BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Study Guide 2026

An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms (the biotic components) and their physical environment (the abiotic components). This includes both the living species and all the non-living factors like water, soil, and sunlight. The question's description perfectly aligns with the comprehensive definition of an ecosystem.

Brownfields are formerly industrial or commercial sites where real or perceived contamination hinders redevelopment, often eligible for EPA cleanup programs.

CIP stands for 'cast-in-place' concrete — concrete that is poured and formed on-site in its final position, as opposed to precast concrete made off-site.

Bioswales are vegetated channels designed to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff, removing pollutants through biofiltration and sedimentation.

Urban tree canopy reduces heat island effects through shading and evapotranspiration, intercepts rainfall to reduce runoff, sequesters carbon, and improves air quality simultaneously.

Wetlands are critical sites for denitrification, where bacteria convert nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen, so their loss disrupts the nitrogen cycle.