Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Systems Engineering II: Green Marina

Landscaping: The Environment for the Future

Highlands, NJ, 12/21/10

            On January 18^th, 2011, students of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, taking the Systems Engineering II course, will be presenting information regarding their various senior projects. Anna Bennett will be informing her fellow classmates and instructors of her progress in her own senior project, as a member of the Green Marina design team.

Supplemental Information

Green Marina Design

            Anna Bennett, currently a senior at the Marine Academy, is the landscape architect for Green Marina Design project. The goal of the project is to design an environmentally friendly marina, which will provide the public with recreational water access, by enabling each member of the project to complete tasks pertaining to their delegated specialty to create a cohesive solution for a functional “green marina” on Sandy Hook. A green marina is defined as a marina committed to protecting water quality and coastal resources by preventing and reducing non-point resources of pollution. There are 10 parts of this project, divided amongst 10 students. Two students have been tasked with leading separate (civil and structural) but collaborative design teams. The problems that Anna’s project faces are pollution from storm water runoff and maintaining the current state of ecological balance on the critical landmass that is Sandy Hook.

Mentor Involvement

            Students must have mentors to help guide and assist them through their projects. Anna has found mentors through her research and through the networks of her instructors. Her first mentor, Jeff Moeller, is the Senior Program Director at the Water Environment Research Foundation. His expertise is finding resources. Another mentor is Mr. Danko from the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium. Ms. Jeanne McArthur-Heuser was recommended as a mentor from another instructor. Ms. McArthur-Heuser is an expert in wildlife management and in natural resources. She has a degree in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology and has worked for the National Park Service, located on Sandy Hook, for the past 26 years. Her newest mentor, Mrs. Susan B. Ayers, is a landscape architect who owns her own landscape design and contracting company. All of these mentors have taken part in verifying and improving Anna’s designs, ensuring that they are viable for production.

STEMM

            STEMM is an acronym science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and math. This is an assignment that enables students to review all of the material processes in the design and production aspects of their individual projects. Botany, the science of plant biology, is the most important aspect of STEMM for Anna. Botany determined most of the specifications and limitations of her project. This science established the restriction of plants to thrive in direct sunlight, salt spray and be native to the area.  Some examples of the plants the meet those criteria include: Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy),  Vaccinium corymbosum (high bush blueberry), and Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), pictured below.

Hamamelis virginiana

Upcoming Presentation

            The upcoming presentation, taking place on January 18^th, 2011, is a recap of Anna’s progress to date. The presentation is formal, as if one were presenting the information to a client; this instance the clients being fellow students and the instructors. The focus of the presentation is her developmental work, working drawing. The Green Marina team’s end product is a set of working drawings for a fully functioning marina. This presentation is an opportunity for constructive criticism and peer review that will provide new perspective and possibly improve the student’s initial designs.

           

Final Expectations

            The finished design must meet all of the related specifications. The plants will thrive in direct sunlight and salt spray from the bay. The landscaping will have blooming plants during all seasons, ensuring a year-round aesthetic environment with vibrant colors that complement the surrounding environment. The landscape will incorporate Anna’s work, as well of the work of others. The landscape will also take into account the restrictions of the rain garden and help to minimize pollution from storm water runoff. The landscape will consist of only native plant species to promote wildlife biodiversity while ensuring that the ecological balance remains intact.

Conclusion

Summary

            The landscaping aspect of the Green Marina design project is vital to its completion. The team of 10 students will complete their individual tasks in a fluid design that enables all of the pieces to create a cohesive plan for a finished marina. All students will have one or more mentors that will assist them and ensure that the designs are viable for production. The STEMM aspect will establish the key components of the design and production process. Lastly, all of the information proffered will be explained in more detail during the upcoming student presentations. These will be taking place at the Marine Academy on January 18^th, 2011.  The Systems Engineering II students will ultimately be able to successfully apply the design and production process and complete their senior project.

For more details about the Green Marina in Highlands, NJ, contact Anna Bennett or visit MAST at www.mast.mcvsd.org

About the Marine Academy of Science and Technology

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) is a co-ed four-year high school, grades 9-12; one of five career academies administered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District. The Marine Academy is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and offers small classes with close personal attention. The Marine Academy was founded in 1981 as a part-time program, which has since grown to become a full-time diploma-granting program. The school's curriculum focuses on marine sciences and marine technology/engineering. The MAST program requires each student to participate in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) in lieu of Physical Education.

MAST is located in the Fort Hancock Historic Area at the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The school campus is located adjacent to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the country, in thirteen newly renovated buildings, within walking distance of several beaches. The "Blue Sea" is a 65-foot research vessel owned and operated by the Marine Academy and berthed at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, Sandy Hook. The vessel is used in all facets of the program.

