a.       Purpose

a)      Improve habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species

b)      Improve hydrology

c)      Improve water quality in Hyper creek

d)     Education/ research

e)      Heighten public awareness/ encourage use

 

b.      Need

a)      Address water quality

b)      Stem encroachment of exotics not yet prevalent in JMNR (Bradford Pear, Black Locust for example)

c)      Engage public to ensure continued protected status

d)     Improve native species diversity

c.       Goals

a)      Improve hydrology/geomorphology

1)      Transform ditch to two stage ditch to accommodate flow while increasing bank angle and allowing for establishment of riparian vegetation.

2)      Add sinuosity – reduce flashiness                             

b)      Create riparian zone of distinct species

c)      Stem encroachment of exotic invasive plant species that are not yet prevalent in JMNR.

1)      Remove vegetation from dumpsite

2)      Install botanical garden with green space to discourage reestablishment of invasive species.

d)     Improve water quality

1)      Add small wetland or ponds near Dave Ward

e)      Increase instream habitat heterogeneity

1)      Add wood

f)       Facilitate public access to stream

1)      New riparian zone

2)      Bend in creek integrated with botanical garden installation

g)      Create public interest and encourage visits to restoration sites and JMNR

1)      Install botanical gardens

2)      Engage stakeholders to hold events/create unique space through art

h)      Increase species diversity

1)      Kill privet/Japanese honeysuckle along creek

2)      Installation of novel riparian ecosystem

3)      Benthic macroinvertebrate population; positive response to improved habitat/reduced flashiness.

i)        Education and research

1)      Historic prairie restoration

2)      Native species featured in garden beds

3)      Data collections and monitoring; post restoration

a)      birds, pollinators, plants, macro invertebrates, biofilm

b)      Stream bank stability/ stream bed heterogeneity

c)      Water quality

d.      Restoration approach

a)      partial restoration (small prairie at dumpsite),

b)      complete alteration (dumpsite)  

c)      partial construction (two stage ditch; wetland area near Dave Ward)

d)     hybrid – install riparian vegetation to create riparian zone

e)      passive- species residing in sections of creek downstream of restoration and wetlands will benefit from restoration. 

e.       Stakeholders and quadrants addressed

a)      City of Conway – Campus considered big selling point.

b)      General Public

c)      UCA Staff, faculty, students in general

d)     Gallery, public art committee, art department

1)      Possible venue for exhibits and permanent installations                  

e)      Music department (possibly)

f)       Faulkner County Master gardeners (possibly)

g)      UCA Board of Directors

h)      NRCS – proposed wetlands would improve water quality headed towards Lake Conway.

                        Socio-Economic

                                    Improve water quality

                                    Possible increase in property values

                                    Proven positive health effects from connecting with nature
                                    (lots of supporting data).

                                    Selling point for Conway to draw in businesses
                                    (increased employment; more revenue for city) 

                        Ecological

                                    Improved nutrient cycling/ecosystem functions

                                    Increase in biodiversity

                                    Improved instream habitat

                                    Control of invasive exotics (try to anyway)

                        Cultural

                                    Art/music

                                    Garden will be a place for public gatherings

                                    Historic prairie/native plants in beds

                        Personal

                                    Garden/new riparian area facilitates connection to nature
                                    (pretty flowers;soothing waters)

                                    Repeated use strengthens attachment

f.       Project duration and cost

a)      6 months