GREENING AMERICA'S CAPITALS
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
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GREENING AMERICA'S CAPITALS
Greening America's Capitals is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help state capitals develop an implementable vision of distinctive, environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate innovative green
building and green infrastructure strategies. EPA is providing this design assistance to help support sustainable communities that protect the environment, economy, and public health, and to inspire
state leaders to expand this work elsewhere. Greening America's Capitals will help communities consider ways to incorporate sustainable design strategies into their planning and development to create
and enhance interesting, distinctive neighborhoods that have multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Little Rock, Arkansas was chosen as one of the first five state capital cities to receive this assistance beginning in the fall of 2010 and concluding with a site visit in early 2011.
More information about Greening America's Capitals is available at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Executive Summary 1
II. The Workshop 2
III. Site Analysis 5
IV. Main Street Strategies 13
V. Case Studies 30
VI. Next Steps + Funding 38
VII. Appendices 40
A. Workshop Schedule
B. Plant List
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EPA
Abby Hall, Office of Sustainable Communities
John Frece, Office of Sustainable Communities
Karen Peyche, Region 6
Clark Wilson, Office of Sustainable Communities
CITY OF LITTLE ROCK
Mayor Mark Stodola
Tony Bozynski, Director of Planning
Caran Curry, Grants Manager, Department of Finance
Bryan Day, Assistant City Manager
Melinda Glasgow, Recycling Program Coordinator
William L. Henry, PE., Traffic Engineering Manager
Walter Malone, Planning Manager
Brian Minyard, Planner II
Victor Turner, Housing and Neighborhood Program
MarkWebre, Parks Department Design Manager
NELSON BYRD WOLTZ LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Warren T Byrd, Jr., FASLA, Principal in Charge
Sara Myrhe, Senior Project Manager
Jeremy Jordan, Project Manager
Allegra Churchill, Staff Landscape Designer
LITTLE ROCK STAKEHOLDERS
Tom Adams, Whittenberg Delony and Davidson Architects
Tamara Almand, Terry Sligh, and Torrence L Thrower, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
David Anderson, GUS Good Design Co-op
Sarah Burr, Ward Lyle, Nicole Claas Moore, and Mary Talbert, P Allen Smith and Associates
Scott Drummer, Downtown Little Rock Community Development Corporation
Joe Fox, Property owner
Jean Koeninger, PG., The Land Recycling Company
Boyd Maher, Capital Zoning District Commission
Doug Mayer, Property owner
Jim McKenzie, Metroplan
Martha Jane Murray, William J. Clinton Foundation Climate Initiative
Sandra Otto, Arkansas Division of the Federal Highway Administration
La Verne Paige, Pulaski County Community Services
Sharon Priest, Downtown Little Rock Partnership
Scott Reid, Property owner
Rhea Roberts, The Quapaw Quarter Association
Mark Robertson, MESA Landscape Architects
Hillis Schild, Southside Main Street Project
Debbie Shock, William J. Clinton Presidential Library
Martin Smith and Tanner A. Weeks, Ecological Design Group
George Whittenberg, Property owner
Page Wilson, Paul Page Dwellings
Odies Wilson III, City of Little Rock and Pulaski County Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Commission Chair
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Little Rock received assistance from EPA's Greening America's Capitals program
to help the city envision improvements to the Main Street corridor, which runs north-south from
the River Market district in downtown to the neighborhood south of Interstate 630 known as the
Southside Main Street (SOMA) district. The City selected Main Street for this project because
redevelopment has been occurring in both the River Market and SOMA districts, and there is
great potential to spur similar revitalization along this historic corridor through the redevelopment
of vacant buildings and underused parking lots, streetscape improvements, public art, and new
parks and green spaces.
The project team, which included Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBWLA), City of
Little Rock staff, and EPA staff, worked together to assess the existing conditions along Main
Street, examine important initiatives already underway, and help the community develop a
set of design strategies that meet environmental and economic objectives. The design and
consultation process included a three-day workshop in Little Rock with federal, state, county,
and city staff; Main Street property owners; SOMA residents and representatives; local
developers and designers; and citizens.
This report illustrates potential design strategies that address environmental concerns such as polluted
stormwater runoff and heat island effect while also creating attractive streets and public spaces that
reflect Little Rock's sense of place. Some of the designs could be applied along the full length of Main
Street from the Convention Center in the River Market district to 17th Street in the SOMA district, but
many focus on four vital nodes where green infrastructure could be used to manage stormwater and
improve the public right of way.
Green infrastructure includes a range of natural and built approaches to stormwater management—
such as bioswales, rain gardens, permeable paving, and green roofs—that mimic natural systems by
absorbing stormwater back into the ground (infiltration), using trees and other vegetation to hold rain
water until it is converted to water vapor (evapotranspiration), and using rain barrels or cisterns to capture
stormwater for reuse.
On Main Street, green infrastructure approaches, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable
paving, could be integrated with ongoing private and city initiatives to spur economic revitalization
along the street and in adjacent neighborhoods. The design options presented in this report depict an
environmentally and economically sustainable civic vision for the Main Street corridor, one that could
catalyze additional development activity in this vibrant capital city.
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Figure 1: Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola leads workshop participants on a trolley tour of Main
Street,
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II. THE WORKSHOP
A three-day design charrette was conducted from April 13 to 15, 2011 in downtown Little Rock.
The project team presented analysis and design work done prior to the workshop. Participants
then reviewed the city's ongoing initiatives through a trolley tour of Main Street and adjacent
sites, including the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Bill Clark Wetlands project.
The project team engaged the workshop participants in five collaborative, interactive sessions
on specific topics: stormwater, underused buildings and lots, human-scaled streets, local design
initiatives, and funding and implementation resources. [See schedule in Appendix A], There was
agreement that many diverse user groups along Main Street (particularly employees, tourists,
lunch and evening crowds) could all benefit from public space improvements.
There was a strong desire for:
•Continuous street design for the length of Main Street, including for stormwater
management, crosswalks, trees and other plantings, and lighting, benches and other
furnishings.
•A park along Main Street that can host specific events as well as serve as a general
gathering space.
•The I-630 overpass to be developed as a threshold from SOMA to Downtown.
The charrette concluded with a presentation summarizing the ideas and visions that were
shaped by the five sessions and participation process. After the charrette, the project team
developed this report for the city of Little Rock, based on the participant input and ideas
developed in the workshop.
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Figure 2: Main Street (at the 1-630 overpass) as experienced on the design team's Figure 3: Main Street sidewalk.
tfl;ur of the City,
Figure 5: Part of the 3 day workshop proceedings.
Figure 4: A SOMA storefront.
Figure 6: Plan diagrams' generated by NBWLA at 3 day workshop.
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1), SITE ANALYSIS
The team analyzed the existing conditions along the Main Street corridor, including:
• The location of museums, major businesses, and arts and entertainment establishments.
• Pedestrian and automobile circulation.
• Historic and existing topography, hydrology and stormwater flows.
• Existing pervious and impervious surfaces.
Documenting the existing built environment, current usage patterns and the flow of water
through the downtown created a shared understanding between City staff and the design team
about the current status of Main Street. It disclosed that there are large areas of impervious
surfaces, composed of buildings, streets and surface parking, as well as established street trees
along many blocks of Main Street. Analysis also showed how Main Street captures stormwater
and drains into two distinct subwatersheds.
Patterns of existing and anticipated pedestrian use revealed synergistic relationships that
suggested developing the four nodes discussed in the next section.
