Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Conservation Facilities Qualifications

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Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Conservation Facilities Qualiﬁ cations 2014

conservation planning + ecological restoration + regenerative design Qualiﬁ cations

SECTION 1 Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Conservation Facilities Firm Proﬁ le

iohabitats is a Baltimore-based environmental design and consulting fi rm B specializing in ecological restoration, conservation planning and regenerative design. Our focus for over 30 years has been on restoring ecological processes and regenerating the human spirit. We do this with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, biologists, soil scientists, natural resource planners, geomorphologists, landscape architects and engineers. Our work portfolio includes many successful planning and design projects at several zoos and animal research institutions, including: the Smithsonian National Zoological Park at both, the Rock Creek and Front Royal Campuses, the Bronx Zoo, Werribee Zoo (Australia), San Diego Animal Park, Woodland Park Zoo, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Biohabitats recognizes the institutional, economic and social challenges that zoos and animal reserves face in incorporating sustainable design measures into their campus/park planning, design and day-to-day operations – aiming to fi nd ways to weave sustainability into the infrastructure, operations and community fabric of a campus, ensuring full integration with its overall mission and vision. We help institutions such as zoos revitalize landscape ecology to protect and restore biodiversity, incorporate site-wide habitat enhancement measures, integrate green infrastructure initiatives (stormwater, wastewater, potable water and energy), and develop institutional frameworks to make sustainability a way of life while maintaining the unique sense of place for the zoo community. We are familiar and actively involved in helping institutions develop strategies to meet Smithsonian National Zoological various permitting requirements in ways that enhance public spaces through Park Front Royal Campus Plan delivery of ecosystem services. By providing natural resource inventories, analyses, recommendations, concept plans and designs, Biohabitats is able to minimize current and future stormwater management and landscape maintenance costs while enhancing campus aesthetics, developing functional landscapes for animal holdings, and strengthening ties with visitors and guests. Biohabitats operates out of eight Bioregional offi ces and three satellite offi ces throughout North America and works frequently around the globe, including: Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Bahamas, Fiji, Columbia, India, China, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Australia.

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 1 Zoo

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY Bronx Zoo Master Plan Bronx, New York

Inherent throughout the Bronx Zoo’s master plan is the recognition that the landscape surrounding the animal exhibits should be restored, protected and celebrated.

Zoo’s mission and institu- evolved from the concept tional values. “We spend a lot diagrams through a series of of money overseas working two-day workshops with WCS toward wildlife conservation, staff and various stakeholders. and if we’re going to do that, we had better be living our A unique aspect of the À nal mission at home,” said Sue master plan was its recogni- he largest metropoli- Chin, Director of Planning tion that the landscape fabric Ttan zoo in the nation, and Design for WCS. that weaves around and the Bronx Zoo is a world- throughout the Zoo’s exhibits renowned center for science Biohabitats’ responsibilities is, in itself, an exhibit of the and education. It is also the focused on assessing the local ecology of the Bronx headquarters for wildlife and natural systems of the site River Watershed that has been wildlands conservation proj- including hydrology, soils, displaced by urban develop- ects around the world. vegetation, landscape ecol- ment. Inherent throughout ogy, invasive plant threats and the master plan is the recogni- In 2002 the Wildlife overall environmental sustain- tion that this ecology should Conservation Society (WCS) ability. Concept development be protected, restored and engaged the team of Ayers/ included preparing diagrams celebrated. Initial conditions Saint/Gross Architect and that explored and tested the Planners, Michael Vergason spatial implications of the SERVICES Landscape Architects and site’s natural systems and their Inventory & Assessments Biohabitats to prepare a relationships with built sys- Planning master plan for the campus tems, operations, and cultural Public Outreach that reÁ ects and facilitates the features. The À nal master plan Program Management

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

Physiographic Province Piedmont Plateau Bioregion HUDSON RIVER BIOREGION Hudson River 800.220.0919 Watershed www.biohabitats.com Bronx River

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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY Bronx Zoo Woodland & Stormwater Management Plans Bronx, New York

Protection, restoration and management strategies will be implemented in a predictable, economical, yet Á exible manner to protect and enhance natural resources at the Bronx Zoo.

