j Like
j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.5
Develop an outreach program to inform and educate the community about the historical significance, ecological benefits, and educational opportunities that exist in the arboretum. j Do
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS
Maintenance Recommendations focus on maintenance and operational planning including programming and scheduling, staff training, partnership opportunities, cost and expenditures.
Not Like
Not Like
j Neutral
RECOMMENDATION NO.3
Develop a policy framework that supports the implementation and protection of the arboretum. j Do
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j Neutral j Like
j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.6
Develop a interactive wayfinding and interpretive plan that will support and enhance the recreational opportunity when visiting the arboretum. j Do
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PART VII: APPENDICES
RECOMMENDATION NO.7
Work towards developing a collaborative working relationship with a local organization to assist and provide management, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the arboretum. j Do
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j Neutral
RECOMMENDATION NO.10
Develop a stronger data platform to maintain the tree inventory, improve management operations, and expand educational and interpretative programming. j Do
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j Do
j Like
j Neutral
j Do
Improve the tree canopy and diversity of species through a improved tree planting program. j Do
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j Neutral j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.14
Develop a manual of best management practices that can be used by management and maintenance staff, project partners, others entities, and the community. j Do
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j Neutral
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j Like
j Neutral j Like
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j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.11
Consider implementing a development program that would support philanthropic funding, grants, and loans to support capital improvement programs for the arboretum.
Implement a proactive tree maintenance program that focuses on routine scouting with recommended pruning, removals and care to improve the overall health of the trees.
j Neutral
j Like
RECOMMENDATION NO.8
RECOMMENDATION NO.13
RECOMMENDATION NO.12
Develop a Site Master Plan that will serve as a guide for RECOMMENDATION NO.15 future planning and design Develop a life-cycle RECOMMENDATION NO.9 character. analysis and eco-balance Develop a brand and identify j Do Not Like program for all trees in for the arboretum that will j Neutral the arboretum. support stronger communij Like LOGIC: Building long-term vision and cations with the community j Do Not Like and visitors to The Village at j Neutral Grand Traverse Commons. j Do
Not Like
j Like
j Neutral j Like
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Back cover: Couple on Pathway c.1903 postcard, O.W. Peck. History Center Archive 111
A SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PLAN