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1" = 800'
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Figure 9: Main Street Project Area
As shown iri the aerial photo above, the neighborhoods to the south and east of the project area have a
significant number of trees but the project area itself is highly impervious.
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Historic Water Flows
Both diagrams adapted from Worthen, William. The Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Voi. 46, No. 4 (Winter, 1987), pp. 317-347.
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Figure 10: 1864 map of Little Rock and vicinity showing Town Branch.
Figure 11: 1865 map of Little Rock detailing the route of Town Branch through downtown.
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Figure 13: Street Flow
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Figure 14: Stormwater Flows
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Stormwater Flows
Figure 12 illustrates how the project area is part of two separate watersheds, one of which drains directly to the Arkansas River.
Figure 13 shows that Main Street is outside of the 500-year floodplain. Figure 14 shows that mains north of the highway flow
directly to the Arkansas River, while mains in SOMA first flow south.
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Figure 15: Buildings
Figure 16: Streets
Figure 17: Parking Lots
Figure 18: All Impervious Surfaces
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Impervious Surfaces
Multiple sources of hardscape — including buildings, streets and parking lots — contribute to
the project area being heavily impervious (or impenetrable) to rainfall.
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Figure 19: Existing Parks
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Figure 20: Add Green Alleys
Figure 21: Add Pervious Parking Lots with
Landscape Islands
Figure 22: Add Green Roofs
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0' 400* 800'
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Greening Strategies
There are diverse ways to add pervious surfaces, including switching to permeable paving
surfaces in alleys and parking lots, adding landscape beds, and creating green roofs.
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CIVIC
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library
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Figure 23: Potential Use Precincts
Figure 24: Nodes and Pedestrian Connections
Figure 25: City-Pro posed Trolley Route and Stops
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1600'
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Districts and Connections
Potential zones of use, based on existing building occupancies and desires expressed in the workshops. Increased use of
each zone would be bolstered by existing nodes and pedestrian connections, and a current proposal to extend the trolley
route along Main Street.
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IV. MAIN STREET STRATEGIES
Creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable streetscape can have economic as well as
environmental benefits (see case studies in Section V). The design strategies the team developed for
an environmentally and economically sustainable Main Street include green infrastructure techniques
and pedestrian, bike, and transit improvements.
Using these strategies along the entire length of Main Street, including the SOMA neighborhood and
the River Market district, and utilizing consistent plant choices, setbacks, raingarden designs, and
street furnishings, will create a cohesive sense of place and a dynamic identity for Main Street.
For descriptions of benefits and images of potential strategies see the Figures listed below.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNIQUES
• Rain gardens with native plants. (Figures30, 32, 34, 35, 43 45, 48, 50, 51)
• Street trees (native species that tolerate the urban environment and provide shade).
(Figures 30, 32, 34, 35, 43, 45, 48, 50, 51)
• Green roofs. (Figure 45)
• Downspouts linked to rain gardens,. (Figures 41, 45)
• Parking areas with permeable pavement. (Figures 34,41,45,50,51)
PEDESTRIAN, BIKE, AND TRANSIT EXPERIENCE
• Reduced ambient air temperature through use of rain gardens and street trees.
• New crosswalks. (Figure 32)
• A shaded sidewalk on the I-630 overpass, (Figure38)
• A bike route on a parallel street (to be determined) and more bike racks on Main Street. (Figure 48)
• An expanded trolley route along Main Street. (Figures43, 45);
FOUR NODES
The designs in this section focus on four key proposed nodes (as shown on the following page) and
their potential for new features;
1) A neighborhood park in SOMA.
2) I-630 crossing.
3) A new arts park at the intersection of Main Street and Capitol Avenue.
4) The Convention Center Gateway.
These nodes are approximately five minutes walking distance from each other, and creating new
destinations at these nodes will better link the SOMA neighborhood with the River Market district.
The following pages describe the four nodes. Accompanying perspectives and sections illustrate
design options and streetscape improvements. The designs are future possibilities meant to
illustrate a range of ideas and are not precise design proposals.
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Figure 26: Creating a sustainable, walkable Downtown.
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SOMA NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Design options in this node build off of
the existing vibrant arts community and
current development.
STREETSCAPE
Along the entire length of Main Street
the streetscape design options include:
more tree cover, rain gardens with
native plants Jp treat;fiormwater,
energy efficient lighting, and improved
signage.
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1-630 CROSSING
Design options improveihe pedestrian
experience on the overpass, add trees
fe the interchange: to create a more
iSfttflctive gateway from the freeway to
Main Street, and re-use vacant lots as
community gardens and nurseries.
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ARTS PARK
Design options provide more public
plazas to host community arts events
and more outdoor seating for local
restaurants,
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CONVENTION CENTER GATEWAY
Design options create a more attractive
gateway for Main Stueet froffi the
Convention Center by screening
adjacent parking lots, and re-uses
the space in front of the city parking
garage as a rain garden.
Figure 27: Four Nodes
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Parking Concentrated in Rear
Improved Pedestrian Crossings
New Green Streetscape, Rain Gardens and Gathering Areas
p m ' cm
Existing Sculpture
Garden Enhanced
SCOTT STREET
I^Z^Zl Potential Green Roof
1"= 100'
200'
Section Location
~7 Perspective Location
Figure 28: Node 1 — SOMA Neighborhood Park
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Figure 30: Design concept for a streetside rain garden with native shade trees.
Figure 29: Existing view (Main Street, showing post office parking lot).
POST OFFICE PARKING LOT
The parking lot at the post office could be a good site for
rain gardens that could capture and filter water from the
large, existing parking lot. Streetside rain gardens could
also provide more shade and greenery for pedestrians on
Main Street.
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NEW CROSSWALKS
To be a true heart of the city, Main Street needs to be easy
for all users to access and must feel comfortable and safe
for pedestrians of all ages and abilities. New or improved
crosswalks are an integral part of this effort, particularly
in the SOMA neighborhood where the street is wider and
traffic moves faster. Crosswalks with longer crossing times,
embedded lights, reflective striping, and vocal countdowns
are safer for tourists, families, differently-abled pedestrians,
and other users.
Giving a consistent design to new and existing crosswalks
all along Main Street, including SOMA, can help create a
sustaining sense of place and identity. These designs also
enhance visibility.
NEW BUILDINGS
New buildings that are built up to the sidewalk and face Main
Street are already being built in the SOMA neighborhood.
Wherever feasible, new buildings should have minimal
setbacks and parking inthe rear to allow gardens and
civic space along the street, which would create a better
environment for walking and biking. On parcels with existing
buildings with larger setbacks, a rain garden could be built
to collect and treat the runoff from the entire lot (see Street
Section Bon page 19}.
Figure 31: Existing view (Corner of Main and 15th, looking south). Figure 32: Design concept for Main Street with new buildings, new crosswalks, and a rain garden.
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MURALS
Public art, such as murals, can be an1 integral part of any
streetscape. Murals can depict the history, culture, and
hopes of a city or neighborhood.
Designing and creating a mural can engage different parts
of the community, including building owners and developers,
students, educators, artists, scientists, historians, and
tourists, A mural can also turn a blank wall facing the
street from an unused space that offers little of interest to
passersby into an amenity that beautifies the street and
adds to the neighborhood's sense of identity.
Figure 33: Existing view (Main Street, looking northeast towards 13th).
Figure 34: Design concept for a streetscape with a parking lane with permeable paving, shade trees, and a mural.