- # # # -

For additional information:

Marine Academy of Science and Technology

732-749-3360

Anna Bennett: anna_bennett@mast.mcvsd.org
Wendy Green and John Cuttrell,  P: 732-291-0995

MP2 Calendar/Log

Rationale

The landscaping aspect of the green marina is very important. Landscaping provides opportunities for greater biodiversity and has the ability to reduce storm water runoff. While the area where the landscaping is to be developed had not yet been determined at the time of creation, the focus of the alternate solutions is based on color schemes and plant type.

In alternate solution one, the color palette revolves around warm colors such as vibrant reds, pinks and burnt orange. The sample plants consisted of soap wort, beach rose and holly. The holly complements the environment present on Sandy Hook since it is home to the oldest holly forest in North America. An architectural feature for this design would include a gazebo, potentially with solar panels to power any lighting in the area. 

            Alternate solution two is similar to an “eco-green” color scheme, using bright gold and greens of all shades. The sample plants of this design include ferns, switch grass, Solomon’s seal, red cedar and ox-eye daisy. These plants are a great solution because they bloom at different point during the years, ensuring a type of bloom year round. This design also plays into one of the goals of the marina, to be truly “green”.

The third solution plays into cool colors such as blues of various shades and light purples. The plants used for this design include chicory, blueberry and rabbit’s foot clover. Cooler colors are often more subdued and appealing to the general public. They also are known to create a relaxing environment, less stressful and more peaceful.

            The alternate solutions are limited to plants indigenous only to Sandy Hook. All designs exclude plants that are invasive species. The landscaping on the marina is also limited to shrubs and trees because those plants can survive in this particular sandy soil and would be most effective for absorbing water. The designs include plants that bloom during different seasons in an attempt to have blooming flora year round. Perhaps the most effective design would include the most favorable aspects of multiple solutions.

            The final solution is a combination of the plants from the second and third designs. The plants that have been chosen were selected for their brilliant colors and seasonal blooms. These plants fit the criteria for thriving in direct sunlight and having a tolerance for salt spray. Some sample plants from the chosen solution include chicory, high bush blueberry, ox eye daisies, and the American holly. The final landscape design focuses on highlighting the beauty of these plants in an aesthetic manner that complements its surroundings.

Chicory

Highbush Blueberry

Ox Eye Daisy

American Holly

Final Plant List

Model

This model is a representation of how the rain garden concept is intended to work. It also shows the different blooms allotted for each season.

Refined Research

Introduction

            The task at hand is to design a viable and appealing landscape for a new “green marina”. This marina would be located in the area that the Fort Hancock Chapel currently resides, on Sandy Hook. The landscaping must only include plants which are indigenous to Sandy Hook. Lastly, the overall design must include measures taken to minimize storm water runoff as well as soil erosion.

Green Marina Landscaping

Soil Erosion

            One of the more common forms of “green” landscaping is a rain garden. A rain garden is a planted depression designed to take as much of the excess rain water as possible from an associated landscape. (Dunnett and Clayden 13) Rain gardens promote wildlife and biodiversity by providing shelter and habitats for a variety of organisms. They also reduce the need for maintenance as well as inputs of water, fertilizer and energy (Dunnett and Clayden 15). And contrary to popular belief, a temporary body of water in a rain garden will not harbor mosquitoes. The water is absorbed into the earth in less time than it takes for them to thrive (Dunnett and Clayden 28).

Poor Runoff

Sample Rain Garden

 

Climate and Environment of Sandy Hook

Sandy Soil

Salt Spray

            Sandy Hook receives approximately 3.63 inches of rain every month. Its average daily minimum temperature is 46.58˚ F and the maximum is 61.13˚F (World Climate 2008). It is a 2044 acre barrier beach peninsula and contains 7 miles of saltwater marsh, beach and holly forest (Solutions 2009).

Indigenous Species

            Only species of currently indigenous plants may be planted on Sandy Hook. Plants are more apt to thrive in certain areas because these plants serve different functions.

Roadside

Bladder Campion

Broom Grass

Cactus

Chicory

Dandelion

Milkweed

Mullein

Ox-eye Daisy

Plantain
Poison Ivy

Queen Anne's Lace

Rabbit Foot Clover
Red Cedar

Soapwort
Sweet Clover

Switch Grass

                                                                                               

Holly Forest

Green Briar
Holly
Poison Ivy

Red Cedar

Solomon's Seal

Virginia Creeper

Thickets
Bayberry

Beach Plum

Blueberry

Cherry

Green Briar

Groundsel Tree

Hackberry

Holly

Pearly Everlasting

Poisoon Ivy
Red Cedar

Rose
Shad Bush

Solomon's Seal
Sumac

Virginia Creeper

 

 End User

Nature Center

          

Boaters

UK Garden

  There are multiple ways to gather information about the users of a certain product, in this instance the marina. The more effective methods in this case would include focus groups, stakeholder analysis, user profiling and direct observation. Focus groups are mainly large interview of about 5-11 people and enable the interviewer to amass a variety of views from different users. Stakeholder analysis is a method of determining how much a person, group or institution can influence the consummation of the project. In user profiling, demographics, backgrounds and experiences are used to create a profile of users and what they want or need. Direct observation, or shadowing, involves observing the actual users and making observations and forming conclusions.