These two management plans schedule (including timing and are a signiÀ cant step in WCS’s frequency) for implementing efforts to employ environ- speciÀ c woodland restoration mentally sustainable design action items. initiatives throughout the Zoo’s ongoing development The Stormwater Management and operations. Plan focused on the integration of water quality best For the Woodland management practices to treat Management Plan, Biohabitats stormwater from impervious fter assessing the developed a woodland restora- surfaces. Biohabitats identi- Aecological conditions of tion action plan based on an À ed many opportunities and a the Bronx Zoo and contribut- adaptive management frame- wide variety of BMP treatment ing recommendations for the work. The plan addressed methods for the site. Based Zoo’s Master Plan, Biohabitats issues such as invasive plant on a prioritization schedule, was called upon by the species management, aged tree Biohabitats will develop de- Wildlife Conservation Society replacement, native woodland tailed design and construction (WSC) to prepare a Woodland planting, and soil regeneration drawings for a bioretention Management and Stormwater strategies. It also included a facility to treat stormwater. Management Plan for the framework for directing the Bronxdale Upland Riparian allocation of funds, materi- SERVICES Restoration Project. als and labor to implement Inventory & Assessment recommended actions. Finally, Planning the plan provided a detailed Green Infrastructure

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

Physiographic Province Atlantic Coastal Plain Bioregion HUDSON RIVER BIOREGION Hudson River 800.220.0919 Watershed www.biohabitats.com Bronx River

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 3 Zoo

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, OFFICE OF PLANNING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT Slate Hill Conservation Area Precinct Study, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Front Royal, Virginia

The Smithsonian Institution’s state-of-the-art À eld research facility will be an international hub for the conservation of rare wildlife species and a national model for environmental stewardship.

in the hills of the Blue Ridge stewardship, and minimizing Mountains, the site includes disturbance and fragmentation sensitive ecosystems such as of existing habitat. woodlands, streams that serve as some of the headwaters The challenge was to balance for the Potomac River, and the habitat needs of animals, meadow areas that provide including birds, canids, important habitat for region- ungulates, and carnivores, ally signiÀ cant birds. with research requirements, and the sensitive and unique After contributing to the native ecology and hydrologic development of a sustain- systems that occur on the site. able Comprehensive Facilities Accommodating Á exibility in Master Plan for the Front form and use of the research Royal property, which includes facilities was a key goal along the Smithsonian Mason School with promoting sustainability of Conservation, Biohabitats through wise energy and water supported this more detailed use, and management study of the landscape’s capacity of waste. iohabitats participated for reproductive research of B in an interdisciplin- rare or threatened wildlife from SERVICES ary planning study for the around the world. Biohabitats Inventory & Assessments 240-acre Slate Hill pre- provided guidance related Planning cinct of the Smithsonian to preserving and restoring Design National Zoological Park and existing ecological resources, Management Conservation Biology Institute enhancing ecosystem function, Public Outreach in Front Royal, VA. Nestled promoting natural resource Policy

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

Physiographic Province Valley and Ridge Bioregion Chesapeake/Delaware Bays 800.220.0919 Watershed www.biohabitats.com Headwaters of the Potomac River, South Fork of the Shenandoah River

4 © Biohabitats, Inc. Qualiﬁ cations

NATIONAL AQUARIUM IN BALTIMORE Center for Aquatic Life & Conservation Baltimore, Maryland

Regenerative design strategies including water quality BMPs, energy conservation, and adaptive resuse are being seamlessly combined with ecological restoration initiatives including coastal wetland restoration, riparian buﬀer enhancement and greenway corridor conservation.

integrated an adaptive manage- inspiring stewardship of ment approach into the design aquatic environments. of the multiple-phase campus development plan that includes Biohabitats’ main objective the renovation of a public was to demonstrate how the works garage, a public park, ecological interests of the water access piers, and ecologi- project could be best served by Image Courtesy of Michael Vergason Landscape Architects Landscape Michael Vergason Image of Courtesy cal demonstration gardens. using an adaptive management o complement its world- strategy that establishes a series Trenown Inner Harbor Among the strategies pro- of natural processes, monitors facility, the National Aquarium posed were tidal wetland and them over time, and adjusts in Baltimore proposed woodland restoration, phy- elements according to the con- developing a new aquatic toremediation, and upland tinual evolution of the elements animal care and conserva- water treatment wetlands, all of and their processes. This strat- tion education center on a site which are aimed at regenerat- egy also supported program along the Middle Branch of ing ecological processes in a development and enhancement the Patapsco River. As part portion of the Middle Branch of the visitor experience. of a master planning team riparian corridor and shoreline. led by Ayers Saint Gross and These efforts related directly SERVICES Michael Vergason Landscape to the Aquarium’s mission Inventory & Assessments Architects, Biohabitats by supporting Chesapeake Planning Bay ecosystem recovery and Green Infrastructure