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Conceptual Street Perspective C
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Section 'A": Proposed
(Parking Lot)
Extra-Wide Rain Garden
8-20' rain garden
8' sidewalk
8' rain garden
3.25'
existing planting
Figure 35: Conceptual Street Sections
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Section 'B': Proposed Extra-Wide Rain Garden
(Building)
6' sidewalk
8-20' rain garden
8' sidewalk 8' rain garden
3.25'
existing planting
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Highway Orchard
Community Gardens
Community Gardens
LOUISIANA STREET
Nursery
Improved and Covered Sidewalks on Bridge
MAIN STREET Improved Pedestrian Crossings
Residential Infill
Potential Green Root
Potential Green Alley
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0' 50' 100'
Figure 36: Node 2 — I-630 Crossing
200'
~7 Perspective Location
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BRIDGE ENHANCEMENTS
Currently, crossing the 1-630 overpass is unpleasant for
pedestrians and creates a significant barrier between SOMA
and the downtown. Adding a shade canopy to the overpass
could greatly improve the pedestrian experience. The shade
canopy could incorporate solar panels to power street or
pedestrian lighting and could include public art.
HIGHWAY PLANTINGS
The highway embankments along 1-630 could be used to
make a notable statement about Little Rock's new initiatives.
Planting the embankments with American crabapple trees
would create an instant identity for an area that is the
gateway to Main Street from the freeway.
Figure 37: Existing View (Bridge over Interstate 630, from southeast).
Conceptual Street Perspective D
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Figure 38: Design concept for bridge enhancements to improve the pedestrian experience.
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Future Office Development with Plaza
StormwaterStreetscape
Center Theatre;
Park 1
LOUISIANA STREET
1"= 100'
0' 50' 100'
Figure 39: Node 3 — Arts Park
200'
"7 Perspective Location
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Figure 40: Existing view (Alley east of Main between 6th and 7th).
GREEN ALLEYS
Alleys can be good locations to begin: to incorporate green
infrastructure techniques because they generally have
less car and truck traffic and therefore are simpler sites for
piloting green infrastructure approaches.
All the strategies that can be used on streets, such as green
roofs, downspouts into rain gardens, permeable pavers, or
murals, can also be used in alleys. These improvements
have the potential to activate otherwise forgotten parts of the
public right of way in Little Rock.
Figure 41: Design concept for a green alley with downspout rain gardens, green roof, permeable pavement, and a mural.
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Figure 43: Design concept for a streetside rain garden, with expanded trolley system.
Figure 42: Existing view (Southwest corner of 6th and Main, with
Repertory Theater in background).
STREETSIDE RAIN GARDEN
The rain gardens along Main Street would detain and filter
stormwater runoff before the water flows into the eventual
Stormwater outfall into the Arkansas River, Slowing down
the wa® and allowing it to infiltrate into the ground would
mean the city would not need to expand drainage pipes
along Main Street. The rain gardens would also provide
more greenery on the street and could include educational
signs about how runoff from buildings and streets affects
natural water systems. The rain gardens could be planted
with native plants, such as the Eupatorium mstculafum (Joe-
Pye Weed), Camassia leichtlinii (Camas Flower) and Juncus
elfusus (Soft Rush) shown in Figure 43, that are well adapted
to urban conditions and fluctuations in water levels. They are
also attractive in multiple seasons and easy to maintain.
TROLLEY
Expanding the existing trolley route to Main Street is another
wayto create a pedestrian-friendly Main Street that also
helps the city meet its environmental goals. It gives people
choices besides driving, and links walkable destinations with
public transit'.
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DOWNSPOUT RAIN GARDEN
Runoff from the roofs of Main Street buildings could be
directly connected to rain gardens on the street through
downspouts. If attractively designed, the downspouts could
be public art. These artistic downspouts would create a
dramatic visible sign to visitors and residents about the
presence of water in the city and how it is managed from
roofs to: streets.
GREEN ROOFS
Green roofs are important in retaining and detaining
stormwater, reducing the ambient air temperature for urban
heat island effect) in the city, and reducing the heating
and cooling needs of a building. Overtime, buildings
on Main Street could be retrofitted to include green roofs
using lightweight, drought-tolerant plants such as sedums
and grasses. Each structure and roof would need to be
evaluated and the expense of retrofitting or engineering for a
new green roof weighed against the environmental benefit.
PERMEABLE PAVERS
Permeable pavers could provide structured surfaces for
on-street parking, let stormwater percolate intftthe ground
and into nearby rain gardens, and make the street more
attractive,.
Figure 44: Existing view (Southeast corner of 6th and Main, with ., . . .. . „ . , ¦ , . . „ .
Repertory Theater In background) 8ure Des|9n concept for a streetscape that includes a streetside rain garden, a parking lane with permeable paving, a downspout rain garden, and a trolley track.
_ , _ „ _ j*"" NELSON
Conceptual Street Perspective G . / A \ BYRD
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GREENING .
CAPITi
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LOUISIANA STREET
Sculpture as focal point
at terminus of Main Street
Convention
Center
Cafe Seating (Typical)
Pervious Parking
Rain Garden Park
Trees and Rain Gardens at
Corners
City Parking Garage
for Convention Center
and River Market
Potential Green Roof
SCOTT STREET
Potential Green Alley
Potential Sculpture Location
1"=
0'
100'
50'
Figure 46: Node 4 — Convention Center Gateway
100'
200'
"7 Perspective Location
ffffrTtr.
OMENING ,
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CAFE SPACE
Main Street could offer shaded, outdoor seating near the
new businesses that; are scheduled to be completed in the
near future. Providing new, shaded caf6 seating would build
off of and encourage the emerging arts and entertainment
establishments in the downtown and encourage pedestrian
activity from the River Market district up Main Street.
BIKE RACKS
Adding bike racks in addition to the expanded trolley line
and pedestrian amenities-would create more options for
active transportation that could have public health benefits
for people who choose to walk and ride bikes. In addition,
new bike racks and pedestrian amenities could create more
activity for businesses and destinations along Main Street.
Figure 47: Existing view (Main Street, looking north from 4th).
Figure 48: Design concept for a streetside rain garden with cafe space and hike racks.
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Conceptual Street Perspective H *' Q \ BYRD
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GREENING PARKING AREAS
Parking lots along Main Street present good opportunities
to use green infrastructure techniques to capture and
filter stormwater runoff and provide a more appealing
environment for pedestrians.
Rain gardens and bioswales (long, linear rain gardens)
between the sidewalk and parking lot (as shown in Figure
50} could be lushly planted, shading pedestrians and ears
and reducing the heat island effect by lowering the ambient
air temperature.
Figure 49: Existing view (Main Street, looking north from 3rd).
Figure 50: Design concept for a streetscape that includes a streetside rain garden, a parking lane with permeable paving, and a parking lot with a rain garden.
NELSON
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Existing: Limited Tree Root Space and
impervious Parking
11.25'sidewalk
with street tree
' parking
Section 'A': Proposed Rain Garden and
Porous Parking
Figure 51: Conceptual Street Sections
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Section 'C: Proposed Rain Garden
(Cafe)
Section 'B-: Proposed Rain Garden
(All Planted)
8' sidewalk
11.25' rain garden
8' sidewalk 11.25' cafe space + rain garden
8' sidewalk
8' porous parking
3.25
rain garden
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V. CASE STUDIES
This section describes some examples of how other cities have used design strategies similar to those
described in this report to revitalize streets, parks, alleys, and other public spaces. There is a growing
body of literature and expertise on these strategies that can be found in academia, at professional
conferences (such as the American Society of Landscape Architects), in government agencies, and
in city departments. Redesigning streets, which have complex interactions between utilities, traffic,
neighborhood concerns, hydrology, and existing buildings, will always involve challenges unique to each
project. However, Little Rock can learn important lessons about funding, design, and most importantly,
implementation from other cities' experiences.
