Stormwater that falls on the roofs of EV3 and EV2, as well as nearby at graded parking lots, is directed into the constructed wetlands systems. This stormwater runoff is discharged into a vertical flow system and as it moves slowly through the system, wetland plants act as natural filters to cleanse the water and remove contaminants. The recycled non-potable water is then stored in a cistern that sits below the wetland before being pumped into EV3 to flush toilets and to water the living wall and garden courtyards. This innovation reduces the need to use potable water. 1 - Constructed Wetland - These images show what lies underneath. From the concrete cistern being installed, the cover and finally the chambers to separate the flow. 2 - Blue flag iris - Iris versicolor is one of many wetland plants located here to help with filtration
Established in 1988, this garden is frequented by many for plant identification and observation. This garden was created to commemorate Robert Starbird Dorney, a professor in the School of Planning and a pioneer in urban naturalization efforts. The low-maintenance landscape consists of plants native to southern Ontario's Carolinian forests and prairies, and requires no mowing, fertilizers, pesticides, or watering. It was designed as a tall grass prairie in the west and deciduous woodland in the east, divided by a forest edge community of trees and shrubs. The “forest” in the ecology garden is loosely modeled after those on Point Pelee and Pelee Island. Also found in this area is a collection of native spring wildflowers.
The woodland fern garden is in progress, with the goal of becoming a lush and shady space defining the area between the Environment and PAS buildings. Native ferns, short woodland flowers and colourful sunny flowers will create interest and depth. Planting began in 2009 by volunteers from the Natural Landscaping Team and ongoing plantings are carried out by ENVS 200 Field Ecology students. 1 - Virginia mountain mint - Pycnanthemum virginianum is a hearty native plant. Rub the leaves for a delicate mint fragrance. 2 - Woodland strawberry - Fragaria vesca This groundcover produces small flavourful strawberries 3 - Bee balm and Black eyed Susan – Monarda fistula and Rudbeckia hirta respectively, are essential sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators. 4 - Christmas fern - Polystichum acrostichoides Note the stocking shape like pinnules (leaflets) on the frond that gives it its name!
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