Conservation for Bird Observatory

by Kevin Lyles, Confluent Design

The amphitheater seating by Markstaar was specified for durability and low maintenance. The AB Ashlar modular wall units by Allan Block were specified for ease of construction and compatibility with the Stone House. The new amphitheater was designed to complement the historic house while meeting the tight budget.

The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory?EUR??,,????'???s mission is to conserve birds and their habitats. When an opportunity arose in 1996 to establish its headquarters at a historic farm house at Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, Colo., they decided it was too good to pass up. Thus began a long journey to restore a 115-year-old farmhouse and establish an Environmental Learning Center. On August 27, 2011, ELC was dedicated by Governor John Hickenlooper and many other officials and partners who helped make the ambitious project possible.

A local landscape architecture firm played a significant role in bringing the ELC vision to life, through a combination of paid consulting services (about 15 percent), pro bono consulting services (75 percent) and personal volunteer contributions (10 percent). Confluent Design of Longmont, Colo. initially offered to design two short, accessible interpretive trails to be built by volunteers.

Parking lot improvements were made at little cost, due to volunteer assistance by several groups and in-kind donations.

While exploring the Observatory?EUR??,,????'???s great vision for the ELC, the firm discovered it could also help with interpretive signage, an amphitheater, parking lot, and habitat restoration work. These elements fit well with Confluent Design?EUR??,,????'???s areas of expertise, and thus began a partnership built on a foundation of conservation and community involvement.

The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory?EUR??,,????'???s mission is to conserve birds and their habitats. When an opportunity arose in 1996 to establish its headquarters at a historic farm house at Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, Colo., they decided it was too good to pass up. Thus began a long journey to restore a 115-year-old farmhouse and establish an Environmental Learning Center. On August 27, 2011, ELC was dedicated by Governor John Hickenlooper and many other officials and partners who helped make the ambitious project possible.

The initial phase of design and construction began in late 2010 with a trail through a restored tallgrass prairie, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the importance of grasslands for birds. In partnership with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, the firm provided technical design services and pro bono construction administration for the Youth Corps and volunteer groups building the trail. A complementary trail through a small woodland was subsequently built, providing opportunities to interpret the value of woodlands for nesting and migratory birds. This project demonstrates the role landscape architects can serve as land stewards and community builders. Landscape architects need to provide leadership and creative solutions to implement important civic and environmental works.