•Lansing, Michigan has recently re-built a section of Michigan Avenue near the Capitol building and
carefully designed and sequenced construction to deal with necessary utility improvements at the same
time as stormwater. Their scale and scope is comparable to Little Rock.
•Chicago has been a leader in green building and infrastructure for several years. Their Sustainable
Street Pilot Program includes cost analysis, implementation documentation, and post-construction
evaluation that is meant to help other cities in creating green streets. They also have established a city-
wide Green Alleys program and handbook.
• Indianapolis' Cultural Trail stretches across the city, but the quality and integration of signage, lighting,
crosswalks, bike facilities, raingardens and public art along the trail, particularly in the downtown
sections, are pertinent to Little Rock.
•Birmingham Railroad Park and Citygarden in St. Louis are examples of the redevelopment potential
of sustainable infrastructure on underutilized blocks in an urban core, in both examples, exemplary
destination parks were created downtown and have spurred additional downtown development and
excitement.
•Citygarden employs a number of green infrastructure tactics related to stormwater that help alleviate
the impact of runoff on St. Louis' overburdened combined stormwater/sanitary sewer system, and on the
Mississippi River to which it discharges.
•Lynchburg, Virginia is another example of creating a new network of pedestrian-friendly streets that
also deal with significant stormwater issues. The raingardens and porous parking are both beautiful and
functional.
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Chicago, U Cermak Rd./Blue Island Ave. Sustainable Street Pilot Program
Lansing, Ml: Michigan Avenue Sustainable Streetscape
Birmingham, AL: Railroad Park
Indianapolis, IN: Cultural Trail (bike and pedestrian streetscape) St. Louis, MO: Citygarden
. ;
N
$
31
Figure 53: Case Study Scale Comparisons
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Precedent: Lansing NELSON
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LANSING: MICHIGAN AVENUE STREETSGAPE
Who: City of Lansing (Michigan), with C2AE and Tetratech
Scope: Urban streetscape (4 blocks)
When: task force 2004, Design 2006, Completed 2008
Cost/Funding Sources:
MDEQ - Clean Michigan Initiative Grant; EPA Region 5-319 Non-point
Source grant; Michigan Dept of Transportation - Federal Transportation
Enhancement Funding
Contact/More Information:
Chad Gamble, City of Lansing
www.lansingmi.gov/pubserv/cso/michigan_ave_rain_gardens.jsp
http://gogreengolansing.com/
www.c2ae.com/who-we-serve/municipal/michigan-ave.html
Notes:
Federal, state, and local governments collaborated with private businesses
and contractors on both funding and implementation. Collaboration among
city departments was particularly important to make the utilities and engi-
neering work smoothly with the rain gardens.
The rain gardens were developed in conjunction with the city's combined
sewer overflow (CSO) upgrades as a means to clean, control, and reuse
stormwater. Rain gardens are an initial step of a larger, citywide water quality
improvement initiative, working in conjunction with the city's National Pollu-
tion Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permitting efforts.
In this project, the city used sustainable design approaches to improve the
pedestrian approach to the state capitol building along Michigan Avenue to
complement the street improvements and CSO separation work. The city's
goal was to make Lansing's primary downtown thoroughfare comfortable
for pedestrians and drivers alike while highlighting the city's commitment to
green infrastructure through the use of rain gardens. Special attention was
given to selecting plantings that would create a formal yet inviting approach
to the capitol. The trees and plant beds were accented by ornamental paving
and site furnishings.
Design Challenges and Solutions
• Public Perception especially pedestrian safety and storefront access.
• Bioretention Layout
- Existing utilities
- Tie-in to existing storm system
- Existing landscaping and driveways
- Constructability/structural and cost concerns
Figure 54: Michigan Avenue during construction.
Figure 56: Michigan Avenue after construction.
Figure 55: Construction photo showing utility conduits.
Figure 57: lypical construction section of the sidewalk and rain garden.
PRECAST CONCRETE^
SUMP
ENGINEERED SOU
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Psastone
T MIN. TO
BUILDING
6" SIDEWALK
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CHICAGO: CERMAK ROAD-BLUE ISLAND AVENUE
SUSTAINABLE STREET PILOT
Who; City of Chicago Department of Transportation
Scope: Urban corridor, streetscape best practices
When: Piiot for best practices; under construction 2011
Cost/Funding Sources: $16.6 million. Funded by the City of Chicago, with
grants from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Highway
Administration. Support from ComEd.
Contact/More Information:
Janet Attarian, Project Director, CDOT jattarian@cityofchicago.org
www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/CBISS_flier_2010.pdf
Notes:
The city's first "sustainable streetscape" intended to use the most innovative
practices in order to test and monitor implementation and performance at all
levels. Cost is 21 percent below average block cost for street retrofits. The
project is being evaluated based on LEED-ND, Sustainable Sites, Illinois DOT
sustainability standards, and others for comparative purposes. Janet Attarian
stressed that the project should create a beautiful space that residents want to
use for daily activities.
Figure 58: Typical illustrative section of street, sidewalk, swale, and signage. Figure 59: Cermak Road during construction of permeable parking,
stormwater storage, and sidewalk planters.
Precedent: Chicago A NELSON
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The 1,5-rnile-iong streetscape wili include new sidewalk and roadway surfaces,
street trees and landscaped planters, roadway and pedestrian lighting, and
public art.
Sustainable features and design objectives include:
• Recycled content— recycle at least 90 percent of construction waste,
and specify new materials with at least 10 percent recycled content. (Large
contractor learning curve).
• Energy conservation— reduce energy use below the typical streetscape
baseline; use reflective surfaces on sidewalks and roadways; use dark-sky-
friendly light fixtures.
• Stormwater management— divert 80 percent of the typical average annual
rainfall from the storm sewer system through use of pervious pavements,
bioswaies, and infiltration planters.
• Urban heat island mitigation— reduce ambient summer temperatures on
streets and sidewalks through use of reflective pavements on roadways, light-
colored sidewalks and trees for shading.
• Alternative transportation— provide new ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps,
improve bus stops with signage, lighting; add bike lanes along Blue Island and
bike racks throughout project.
• Water efficiency— eliminate potable water sources for irrigation; use native or
climate-adapted, drought-tolerant plants for all landscaping.
• Education— through community identifiers and self-guided tour brochures
highlight innovative, sustainable features of streetscape.
• Monitoring— CDOT will partner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District to monitor the project and measure its environmental impacts.
Figure 60: Permeable pavers mark a bike lane and parking area. The
pavers contain a special compound to absorb nitrogen oxides.
Figure 61: Cermak Road after construction of permeable parking/bike
lane, stormwater storage, and sidewalk planters.
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Precedent: Indianapolis NELSON
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Figure 66: Downspouts flow into stormwater basins along the Trail.
Figure 62: Innovative, safe crosswalks brand the Cultural Trail. Figure 65: Lighting and seating make the space safe and welcoming.
Figure 63: The Cultural Trail is located in an urban, downtown context.
INDIANAPOLIS: CULTURAL TRAIL
Who: Public-private partnership, managed by a six- person Cultural Trail
Management Team of local civic leaders, with hired consultants.
