ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
Environmental projects include open space planning, creek and stream restoration, regional recreational trails, and landscape mitigation plans.
Past projects have included the 19 mile Aliso Creek Corridor, a pro-bono project. BGB provided design services for the Kern River Parkway in Bakersfield, which included interpretive kiosks and wildlife observation areas.
BGB received APA awards for the recently completed Laguna Beach Landscape Element of the General Plan and the Landscape & Scenic Highways Resource Document.
PROTECTING & ENHANCING OUR ENVIRONMENT
Through our projects and pro-bono work we strive to enhance the natural landscape with projects that celebrate and restore nature.
In 2013 BGB Principal Bob Borthwick began a master-planning document to restore and beautify Laguna Canyon. This pro-bono project, in collaboration with colleague Lance Vallery, was completed in 2015. It addressed the entire 8 mile long canyon, identifying areas for creek restoration, pedestrian trails, and related environmental improvements. Borthwick presented the plan to the City Council and environmental groups, and received strong support. He then assisted the City in receiving a $500,000 grant from the State Natural Resources Agency. BGB prepared the plans for this restoration project which has recently been completed.
GREEN CORRIDORS
Areas of open space, often defined by creeks and canyons, provide important relief to the surrounding developed landscape. Such open space can also create opportunities for recreation… such as hiking, biking, and exploring nature.
DeWitt DG trail
The City-owned DeWitt property in Laguna Canyon includes a five [5] acre restoration of Laguna Creek. Above photo depicts an ADA accessible DG pathway with interpretive signage. Wildflower meadow to right of trail was created on a former barren storage lot.
DeWitt lodgepole fencing
A lodgepole pine fence was installed along the property line at Laguna Canyon Road to identify the nature preserve and to provide a safety buffer from the adjacent roadway.
The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty you will soon find yourself without it. If you invest in beauty it will remain with you all the days of your life.
The Kern River Upland Restoration Project is located between the Kern River and the Carrier Canal, an agricultural waterway.
Design elements include pedestrian trails, bicycle trails, a pedestrian bridge, nature study / interpretive kiosks, and wildlife observation areas. Planting utilized native riparian tree and shrub species.
Civil Engineer: Harris Associates
