Sustainable and Ecological Landscape Design Flashcards

What is the purpose of a vegetated buffer strip along a stream or water body?

Answer: Filter runoff, stabilize banks, and protect aquatic habitat from upland pollutants

Vegetated riparian buffer strips slow and filter stormwater runoff before it enters water bodies, reducing sediment, nutrients, and pesticide contamination while stabilizing banks and providing habitat.

What is impervious surface ratio and how does it affect stormwater management compliance?

Answer: Percentage of a site covered by impervious surfaces; high ratios increase runoff requiring mitigation

Impervious surface ratio measures what percentage of a site is covered by impermeable materials; local regulations often cap this ratio and require stormwater management for high-ratio sites.

Which US certification program recognizes residential landscapes that provide certified wildlife habitat?

Answer: National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program recognizes gardens that provide food, water, cover, and places to raise young for local wildlife.

What is habitat connectivity and why is it important in urban landscape design?

Answer: Linking isolated green spaces so wildlife can move safely through urban areas

Habitat connectivity refers to creating linked corridors of vegetation through urban areas so wildlife can move, feed, breed, and disperse without being isolated by development.

What does the term ecosystem services mean in the context of landscape value?

Answer: Benefits that natural landscape elements provide to humans, such as clean air, water filtration, and climate regulation

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect benefits that functioning ecosystems and landscape elements such as trees and wetlands provide to human well-being at no cost.

What is the main advantage of using salvaged or reclaimed materials in hardscape design?

Answer: Reduces embodied energy and waste while adding unique character to the landscape

Salvaged materials reduce the environmental cost of manufacturing new products and divert materials from landfills, while their weathered appearance adds authentic character.