Scope: 8 mile urban greenway; pubiic art; interpretive signage
When: 2007-2012 (Seven corridor segments over 5 years)
Cost/Funding Sources: $55 million. The Cultural Trail is made possible by
a large public and private collaboration led by Central Indiana Community
Foundation (including $2 million matching fund from one donor), the City
of Indianapolis and several not-for-profit organizations devoted to building a
better city. $20 million from U.S. DOT'S Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
Contact/More Information: www.indyculturaltrail.org
Notes:
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick is a world-
class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, five
downtown Cultural Districts and entertainment amenities, and serves as the
downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system. It also con-
nects to The Canal & White River State Park, the Wholesale District, and the
Monon Trail.
Currently $2 million (over 4% of the construction budget) has been allocated
to public art - a major design component of the Cultural Trail. Guiding the
team's effort is a mission to create a world-class, 21st century icon and an
unprecedented model for multi-modal transportation systems in urban areas.
Other features:
• Extensive use of stormwater planters and bioswales to filter street runoff.
• Community bike program to provide inexpensive bicycles for rent.
• De-icing and salting regulations to protect plants from chemicals.
•There is a Maintenance Endowment thanks to individual donations and
matching funds from the Margot L. and Robert S. Eccles Charitable Fund.
Figure 64: Planting stormwater basins bring beauty to the
streetscape.
34
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BIRMINGHAM: RAILROAD PARK
Who: City of Birmingham/ Railroad Park Foundation (client); Tom Leader
Studio (landscape architect)
Scope: Urban park (re-use; 4 blocks, 19 acres)
When: Completed 2010
Cost/Funding Sources: $17.5 million
Contact/More Information: www.railroadpark.org
Notes:
TLS worked extensively with a public / private partnership to build this down-
town central park and master plan the rail corridor. This project celebrates
the active participation of 11 tracks of well-loved trains that slowly lumber
through this downtown on a viaduct.
The park site is a former warehouse and brick-making site and much of
the park is formed with materials recovered from historic uses. The park is
four blocks long by one block wide and was historically, the lowest point in
town. The scheme draws on this ample water in creating a large reservoir
for irrigation which also discharges through a stream and series of ponds as
a summer fountain. Needed floodwater storage is created by excavating for
this water system, using the spoils to create a series of knolls along the rail
viaduct. The "Raii Trail", located atop this little mountain range is a series of
on-grade and bridge connections which allow train-spotting up close, views
over downtown and of the frequent iarge music events and parties within the
park. The park contains performance venues of varying scales from small to
extra large such as the annual "Crawfish Boil" attracting 30,000 music fans.
Noisy or quiet, day or night, the park is only completed by the industrial ballet
of freight cars slowly rolling in both directions.
TLS also designed a structure which grew out of the park master plan to
accommodate park food service, concessions, administration, rest rooms,
and storage on a strict budget. These functions were housed in a series of
four wooden "boxcars" along the edge of the park's main entry plaza. Above
these, a shed-like metal roofed canopy extends the entire 220 feet of the
plaza length to provide sun and rain shelter as well as frame the "east gate"
to the park lakes and open space beyond.
Figure 67: The Railroad Park site showing stormwater infrastructure
Precedent: Birmingham NELSON
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Figure 68: The Railroad Park site.
Figure 70: The 17th Street plaza.
Figure 69: The lake literally reflects the industrial heritage of Birmingham.
Figure 71: The Railroad Park amphitheatre fills on a summer movie night.
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ST. LOUIS: CITYGARDEN
Who: The Gateway Foundation (Client), NBWLA (Landscape Architect) and
Durham Associates (Local Architect)
Scope: 2 block (2.9 acre) public sculpture garden and city park
When: 2007 - 2009; Opened July 1, 2009
Cost/Funding Sources: $30,000,000
Contact/More Information:
infova@nbwla.com www.nbwla.com/featured/citygarden.htm
www.citygardenstl.org/
Notes: Citygarden's 2.9 acres include a variety of experiences to accom-
modate the diverse interests of St. Louis residents, and provide a completely
free and open gathering space for all. With careful planning and clear com-
munication with the client, this $30 million park was completed in just over
two years — from design inception to the public opening — with weeks to
spare before the set completion date: baseball's Ail Star weekend. The park is
highlighted by water expressed in a variety of reflective and vibrant forms, by
a cafe featuring localiy-grown food, by a series of plantings that are primarily
Missouri natives, and by an extensive collection of contemporary sculpture
unbound by fences.
Donated to the City by the Gateway Foundation, Citygarden realizes a long-
term goal of revitalizing the Gateway Mali with an active public gathering
space. Citygarden creates a place that is at once a sculpture garden, botanic
garden, and city park. As a sculpture garden, it is designed to be an inviting
and inspiring setting for a variety of contemporary sculptures while remaining
free and open to the pubiic at all hours. Its spaces create a diverse array of
experiences for a population with wide ranging interests. As a botanic garden,
Citygarden features native Missouri trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcov-
ers, grasses, and wildflowers. Plantings were selected in collaboration with
horticulturists from the Missouri Botanic Garden to create a beautiful and
engaging place for year-round enjoyment. As a city park, Citygarden attracts
thousands of visitors from St. Louis and beyond. In the intense summer heat,
it serves as an urban oasis. The garden's three fountains and shade, af-
forded by the lush plantings, keep Citygarden active.
The garden's many facets are united by materials and forms unique to St.
Louis and its regional context. The Mississippi River bluffs are abstracted
in a broadly arcing wall that spans the garden's two blocks. Constructed of
local limestone, the arc wall delineates a more urban 'upland' precinct to the
north and creates an open 'fioodplain' through the center of the site. To the
south a meandering seat wall edges the richly planted garden precinct that
is inspired by the region's agricultural patterns associated with its rivers. In
addition, garden paths and beds mark historic building footprints.
Precedent: St. Louis NELSON
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Figure 72: The Cafe is an additional destination, and helps to frame other historic buildings. Figure 73: Citygarden is an urban, downtown, civic heart of St. Louis.
Figure 74: The Arch is set off by a landscape at once ecological, civic, and beautiful.
Figure 75: All ages are drawn to the spaces.
36
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Figure 7/: Riverfront Park, showing the wide planted swale and bridges during a festive event.
LYNCHBURG, VA: RIVERFRONT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Who: City of Lynchburg (Client), NBWLA (Landscape Architect)
Scope: planning and design services for 14 acres downtown, including
Phase I: Jefferson Street North streetscape and raingardens.
When: 2006- ongoing
Cost/Funding Sources: $2.4 million
Contact/More Information:
infova@nbwla.com www.nbwla.com/boards/boards.html
Notes:
The city of Lynchburg developed an implementation plan for the revitaliza-
tion of the downtown riverfront that included an eight-acre Riverfront Park
and the renewal of nearby streets with spaces for stormwater management,
recreation, interpretive facilities, and public gatherings. The plan also included
a re-imagined mixed-use pedestrian corridor, restored streets, and public
spaces with dedicated outdoor cafe spaces, play areas, a large canal basin,
fountains, and an events plaza. The design process involved several meet-
ings with city and private stakeholders, and the plan was endorsed by the city
council in 2006.
The first riverfront project, Jefferson Street North, a streetscape that incorpo-
rates significant green infrastructure, was opened to the public in June 2010.
