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theses

In an urban environment, the establishment of a sense of place and values is directly related to the surrounding natural landscape. A community must find sacredness in its environment in order to embody the feelings of pride and appreciation that will allow it to properly relate to, and, by extension, care for, its surroundings. Public open space in an urban community is key to that sacredness. These are places that manifest the best of both human and ecological values; and yet, the interaction between humans and the ecology of these spaces is often insufficiently supported to produce the desired connection between the community and the landscape. This study, therefore, investigates the potential to integrate ecological and social values in public open space. As a case study, the research is focused on a stream and associated riparian corridor that connects a series of public outdoor spaces in the Borough of Somerville, New Jersey, exploring strategies for enhancing both stream ecology and the relationship of the community to the water. Specific issues addressed include recreational access, community connection, water quality, flooding, riparian habitat, and erosion and bank stabilization. The result is a proposed municipal level planning strategy for the revitalization of this stream corridor to accommodate a stronger connection between the ecology of the riparian system and the community it serves by enhancing both ecological integrity and human value.

ETD_7212

M.L.A.

Includes bibliographical references

by Megan H. Pilla

doi:10.7282/T31J9CZF

ETD graduate

The author owns the copyright to this work.