            The users of the marina want different things to be a part of the overall landscape design. People who dock their boats want an aesthetic environment. Families that are there for recreation may want a picnic area and a playground for their children. Investors and workers want an area that is easy and inexpensive to maintain. Visitors to Sandy Hook may want a historic aspect or scientific view of the area. Others may want an area that attracts certain insects or wildlife, or possible a recreational area for playing.

Observation Sheet

OBSERVATION SHEET (PARK)

Does the area meet the following expectations?

• Curb runoff
• Include a variety of plants
• Have a welcome sign or memorial
• Adapt to soil condition and sun exposure
• Consider staff and patron views
• Be salt tolerant

Explain and expand on each prompt:

Do the visitors enjoy the flora or are they oblivious?

Are they attempting to rest or are they walking around?

Is the area being used for recreation or observation?

Do the visitors demand certain functions?

Validation Survey

Customer Evaluation: Landscape Design

The attached pictures are views of the design of a future green marina on Sandy Hook. When taking the survey, the objective is to compare this design to your experience in other marinas. Thank you for evaluating this design. Please take a moment to tell us how this product met your expectations and any additional commentary.

Overall how satisfied are you with the design?

• Very satisfied
• Satisfied
• Neutral
• Dissatisfied
• Very Dissatisfied

If you are dissatisfied, please explain why:

How satisfied are you with the design regarding the following items?

	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neutral	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied
Overall Quality
Usage
Aesthetics

Compared to other marinas, would you say that the design is…

• Much better
• Somewhat better
• About the same
• Somewhat worse
• Much worse

If you have any additional comments in regard to the design, please share them:

Preliminary Survey

Customer Evaluation: Landscape Design

The attached pictures are views of the design of a potential green marina on Sandy Hook. When taking the survey, your objective is to compare these designs with your experience at other marinas. Thank you for evaluating these designs. Please take a moment to tell us how these ideas met your expectations as well as any additional commentary. 
 

Of the three attached designs, which do you prefer?

• Design 1 (Warm Colors)
• Design 2 (Eco-Green)
• Design 3 (Cool Colors)

Please explain why:

How satisfied are you with the design you prefer, regarding the following items?

	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neutral	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied
Overall Quality
Usage
Aesthetics

Which of these landscape qualities is most appealing?

• Year-Round bloom
• Attracting certain wildlife
• Relaxing environment

Please check all, if any, items that should be required in the design:

• Seating
• Solar powered lighting
• Fountains
• Recreational structures
• Picnic areas

If you have any additional comments in regard to the design, please share them:

Design Matrix

Calendar

Rationale

Alternate Solution Abstract

The landscaping aspect of the green marina is very important. Landscaping provides opportunities for greater biodiversity and has the ability to reduce storm water runoff. While the area where the landscaping is to be developed has not yet been determined, the focus of the alternate solutions is based on color schemes and plant type.

            In alternate solution one, the color palette revolves around warm colors such as vibrant reds, pinks and burnt orange. The sample plants consisted of soapwort, beach rose and holly. The holly complements the environment present on Sandy Hook since it is home to the oldest holly forest in North America. An architectural feature for this design would include a gazebo, potentially with solar panels to power any lighting in the area.

            Alternate solution two is similar to an “eco-green” color scheme, using bright gold and greens of all shades. The sample plants of this design include ferns, switch grass, Solomon’s seal, red cedar and ox-eye daisy. These plants are a great solution because they bloom at different point during the years, ensuring a type of bloom year round. This design also plays into one of the goals of the marina, to be truly “green”.

            The third solution plays into cool colors such as blues of various shades and light purples. The plants used for this design include chicory, blueberry and rabbit’s foot clover. Cooler colors are often more subdued and appealing to the general public. They also are known to create a relaxing environment, less stressful and more peaceful.

            The alternate solutions are limited to plants indigenous only to Sandy Hook. All designs exclude plants that are invasive species. The landscaping on the marina is also limited to shrubs and trees because those plants can survive in this particular sandy soil and would be most effective for absorbing water. The designs include plants that bloom in different seasons in an attempt to have blooming flora year round. Perhaps the most effective design would include the most favorable aspects of multiple solutions.

