Coordinating Sustainable Landscapes for a Low-income Community
The City of Clemson, along with the National Wildlife Federation, Habitat for Humanity, and Clemson Univ., recently formed a strategic alliance to incorporate ideas for the landscaping of low-income homes. Their goal was to create an aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible design that catered to the future development of the families involved. The low-income housing project was selected as an independent study for Spring 1998. As student project manager I coordinated and documented the project. Objectives of the project were: 1) to promote knowledge and research on environmental issues and culturally diverse populations; 2) to create backyard wildlife habitats and sustainable community environments for low income families; 3) to provide students with the opportunity to learn and mature by participating in a long-term project involving a measurable impact. Project steps included analysis, research, design, planning, scheduling, implementation, and reflection on the impact made by those involved. The City of Clemson, along with the others involved, was delighted to be the first to address the issue of enhancing open space around low-income buildings in addition to landscaping the properties surrounding the homes.