Pians include a pedestrian arts and dining corridor along Jefferson Street
South and the Lower Bluff Walk Corridor that will connect Main Street and
the riverfront. Included in this work are design guidelines for the site develop-
ment and architecture in the area. A detailed stormwater strategy will help
the downtown protect the James River watershed and provide a model for
improved public spaces with environmental benefit. The project also includes
the re-direction of runoff from the overburdened combined sewer system to
new permeable parking areas and extensive rain gardens. The rain gardens
have flowering native plants and interpretive signage and are an educational
and aesthetic asset to the city.
Precedent: Lynchburg NELSON
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Figure 76: The Lynchburg Riverfront master plan
Figure 78: Swale, cobbled street and brick crosswalk.
37
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VI. NEXT STEPS + FUNDING
Little Rock and its residents and stakeholders can use the designs and strategies described in this report
to help determine how to proceed with revitalizing Main Street. To help prioritize its actions, the city could
focus on the four nodes discussed in this report, the SOMA Neighborhood Park, the 1-630 Crossing,
the Arts Park between 4th and Capitol Streets, and the Convention Center Gateway. Developing these
nodes would create newly vibrant areas of Main Street at easily walkable distances from each other
and demonstrate multiple environmentally and economically sustainable strategies to the public at key
locations. These additional points of interest could help draw more people and businesses to Main
Street.
Private property owners and the city could work together to enhance the public realm with cafe seating
and rain gardens between parking lots and sidewalk. City departments, such as Public Works, could
begin improvements, such as converting some on-street parking to cafe seating or rain gardens in order
to create inviting spaces.
City staff will need to coordinate necessary utility and street improvements with an overall, long-term
vision for the street, which would include permeable parking lanes, rain gardens, and increased cafe
space.
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During the charrette, participants brainstormed resources that might be used to implement
design options.
I. Federal and/or State Resources
1) EPA's 319 Grant Program www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/cwact.html
2) EPA's State Revolving Fund for Clean Water http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwf/
cwsrfjndex.cfm
3) FHWA funds through Metro: Could be used for road diets, bump outs, bike lanes
4) FHWA Transportation Enhancement Program www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/index.htm
5) Federal Transit Administration, Livable and Sustainable Communities Program
http://fta.dot.gov/publications/publications_10935.html
6) Department of Energy, Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds
•Administered by Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA)
•Could be used for green roofs, efficient lighting, and street trees
7) EPA Regional, State, and Local Funding Opportunities: A guide of regional, state, and
local funding resources http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/state_funding.htm
8) DOT, HUD, and EPA Programs for Sustainable Communities funding opportunities:
www.sustainablecommunities.gov/grants.html
II. City/County Resources
1) Pulaski County Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (BFRLF)
2) Downtown Community Development Corporation (CDC)
3) 12th Street Plans: City streetscape between University Avenue and Central High School
4) Arkansas Department of Corrections for labor assistance
5) Metro: Congestion mitigation funds available as related to EPA's nonattainment finding
6) Central Arkansas Water: demonstration project
III. Community Resources
1) University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Department of Landscape
Architecture
•Solar manufacturer set to underwrite some of their projects
•Studio projects could be used to generate ideas
2) University of Arkansas Community Extension Service: street tree and raingarden
expertise or implementation
4) Community-based projects
•Brick drive with property owners to create interim improvements to vacant lots
and parking lots
•eStem Public Charter School garden patch at north end of Main Street
•Tailgate football event at Center Street
•Other volunteer days to bring energy and attention to Main Street
5) Home Depot Foundation
6) Local businesses (matching funds)
39
Other community partnerships could be formed with arts organizations, the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library, community gardens and local food organizations, the University of Arkansas
and other colleges and schools, Arkansas Children's Hospital and other health organizations, and
other local foundations and businesses. Local businesses and city departments such as Parks and
Recreation and Public Works will be especially crucial for helping with construction, installation,
management, and maintenance of Main Street improvements.
IV. Tools and Resources
EPA offers a number of useful tools, scorecards, and education and outreach resources to help
communities implement smart growth principles and techniques. Specific examples are listed below,
and more can be found at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/.
Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes
Offers 11 Essential Fixes to help local governments amend their codes and ordinances to promote
more sustainable development.
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/essential_fixes.htm
Green Infrastructure Municipal Handbook
The Municipal Handbook is a series of documents to help local officials implement green infrastructure
in their communities. Handbook topics cover issues such as financing, operation and maintenance,
incentives, designs, codes and ordinances, and a variety of other subjects, http://cfpub.epa.gov/
npdes/greeninfrastructure/munichandbook.cfm
Parking Spaces / Community Places: Finding the Balance Through Smart Growth Solutions
Highlights proven approaches that balance parking with broader community goals.
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/parking.htm
Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments
Addresses the local codes of ordinances that affect the design, construction, renovation, and
operation and maintenance of a building and its immediate site to help local governments, the
development community, and other building professionals identify and remove barriers to sustainable
design and green building in their permitting processes.
http://www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/green-building-toolkit.pdf
Water Quality Scorecard
This scorecard offers policy options for protecting and improving water quality across different scales
of land use and across multiple municipal departments.
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/water_scorecard.htm
i-Tree Tools
i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the U.S. Forest Service that provides
urban forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. i-Tree tools help communities of all sizes
to strengthen their urban forest management and advocacy efforts by quantifying the structure of
community trees and the environmental services that trees provide.
http://www.itreetools.org
yDSX NELSON
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GREENING AMERICA'S I ? W O LT Z
CAPITALS LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTS
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VII. APPENDICES
A. WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
B. RECOMMENDED PLANT LISTS
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FINAL CHARRETTE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, APRIL 14
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
MEET and GREET (8:00-8:15)
INTRODUCTION (8:15-8:45) - Intro by Mayor Mark Stodola and Abby Hall/Clark Wilson of the EPA
• Greening America's Capitals
o Program introduction and goals, Little Rock's selection as a pilot city, Clarify intent and
expectations
• Welcome
o Introduction of Team Members and Stakeholders
o Greening America's Capitals goals, building on the Mayors' Institute on City Design completed in
2009
• Charrette Overview
o Schedule and Process
OVERVIEW of PRELIMINARY DESIGN IDEAS AND DISCUSSION POINTS (8:45-9:15) - PPT by NBWLA
• Main Street Study Area
o Site analysis- Maps/photographs of existing conditions and site analysis
o Review of preliminary ideas - G.R.E.E.N.ing Main Street
OPEN DISCUSSION AND Q&A (9:15-10:00)
TROLLEY TOUR (10:15-11:30)
• Trolley tour - led by Caran Curry and Mayor Mark Stodola; Main Street to review preliminary design
ideas, brain storm and discuss issues.
LUNCH @ THE HEIFER PROJECT (11:30-12:30)
CLINTON LIBRARY/WETLAND/RIVERFRONT PARK TOUR (12:30-2:30)
• Clinton Library - led by Debbie Shock, Director of Ops and facilities, Clinton Presidential Center
• Bill Clark Wetlands and Riverfront Park - led by Mark Webre
BREAK (2:30-2:45)
FOCUS SESSION I - STORMWATER (2:45-4:15)
Stormwater management as civic amenity, educational opportunity, and aesthetic asset
• CONTEXT, ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS
o Detailed review Hydrologic Site Analysis; Topographic analysis, Regional picture, History
o Brief description of Little Rock's stormwater/wastewater network maps
o Green Infrastructure Precedents
• SKETCH SESSION AND DISCUSSION
o Little Rock infrastructure opportunities: Discussion of green roofs, rain gardens, drainage swales
and stormwater daylighting; what can happen at the end of Main where the storm daylights to
the river from main street?
