R4 Johnson: Conservation Corridor Planning at the Landscape Level

In this reading we discuss what landscape types exist to provide sufficient habitat for local wildlife to thrive. These habitats can be defined as “core reserves” which are reserved for animals surrounded by a buffer zone with low-levels of human interaction, these zones are often linked by similarly arranged habitat in a corridor fashion, linking islands of habitat together to form a larger entity. The ability of these habitats to function is defined around four main principles: patches, corridors, matrix, and structure. Larger patches of reserves are better than small, connecting and unified patches are better than separated, and a redundancy of patches as well as proximity to other habitats all are principles that help define the effectiveness of the reserve patch(es). The notions of continuous over fragmented, wider over narrow, the promotion of natural connectivity, and maintaining redundancy are all factors that influence the capability of corridors in supporting the environs they link. Some supporting principals are managing the matrix with wildlife as the priority while maintaining the structural diversity of flora and fauna utilizing native life.

The application of these principles varies depending on the scale with which the zone is being looked at, these scales range from the larger region, the more focused watershed, or the smaller scale of a farm or ranch size. For example at a regional scale corridors are less visibly defined, sometimes spanning tens of miles in width. At this scale they can maintain migration routes, provide wildlife populations a chance to adapt and evolve, and allow a variety of habitats to remain connected. 

As architects and/or designers we are primarily asked to consider climate, culture, program when developing strategy for a given site be it a pre-developed or virgin location. If the local nature is to be considered it’s only to what end can we provide the bare minimum to attract the local fauna with native flora. With the state of the world as it is, with climate change showing more and more signs of our impact on our surroundings I feel it imperative to promote renovation or redevelopment of existing sites rather than disturbing what nature we have left untouched. Furthermore, we should look to give back to nature, last week we read on how in the rust belt success was found in demolishing extraneous structures to maintain a strong city core. I couldn’t think of a better solution.

Questions:

How can we push for creating more dense urban centers?

What can be done to protect not just rural wilderness but also the undeveloped land in suburbs?

At what scale does nature need to be integrated into a city for it to attract native fauna?