College - Author 1

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Department - Author 1

Horticulture and Crop Science Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences

Date

3-2014

Primary Advisor

Melanie Mills

Abstract/Summary

Common greenbelt areas within residential neighborhoods are capable of existing as multi-function zones. ‘The Village’ in Southern Orange County, California, envisions its greenbelts as benefiting the homeowners, both in cost and esthetics, all beneficial insect and plant species, and the surrounding micro-climate. Research was conducted on three different systems, aimed at improving the areas of ‘The Village’ both economically and environmentally; the areas of focus were vineyard installation, fire resistant landscaping, and low impact development installations. The process began with evaluating the sites physical and judicial restraints. Soils tests, topography calculations, climate records, and preexisting species identifications were conducted; documents regarding water rights, installation restrictions, site history, and zone regulations were also collected. Interviews were conducted with all relatable parties, including local fire authority, board members from the Homeowners Association, vineyard lesser and lessee, and LID specialists. All potential benefits and drawbacks of each installation were compared and contrasted between the three areas of focus, on levels ranging from maintenance costs to long run ecological factors. This research will be used in moving forward to improvements within the greenbelt areas of ‘The Village,’ and can be further applied to similar residential development areas in future projects.

Included in

Horticulture Commons

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