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The Arboretum will strive to become a leader among its peers in
horticulture, science, and environmental matters. While most of
the environmental content of the Arboretum is not located on the
Mitchell Tract, there is, nevertheless, a unique opportunity here
to highlight the best development and horticultural practices
demonstrating environmental sensitivity. To that end it is a goal
to handle all storm water on site. Since the Arboretum is located
in the University well field’s watershed, storm water that
is retained is returned to groundwater and the University wells,
and does not go into the pipe system to already overloaded storm
systems.
The irrigation requirements for the Arboretum have been calculated
for a one-, two-, ten- and fifty-year drought condition, as formulated
using the Pennsylvania Irrigation Water Applications Planning
and Management Guide, as well as using the nationally recognized
evapotranspiration based irrigation requirement method. The irrigation
system is planned to be a pressurized water line which loops the
Arboretum. Lateral lines can then be run to service individual
water features and sprinkler systems of certain gardens. These
sprinkler systems will be designed to ensure effective conservation.
Phase I of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens
M•T•R Landscape Architects, LLC, has designed the
utility and rough grading plan, the garden elements, and the planting
plan for the first phase of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens. Construction
of the garden elements is scheduled to begin in June 2008, and
substantial completion is expected in June 2009.
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