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

Physiographic Province Coastal Plain Bioregion Chesapeake/Delaware Bays 800.220.0919 Watershed www.biohabitats.com Gunpowder-Patapsco

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 5 Zoo

SAN DIEGO ZOO San Diego Wild Animal Park Water Master Plan San Diego, California

Southern California. The Park water sheds. Overgrazing of houses a fabulous array of the enclosures and concentra- wild and endangered animals tions of large animals led to including species from the accumulations of animal ma- continents of Africa, Asia, nure and sediment in habitat/ Europe, North and South stormwater ponds. Biohabitats America, and Australia. The LGHQWLÀHGRSSRUWXQLWLHVWR animals are housed in free- implement a series of tech- range enclosures similar to niques including stormwater their natural environments. wetlands for sediment control, The park, visited by 2 million edge details for bank protec- people annually, has an area tion and animal access control, of 1,800 acres (7 km²) and, in and reed beds for treatment 2005, housed 3000 animals of pond sediment and organic of more than 400 species plus matter. These techniques were he San Diego Wild 3,500 species of unique plants. included in the master plan TAnimal Park is a zoo in not only for water manage- the San Pasqual Valley area Biohabitats participated in ment (reuse for irrigation) but of San Diego, California. It a master planning exercise also to control nutrients and is one of the largest tourist for storm water management sediment in off-site discharges attractions in the city and and restoration of ponds and of storm water.

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

800.220.0919 www.biohabitats.com

6 © Biohabitats, Inc. Qualiﬁ cations

ZOOS VICTORIA Hippo Habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo Victoria, Australia

oos Victora is commit- Hanson Roberts, we devel- Zted to reducing water oped a marsh concept using a consumption while maintain- 6,000-square-meter wetland ing diverse environments which provides treatment for the animals at its three and habitat while enhancing zoos and providing visitors the zoo exhibit. Because the with immersive experiences. treatment is passive, signiÀ - Spanning over three hect- cant capital and energy savings ares, the Kubu River Hippos were immediately realized, Experience in the Werribee resulting in more money for Open Range Zoo features animal care and the exhibit. eight adult hippos in three separate pools that are con- Using low head, high Á ow nected hydraulically. pumps water is circulated one time a day through the 6000 Biohabitats designed a system m2 wetlands where suspended to treat the exhibit’s 2,000-cu- solids and nutrients are bic-meter pools and the or- removed. The nutrients and ganic waste from the hippos. suspended solids provide food Recognizing that hippos play a for native micro and macro major role in the East African invertebrates and À sh that feed river ecology by providing on these organisms. The À sh, nutrients for algae eating À sh, in turn, become food for birds. we considered a design which A portion of the treated efÁ u- incorporated an Australian ent water is used for irrigation. Ecosystem. Working with a Make up water is provided local Australian design team from the Werribee River. and U.S. partners Studio

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

800.220.0919 www.biohabitats.com

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 7 Zoo

WOODLAND PARK ZOO On-Site Water Treatment and Reuse System Seattle, Washington

The site encompasses 92 acres The system is projected to and features more than 1,000 save over 150,000 gallons of individual animals represent- potable water per year by di- ing nearly 300 species. The verting backwash water from grounds are divided into the sanitary sewer. climate zones that represent habitats from around the The application of natural world. Climate zones include systems to zoo projects is in everything from tropical rain its infancy, and the backwash forests to the arctic habitat of recovery system installed at the North. Woodland Park Zoo is one of the À rst of its kind. Using pas- Biohabitats partnered with sive settling in a primary treat- longtime collaborator Studio ment tank followed by À ltration Hanson Roberts on the design of nutrients and solids within of the zoo’s new Humboldt the wetlands, recovered water Penguin Exhibit. To minimize is able to be disinfected and the use of potable water in the returned to the exhibit pools. oodland Park Zoo has exhibit, Biohabitats designed Wbeen a cherished com- an innovative backwash The Humboldt Penguin munity asset for more than a recovery system to harvest, Exhibit has been awarded the century. A unique urban oasis, treat and reuse the À ltration 2010 Exhibit Achievement it has inspired generations of system's backwash. The heart Award from the AZA and families from the Puget Sound of the system is a constructed the 2009 Design Excellence from top: Constructed Wetlands Backwash Recovery System at the region and all over the coun- wetland that is integrated into Award from the Seattle exhibit entrance; exhibit with blue try to observe the animals and the exhibit for educational Design Commission. heron; penguins in the exhibit. experience the surroundings. and interpretive purposes.

conservation planning ecological restoration regenerative design

800.220.0919 www.biohabitats.com

Additional Zoo Projects

SEQUOIA PARK ZOO WATERSHED HEROES EXHIBIT, EUREKA, CA Biohabitats is designing a low-energy Life Support System (LSS) for the Otter and Salmon Exhibits that incorporates a hybrid approach of utilizing both mechanical and ecological systems for fi ltration. eTh fi ltration systems which include skimming and pre-fi ltration, incorporate energy effi cient pumps, bead fi lters and disinfection, while also utilizing innovative pool bottom biofi lters and active edge wetlands to increase circulation and fi ltration in an energy-effi cient manner.

