by Ed Santos

The "living roof" features foliage, flowering shrubs, perennials and vines (top). Large copper shingles clad a coiled "snake" on the roof. Zoo Landscape Architect Ed Santos displays the jute mesh that prevents erosion on the roof (inset). The zoo's conservation efforts have extended to the protection and reintroduction of the Golden Lion Tamarin (above).

Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Terry Maple's vision of a technologically advanced research and education center has recently come to realization. The building known as the Conservation Action Resource Center (ARC) was completed last fall. Since that time, the Landscape and Horticulture Staff at Zoo Atlanta-- guided by Landscape Architect and the Curator of Horticulture Michael L. Barnett-- have been working to turn plans for a "living roof" on the building into reality. The ARC links Georgia's children with the natural world via advanced technology such as interactive learning stations and satellite tracking.

The ARC is designed to appear integral to the existing topography. The west side of the roof is flush with original grade, and the building emerges from the land eastward. The 16,000 square foot living roof is comprised of foliage and flowering shrubs, perennials and vines. Some of the plants on the roof include Sweetshrub, Beautyberry, Common Verbena, Butterfly Bush, Cardinal Flower, and Coral Honeysuckle. The landscape is planted in a porous, lightweight soil mix with excellent drainage properties. To prevent erosion, jute mesh was installed over the soil until plants become established. The mesh serves also as a weed barrier and a moisture retainer, through the porosity of the soil, and the hot, dry conditions in Atlanta necessitate irrigation five to six nights a week.

Located to the south of the ARC is a simulated Brazilian Rain Forest flourishing with approximately fifty 6"-7" caliper trees. Sycamores, Sawtooth Oaks, Japanese Zelkovas, Chinese Elms, Sweetgums Tulip Poplars, and Shumard Oaks were planted to create a deep forest area. These trees selected to recreate a Brazilian rain forest because they are characterized by rapid growth rate and the ability to sustain Southeast conditions of severe heat and drought.

The Brazilian Rain Forest is home to the Golden Lion Tamarin, a small arboreal monkey. The area serves as a training ground for four endangered tamarins, who are learning how to survive in the wild so they may be reintroduced into the wild in Brazil. Throughout the summer the tamarins will be uncaged and challenged to forage for their food and water, and to seek cover from threatening situations. When the tamarin "boot camp" is over, it will be determined if the tamarins are suited to be released in their native habitat. With the completion of the Rainforest and the Conservation ARC, Zoo Atlanta continues to be a leader in innovative stewardship of the land. lasn