Alternate Solution 3

Alternate Solution 2

Alternate Solution 1

Testing Procedures

The final landscape solution must:

• Curb storm water runoff
• Include a variety of plants
• Include a welcome sign, flag pole and other ornamental objects
• Adapt to soil condition and sun exposure
• Consider staff and patron views
• Be salt tolerant

The design will be tested for aesthetics based on the opinions of the focus group. It will also be tested on feasibility by a National Park Service expert. I will administer the testing, by surveying the focus group through a written questionnaire. The survey will take place in Atlantic Highlands Marina during its hours of operation.

            There will be two types of tests: exploratory and validation. The exploratory test is a preliminary test to grasp feedback from the three potential solutions. The second test will ask the focus group and experts to comment or suggest ideas for the final solution. The final solution will then be revised and tailored to their needs.

The actual test will follow these steps:

1. Explain directions to client(s).
2. Provide survey to client(s).
3. Collect survey.
4. Tally and document results.
5. Revise final design based on results.

Atlantic Highlands Marina

Limitations

Landscaping must:

Include only plants indigenous to Sandy Hook.

Implement eco-friendly methods and products.

Use solar lighting where lighting is needed.
Adhere to areas designated for runoff.

Specifications

Landscaping must:

Curb storm water runoff.

Include a variety of plants.

Include a welcome sign, flagpole and other ornamental designs.
Be best suited for each area of runoff.
Be adaptable to soil condition and sun exposure.
Consider staff and patron views.
Be salt tolerant.

Brainstorming

Dow Solar Shingles

Crushed Shell Walkways

Solar Power Sculpture

Brainstorming and ideas about landscaping, done prior and during research:

ð     Seating areas, gazebos

ð     Roses

ð     Shell or stone lined pathways

ð     Solar powered fountain

ð     Berry picking (blueberry, black berry, beach plum)

ð     Color schemes, muted tones

ð     Elevated rain gardens

ð     Solar power (sculpture)

ð     Solar shingles (being developed)

ð     Fish waste fertilizer 

Picnic

Research

Introduction

            The task at hand is to design a viable and appealing landscape for a new “green marina”. This marina would be located in the area that the Fort Hancock Chapel currently resides, on Sandy Hook. The landscaping must only include plants which are indigenous to Sandy Hook. Lastly, the overall design must include measures taken to minimize storm water runoff as well as soil erosion.

Green Marina Landscaping

            One of the more common forms of “green” landscaping is a rain garden. A rain garden is a planted depression designed to take as much of the excess rain water as possible from an associated landscape. (Dunnett and Clayden 13) Rain gardens promote wildlife and biodiversity by providing shelter and habitats for a variety of organisms. They also reduce the need for maintenance as well as inputs of water, fertilizer and energy (Dunnett and Clayden 15). And contrary to popular belief, a temporary body of water in a rain garden will not harbor mosquitoes. The water is absorbed into the earth in less time than it takes for them to thrive (Dunnett and Clayden 28).

Climate and Environment of Sandy Hook

            Sandy Hook receives approximately 3.63 inches of rain every month. Its average daily minimum temperature is 46.58˚ F and the maximum is 61.13˚F (World Climate 2008). It is a 2044 acre barrier beach peninsula and contains 7 miles of saltwater marsh, beach and holly forest (Solutions 2009).

Indigenous Species

            Only species of currently indigenous plants may be planted on Sandy Hook. Plants are more apt to thrive in certain areas because these plants serve different functions.

Roadside

Bladder Campion

Broom Grass

Cactus

Chicory

Dandelion

Milkweed

Mullein

Ox-eye Daisy

Plantain
Poison Ivy

Queen Anne's Lace

Rabbit Foot Clover
Red Cedar

Soapwort
Sweet Clover

Switch Grass

                                                                                               

Holly Forest

Green Briar
Holly
Poison Ivy

Red Cedar

Solomon's Seal

Virginia Creeper

Thickets

Bayberry

Beach Plum

Blueberry

Cherry

Green Briar

Groundsel Tree

Hackberry

Holly

Pearly Everlasting
Poison Ivy
Red Cedar

Rose
Shad Bush

Solomon's Seal
Sumac

Virginia CreeperEnd User

            There are multiple ways to gather information about the users of a certain product, in this instance the marina. The more effective methods in this case would include focus groups, stakeholder analysis, user profiling and direct observation. Focus groups are mainly large interview of about 5-11 people and enable the interviewer to amass a variety of views from different users. Stakeholder analysis is a method of determining how much a person, group or institution can influence the consummation of the project. In user profiling, demographics, backgrounds and experiences are used to create a profile of users and what they want or need. Direct observation, or shadowing, involves observing the actual users and making observations and forming conclusions.

            The users of the marina want different things to be a part of the overall landscape design. People who dock their boats want an aesthetic environment. Families that are there for recreation may want a picnic area and a playground for their children. Investors and workers want an area that is easy and inexpensive to maintain. Visitors to Sandy Hook may want a historic aspect or scientific view of the area. Others may want an area that attracts certain insects or wildlife, or possible a recreational area for playing.