WOODLAND PARK ZOO ASIAN FOREST OTTER POND WETLANDS, SEATTLE, WA Th e new Otters & Play exhibit at the Woodland Park Zoo utilizes an innovative energy-effi cient natural system to provide fi ltration and recirculation for the river otter stream and pond system. Instead of employing a purely mechanical solution, Biohabitats worked with T.A. Maranda and Associates to develop a system of undergravel biofi ltration cells and fringe/edge wetlands that complement more conventional fi ltration and disinfection systems. eTh wetlands also become part of the exhibit itself. Smithsonian National Zoological Park EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO TROUT POND WETLANDS AND BACKWASH RECOVERY AT Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan Rock THE WANDER, EDMONTON, CANADA Creek Campus, Washington, D.C. Drainage Proper water fi ltration is key to keeping trout in a contained exhibit/water feature environment. Biohabitats worked with T.A. Maranda and Associates, exhibit designer and local trout farmer to design a fi ltration system that used both the inherent fi ltration capacity of fringe/edge wetlands coupled with mechanical fi ltration and disinfection to provide clean, clear water in this recirculating water feature. Th e resulting system provides habitat for benthic organisms, birds, and fi sh, is low-energy and simple to maintain, and informs and educates visitors. A separate backwash recovery constructed wetlands treats and recycles water discharged from the LSS system that would otherwise be wasted to the sewer.

EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO – ARCTIC SHORES PINNIPEDS, EDMONTON, CANADA Biohabitats, along with T.A. Maranda and Associates, provided design of innovative biological systems to treat and re-circulate water discharged from some of its new exhibits using an ecological approach. At the pinniped exhibit, home to sea lions, seals and other fi n-footed friends, a settling and equalization tank and constructed wetlands captures, treats, and recycles saltwater backwash that would otherwise be wasted to the sewer. Beyond treating 615 gallons water per day, other challenges presented by this saltwater system were the selection of non-corrosive equipment and appropriate non-coastal, arctic plant species.

FRESNO ZOO SEA LION COVE, FRESNO, CA Fresno Zoo's Sea Lion Cove exhibit, which opened in August 2012, is modeled on the ecology of California's Central coast and features sea lions, seals and pelicans in a 200,000 gallon pool. Visitors are aff orded an up close and personal view 35 ft underwater through a massive glass window into the depths of the exhibit. Underwater viewing requires pristine water quality, however, and that's where Biohabitats' expertise comes in. Working with lead designer Th e Portico Group, and T.A. Maranda & Associates who designed the primary water fi ltration and life support systems, Biohabitats created a constructed wetlands system to recycle the backwash water

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 9 Zoo

generated by the fi ltration system, saving the Zoo up to 200,000 gallons of fresh, potable water per year. Instead of dumping the backwashed water to the sewer, the natural treatment system fi rst settles the water to reduce solids, then provides biofi ltration of organic matter and nutrients in the subsurface fl ow constructed wetlands. Water recovered from the wetlands is then returned to the fi ltration system for polishing and disinfection before being returned to the exhibit's pools.

THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK’S FRONT ROYAL CAMPUS, FRONT ROYAL, VA Th e Smithsonian National Zoological Park’s Front Royal Campus, known as the Conservation and Research Center (CRC), is one of the world’s most extensive conservation biology research programs. Th e CRS’s mission is to: conserve endangered species through captive management and research; train professionals and students; and conduct research relevant to conservation biology. In an eff ort to plan for future upgrades and expansions which would provide Smithsonian National Zoological Park new partnership opportunities, public visitor experiences, special events, research Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan Rock and education opportunities and administrative and operational space, the CRC Creek Campus, Washington, D.C. Hydrolog y initiated the creation of a 20-25 year master plan. As a member of a multi-disciplinary planning team lead by Ayers/Saint/Gross Architects and Planners, Biohabitats was asked to develop and illustrate an understanding of the ecological conditions of the site and the region.

SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ROCK CREEK CAMPUS, WASHINGTON, D.C. Biohabitats’ analysis focused on identifying important ecological corridors and connections, as well as existing constraints such as roads and fence lines that prevent unencumbered migration of plants and animals. Th e information was used to inform circulation and development plans associated with the campus expansion. Biohabitats’ fi ndings were also used to create site planning solutions that maintained or enhanced the ecological integrity of the forests, fi elds, and waterways on and adjacent to the site. Biohabitats has participated in two components of the National Zoological Park’s (NPZ) Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan process. Our fi rst role was to provide environmental sustainable design ideas and wetlands expertise for the schematic design of a new migratory bird exhibit. Biohabitats’ primary role for the migratory bird exhibit involved providing guidance and direction with sustainable site design issues pertaining to landscape ecology, energy conservation, stormwater, resource allocation and operations. We also provided expertise in wetland design and construction. Biohabitats’ primary responsibilities included participation in a two-day design charrette along with performing research, site reconnaissance and a report. As part of the Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, Biohabitats co-facilitated a two-day “green charrette” to learn more about sustainable design and set goals for the future development and operation of the National Zoo. Leaders from within NZP, OFEO, FONZ, and SI attended the work sessions. Early in the master planning process, green building practices and sustainability were identifi ed as important to the future of the zoo. As a leader in conservation science, the National Zoo has elevated sustainability to one of its top four strategic planning goals, along with excellence in animal care, science and education. Th e green charrette was the fi rst step to institutionalize goals and a process for sustainable practices throughout the National Zoo.

Biohabitats’ primary role for the green charrette involved providing guidance and direction on environmental sustainable design goals and initiatives for energy, water, habitat and material resources for both the NZP and the Front Royal Campus. Biohabitats’ primary responsibilities included co-facilitating the workshops, providing pre-workshop research and support, and the preparation of a follow-up report on specifi c sustainability goals and initiatives.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan Rock Creek Campus, Washington, D.C. Land Use

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship 11 Zoo

ZOO EXPERIENCE LLS ECOLOGICAL STORMWATER WATER MASTER ZOO/PARK EXHIBITS BACKWASH WATER PLANNING/ TREATMENT HABITAT PLAN TEAM EXHIBIT DESIGN LOCATION RECOVERY PLANNING DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN MEMBER TEAM MEMBER Woodland Park Zoo - Humboldt X X Seattle, Washington Penguins Woodland Park Zoo - Asia Forest XX X X Seattle, Washington Otters Edmonton Valley Zoo Arctic Shores - Edmonton, Alberta, X XX Pinnipeds Canada Edmonton Valley Zoo The Wander & - Edmonton, Alberta, XX X X X Trout Ponds Canada Edmonton Valley Zoo Stormwater - Edmonton, Alberta, XX Plan Canada Calgary Zoo - Calgary, Water Master XX Alberta, Canada Plan Fresno Chaffee Zoo - Sea Lion Cove X X Fresno, California Pinnipeds Werribee Open Kubu River Range Zoo, Werribee, Hippos XXXX Australia Experience San Diego Wild Water Master Animal Park, San XX Plan Diego Zoo, California Parque Municipal Jaguar Exhibit Summit, Panama Washdown XX X City, Panama Treatment Center for National Aquarium, Aquatic Life & XX Baltimore, Maryland Conservation Woodland & Bronx Zoo, Bronx, Stormwater XX X New York Management Plans Bronx Zoo, Bronx, Master Plan X X X New York Smithsonian National Conservation Zoological Park, Front and Research XX X Royal, Virginia Center Smithsonian National Rock Creek Zoological Park, XX XXX Campus Washington D.C. Birdhouse Smithsonian National Renewal Zoological Park, XX X X X Marvelous Washington D.C. * Mirgations Detroit Zoo - Detroit, Beaver Exhibit X Michigan * Riverbanks Zoo - Seal and Sea Columbia, South X X Lion Exhabitat Carolina* San Diego Zoo - San Africa Rocks X Diego, California* Penguins Watershed Sequoia Park Zoo - Heroes River XXX Eureka, California* Otter & Salmon

* under construction or in design 12 © Biohabitats, Inc. NOTICE © Copyright: 2014 Biohabitats, Inc. Th is copyrighted material represents the proprietary work product of Biohabitats, Inc. Th is material was prepared for the specifi c purpose of providing qualifi cations. No other use, reproduction, or distribution of this material or of the approaches it contains, is authorized without the prior express written consent of Biohabitats, Inc. However, the recipient may make copies of this document as deemed necessary for the sole purpose of evaluating this document.

Restore the Earth & Inspire Ecological Stewardship