Bring together a landscape architect, an architecture firm, New York City train rails that are unused and on the brink of demolition, and a bunch of passionate activists – what do you get? Creative, green brilliance, of course. Otherwise known as the High-Line Project.

The High-Line, located on Manhattan’s West Side, is 13 miles of elevated train rails that run from Gansevoort Street (in the Meatpacking District) to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. Originally built in the 1930s as a way to avoid the accidents occurring between freight trains (carrying food and other goods) and street-level traffic, the High-Line became obsolete with the rise of interstate trucking in the 1950s. In 1980 the last train ran on the High-Line. End of story.

Not so fast. A debate ensued about what to do with all that real estate – demolish the entire structure or preserve and turn it into an open public space? The rest is preservation history and a public park dream come true for New York City.

Construction, which began in 2006 after the design team was selected, has been long, detailed and arduous. It was a multi-step process that entailed removing every part of the structure before any landscaping could take place. Each piece of the train rail was removed, labeled and put into storage. Many of the pieces have been built back into the landscaping in creative ways.

The website describes the High-Line as “…an integrated landscape combining meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings. Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park. Access points from street level will be located every two to three blocks. Many of these access points will include elevators, and all will include stairs.”

No bikes, skateboards or scooters are allowed. Picking flowers, drinking alcohol and feeding the birds and squirrels is prohibited. The rules are in place for good reason, mostly to protect the newly planted landscape. But the High-Line offers an ongoing calendar of free public programs, with events like “Wandering Band” and live dance and theater performances.

I’m so intrigued by this project, and inspired. What better way to preserve the past than create a beautiful, green outdoor space? A simple place where people can interact, be alone, read, walk or observe. Did I already say brilliant?

The first completed section, which runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, opened to the public in June 2009 and section 2 is scheduled to open some time next year. Their blog will keep you updated on the latest construction details as well as performances and Friends of High-Line activities.

My hope is that New York City residents appreciate this gift and return the favor by respecting and protecting it. From what I’ve seen so far, it appears they are doing just that. If only Los Angeles could be so lucky.

Images: My High Line, 2009 in Pictures, Friends of the High Line, J Marx.

The post From Rusty Rail-Line to Landscaped High-Line appeared first on EcoSalon.

In a nation embracing all things green, it was just a matter of time before outdoor places – ranging from parks, parking lots and transport corridors to family homes and university and corporate campuses –  ended up with a “green” rating system similar to LEED for buildings and  energy star ratings for appliances (and even churches).

Three years of research by teams of landscape architects, ecologists and engineers from the American Society of Landscape Architects, the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas-Austin have resulted in the Sustainable Sites Initiative. It’s a 179-page report that includes voluntary national guidelines and performance benchmarks for creating sustainable landscapes.

The SSI is offers a four star rating system for landscapes based on a 250-point scale that measures all actions encouraging regeneration, improving and maintaining ecosystems, supporting sustainability and minimizing water and pesticide use.

To test this rating system, the SSI is currently looking for pilot projects. Any kind of designed landscape of 2000 square feet or more is eligible.

But while the Sustainable Site Initiative and rating system sounds like it’s only aimed at large scale public developments, guidelines and principles can be incorporated by anyone, including homeowners, who are developing or re-landscaping outdoor areas.

For those wanting to create their own sustainable garden, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Create soil-enriching compost from food scraps, newspapers, garden pruning and grass-clippings.

2. Replace “thirsty” plants with indigenous, natives and exotic plants. These plants not only require less care and less water, but also have more resistance to harsh climate changes and local pests and diseases.

3. Planting natives will also attract wildlife to your garden, making it much healthier. Bees and birds will transport pollen around the local area, while other native wildlife often become natural pest removers by eating harmful insects.

4. Use recycled or local products when building garden features such as decks, fences and pathways.

5. Learn to plant strategically to shade the house and reduce runoff. Planting deciduous leafy trees near your home will assist with the energy efficiency of your house. In summer, they block the sun and provide shade, thus reducing the need to use the air conditioner. And in winter, when the leaves have fallen, the reverse happens.

6. Collect rain water in drums or barrels and use for irrigation. This will not only save you money but also will help conserve water.

7.  Consider replacing lawn with native plants, vegetables, or even permeable pavers or gravel.

8. Adding flowers that attract beneficial insects to the vegetable patch will limit the need to spray with chemicals.

9. Establish a drip irrigation system which will ensure water only goes where it’s needed.

Images: Jeremy Levine Design, one2c900d, one2c900d

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