CORE TEAM MEETING and SKETCH SESSION (4:30-6:30)
FOCUS SESSION II- RE-USE: VACANT AND UNDERUTILIZED BLDGS AND SURFACE PKG LOTS (8:15-10:00)
What are the most strategic design proposals that infill Little Rock's urban fabric and balance mixed-use urban
infill development with parking needs?
• CONTEXT, ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS
o Review of site opportunities and constraints
o Presentation of potential strategies; Boutique restaurant/retail, community gardens, arts district
• SKETCH SESSION AND DISCUSSION (POSSIBLE SITE WALK ON MAIN TO TEST IDEAS)
BREAK (10:00-10:15)
FOCUS SESSION III - HUMAN-SCALED STREETS; NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS (10:15-12:00)
How do we get people on the streets and create a lively pedestrian culture down the entire corridor?
What is the feasibility of narrowing/eliminating parking lanes on Main Street to accommodate bicycles, green
infrastructure, pedestrian amenities? Trolley route?
• CONTEXT, ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS
o Zoning and DOD design standards on project site (City of Little Rock)
o Review of site opportunities and constraints
o Presentation of potential strategies
• SKETCH SESSION AND DISCUSSION
LUNCH BREAK { 12:00-1:00)
FOCUS SESSION IV - BRINGING DESIGN TO MAIN STREET (1:00-2:45)
Connecting with local design professionals in Little Rock bring their expertise and influence to Main Street
• CONTEXT, ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS
o Review of design ideas including stormwater, re-use, and streets (sessions I, II and III)
• SKETCH SESSION AND DISCUSSION
CORE TEAM MEETING and SKETCH SESSION (3:00-6:00)
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
FOCUS SESSION V - GOVERNMENT RESOURCES, PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS, IMPLEMENTATION AND
FUNDING (8:15-10:00)
What are the possible means of implementing short-term or long-term design interventions? What design
implementations can the City do to provide the most robust framework for successful development?
MODERATED BY THE EPA
• Funding mechanisms and legislative hurdles
• Environmental hurdles (subgrade condition, contamination, infiltration capacity)
• Incentives for private property proposals
• Private -public partnerships
• Street amenities and green infrastructure to spur private development
CORE TEAM MEETING AND DEBRIEF; PREP FOR WRAP-UP (10:00-12:30)
DESIGN PRESENTATION AND WRAP-UP SESSION (12:30-2:00) - 30 minute PPT by NBWLA followed by
Open Discussion
• Presentation of main ideas
• Discussion of prioritizing and implementation
• Discussion of public involvement, next steps
• Design team given feedback to further specific design proposals for phase 3
3
NELSON
Workshop Schedule ffrTfr „ PJf?lDT7
CHINING AHIIUCAS i Y'/V 1 WULI C..
CAPITALS
41
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Greening America's Capitals: Little Rock
Recommended Plant List
KEY
(N) = Native to Arkansas
* - Recommended by NBW
** - Highly recommended by NBW
F = Full sun
P = Part shade
S = Shade
W = Wet soils
A = Average soils
D = Dry soils
Common Name
Scientific Name
Sun
Moisture
Height
Characteristics
Comments
TfEBS
*(N)
Red Buckeye
Aesculus pavta
F-S
W-A
10-15'
Salmon/red (lowers In spring:, adracts hummtrrgbiras. boss
It use al Ark Game and fish NaUreCeniaf
•(N)
Servicebeny
Ametancllierarborea
F-S
A-D
15-30
White spring Sowars: Magenta fruit attracts Birds
(Nj
Pawpaw
Aslmina triloba
F-P
W-A
15-30
fall color. Wilts. Dark red Hovers Apr-May
"(NJ
River Birch
Betula nigra
F-P
W-A
30-30
Multlstemmod desired: seeds attract Ms, Attractive barK'.
Recommended tor Ralngarden
" (NJ
Redbud
Ceicis canadensis
P-S
A-P
15-30
Magenta 1 lows Apr-May precede reddish loaves 11i.il fade lo grem.
(N)
Fringe Tree
Chionanthus vlrgintcus
F-P
W-A
15-25-
Creamy white Imgrant flowers in May: dark Wuu trult In tali.
It use at Aik Game and Fish Native Center
(N)
Witch Hazel
Hamamelisvirgtnlana
P
A
7-30'
Creamy to bright yellow Hows in tall anil winter golden tall color. Many culllvars
(N)
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grand mora
F-P
A
35-50
Urge fragrant flows. Evergreen
"(N)
SwaetBay
Magnolia Virginians
P
W
12-20+'
2-3" Wilts flowers spring; fruit attracts tilrds, Seml-everjieen. Delicate structure.
Recommended for Ralngarden
American Crabapple
Mate coronam
F
A
15-40
Arkansas state iree: Iragrant white blooms Apul-May
Use along rtwy 630
(N)
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatlca
F-P
W-D
30-60
Yellow. orange, red-purple tall color; honey plant lor bees
(NJ
Uurel Oak
Quercus laurlfoiia
F-P
W-A
40-80
Transplants well; shiny leaves acoms
(N)
Willow Oek
Que reus phellos
F-P
A
60+'
Yellow fall color: Was messy as soma oaks; tolerant olurban conditions
(N)
Bald Cypress
Taxodlum distlchum
F-P
W-A
50-75'
Cypress knees produced In * near water
Shwbs
(N)
False indigo
Amorpha tnfcosa
F
A-D
6-10
Deep purple flowers vJlli gold stamens attract butterflies
tl use at ArK Game and fish Nature Center
(N)
Beauty berry
Caiilcarpa anwicana
P-S
W-A
1-2"
Small vfflfe to pink 11 ows In summer; purple Perries in tall
m useal Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
(N)
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occirJentalis
S-P
W-A
5-12'
Round white flowers In June: nutlets in winter; attracts bees, birds, bulletflies
m useal Ark Game and Fish Nature Center
(N)
Wild Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborascens
P-S
W-A
3-B'
Wlilte lace cap flowers.atlracts bees
Si useal Arts Game and Rsh Natae Center
(N)
Wirtterbeiry
lien verticil lata
P-S
W-A
3-6'
Bright red bemes on lemale plants Into wint: attracts birds
Recommended tor Ralngarden
" (N)
Sweets pita
Itea vtrginlca
p
W-A
W-
White Hows; red berries: good screen plant; attracts
Recommended tor Ralngarden: In useat Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
(N)
Splcebush
Lindera benzoin
p
A
3-12'
Attracts birds
m useal Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
(N)
Southern Wax Myrtle
Myrica centera
F-P
W-A-D
5-25'
Tolerates salt and fluctuating water levels
In useal Art; Game and Fish Nature Center
*(N)
Swamp Azalea
Rhodendron viscosum
White Hows Ift spring; tall color, honey plant
Recommended tor Ralngarden; In use at Ark Gams and Rsli Nature Center
(N)
Fragrant Sumac
Rhusaromatlca
F-P
A-D
2-4'
Fall color; good for stabilizing embankments
In use al Art; Game and Rsh Nalure Can!fir
Flose
Rosa ap.
F
A
2-6'
Yellow red, pink, wrilie blooms In summer, Many culllvars available
Use carefree, long-blooming, shrub varieties In planters or drier areas
flowering Perennials
(N) Columbine
Agullegia canadensis
A
1-3'
Drooping. 5 part bells bloom April-June
Recommended tor Ralngarden: In use at Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
*(N) Swamp Mllkvwad
Ascleplas Incarnata
F
W-A
4-5'
Pink blooms late summer
Recommended tor Ralngarden: In use at Ark Game and fish Nature Center
(N) Butterfly Milkweed
Ascleplas tuberosa
F
A-D
1-3'
Orange blooms JunB-Aug: attracts butterflies
*(Nj White False Indigo
Baptlsia alba
F-P
A-D
2-4'
White blooms Apr-May: aliraots butterflies
m useal Ark Game and fish Nature Center
(N) Poppy Mallow
Calllrlwe papaver
F
A-D
Magenta blooms Mar -July; prostrate
In use al Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
** Camass Flower
Camassia MatttinH
F-P
W-A
3-4'
Whits or blue star-shaped lowers on la I racemes in Apr-May. Western native.
Recommended lor Ralngarden
(N) Wild Hyacinth
Camassia scllloldes
P
A
1.5-2'
Blooms Apr-May. Leaves nlllier In summer.
Recommended lor Ralngarden
(N) Tall Coreopsis
Coreopsis tripleris
F
A-D
2-8'
Yellow ray flows July-Sep!
m useal Aik Game and Rsh Nature Center
*(N) Purple Coneflowar
Echinacea purpurea
F-P
A-D
2-6'
Purplish-pink blooms June-Aug; attracts bints, butterflies
In useal Ark Gameand Rsh toltre Center
(N) Rattlesnake Flower
Erynglum yucclfollum
F
A-D
4-5'
Greenlsli-wWte round blooms June-Sept can look messy
W useal Artt Game and Rsh Nature Cuitar
** (N) Mist Flower
Eupatorlum coelestinum
F-P
W-A
1-ff
White lo blue Hows Aug thru frasl, loterales poor drainage; spreads
Recommended tor Ralngarden- In use at Ark Game and Rsh Nature Center
" (N) Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorlumflstnlosum
F
W-A
3-10
Use culiivar.lv smaller, tidier plants; pink blooms Aug-Ocl attracl. butterflies
Recommended lor Ralngarden
(N) Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
F-P
A
1-?
Ptnli flowers Apr-May attract butterflies
In use al Ark Game and Rsh Nature Caifer
(N) Narfow-leat Surlllower
Hellanthus Simula rts
P
W
3-7'
Gold ray Downs Aug-Nov. Gangly, best tor rialuraHSng in we! conditions
ti useal Ark Game and Rsh Naltre Center
NELSON
Recommended Piant Lists >><%.?»... / Q \ BYRD
usgl woltz
CAPITALS
42
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Greening America's Capitals: Little Rock
Recommended Plant List
KEY
(N) = Native to Artansas
* - Recommended by NBW
F = Full sun
P- Part shade
W = Wetsolte
A = Average soils
" = Highly recommended by NBW
S - Shade
D = Dry soils
Common Name
Scientific Name
Sun
Moisture
Heiglrt
Flowering Perennials, continued
*(N) Alumroot
Heuclwa amerteana
F-P
A
1-2
(N) Marsh Biazirg Star
LiatHs spicata
F
A
2-4'
(N) Blazing Stai
Liatrissquamjsa
F
D
2-4'
•(N) CartHrtal Flower
Lobelia cardinalls
F-P
W-A
2-4
(N) Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphllica
F-P
W-A
2-3'
(N) WildBergamot
Mooatda listuiosa
F-P
A-D
2-4'
Daffodils
Narcissus sp.
F
A
0,5-2
(N) Sundrops
Oenothera frutcosa
F
A-D
1-2
(N) Black-eyed Susan
RudbecWa tulgida
F
A-D
2-3'
(N) Cut-leaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia laciniata
F-P
A
2-9'
(N) Large Conetfower
Rudbeckia maxima
F
A-D
6-7'
(N) Rough-leaved Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa
F
W-A
2-4'
(N) Spider Lily
Ttadescantta virgtnlana
f^P
A
1-3'
(N) RoseVetvaln
Verbena canadensis
F
A-D
0.5-1,5'
(N) Culver's Root
Verorjcastrum virglnicwn
F
W-A
3-7'
(N) Common Blue Violet
Viola paplliQracea
F-P
W-A
0.5'
Vines
•(N) Cross Vine
Bignonia capreolata
F-P
A
35-50'
•|N) Yellow Jessamine
Gelsemlum sempeivrrens
f
A
12-20'
*(N) Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
F
A
10-20"
*(N) Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quir»nuefo!la
F-P
A
30-50'
(N) Passlontlower
Passlflora Incarnata
F-P
A
6-fl'
Grasses & Grass-like
"* (N) Inland Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
F-P
W-A
2-5'
(N) Purple Lovegtass
Eiagrostis spectabilis
F
A-D
1-2
** |N) SoltRush
Juncus eflusus
F
W
1-3*
•* (N) Quit Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillars
F-P
W-A-D
2-4'
•* (N) Swltchgrass
Panicumvitgatum
F-P
W-A
3-6'
(N) Little Bluestem
Schizacftynum scoparium
F
A-D
2-4'
Characteristics
Greenish bells June-Aug: forms ctumpa
inloJeranl of wet soils In winter. Upright clumping magenta flowers in summer
InloJeranl ol weJ soils in Miter Upright dumping magenta Howejs in summer
Scarlet stalks July-Sept
Blue stalks July-Sept
Pink globular flowers July-Sept; attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Fragrant yetlow cup flowers Mar-Apr. Many cuUivars of varying size and shades
Bright yetlow open Bowers May-June
Yellow ray flowers June-October
Yellow ray flowis July-Sept
Yellow ray flowers June-July
5mall yellow flowers along racemes Noorn Sepl-Oct Dora not causa hay lever
3-part purple-blue flowers May-July with IrMKe leaves
Good for edge or ground cover Magenta Nowrs Aprit - Oct.
White rose. Wue llowers on tall spikes May-Aug. Many cullivars vary sire & color
White to blue llowers Mar-May Edible. Ground cover
Semi-evergreen, woody vine Willi orange-red llowers May-June Will spread,
Evergreen, twining vine with yellow fragrant flowers Feb-Apr
Deciducus, vigorous Iwinmg vine with orange-yellow flowers May-June.
Deciduals, vigorous, woody vine wtft red tall color
White to purple Iragranl blooms July-Sept, may be herbaceous in colder areas
Clumping, upright ornamental grass with bronzy, showy seed-heads In fall
Warm season bunchgrass in sandy soils: airy purple seed-heads m August.
Upright shiny basal clumps of round blades In moist soil to 4* standing water
Showy, airy, purplish seedheads in late summer
Clumping tall grass with good fall color, esp. in cullivars Tolerates varying soil.
Attractive silver fluffy seedheads and orange fall color.
Comments
In use at Ark Game and Rah Nature Center
in use at Ark Game and Fish Nature Canler
Recommended tor Ralngarden
In use at Ark Game and Fish Nature Cantor
In use at Ark Game and fish Nature Center
In use at Ark Game and Frsh Naiure Center
In use at Ark Game and Frsh Nat we Confer
Recommended tor flalngarden; In use at Ark Game and Fish Nature Center
Recommended for Flaingarden
Recommended for flaingarden
Recommended for Raingarden
Information on this list adapted from:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Native Plant Database, www.wildflower.org/plants/
Missouri Botanical Garden, Kemper Center PlantFinder. www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Alpha.asp
PlantNative. www.plantnative.org/index.htm
NELSON
Recommended Piant Lists >><%.*>.,. f Q BYRD
usgl woltz
CAPITALS
43
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