Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/10365/25998
URI
https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf
Abstract
In the last few decades, more and more land has been converted to farmland and developed land, destroying natural habitats that can never be fully restored to their original diversity despite restoration efforts. This scarcity of preservation is due to a lack of appreciation and understanding of the importance of native habitats. Immersion and interaction with nature in a positive way can change this downfall. Studies have proven that interaction with nature increases metal awareness and stability, therefore, a higher degree of exposure to nature will increase the understanding of its unique diversity. With the introduction of an environmental education center and an improved trail system in the Shey- enne National Grasslands, people can interact with the tallgrass prairie of North Dakota. Interaction with the diversity of the tallgrass prairie is the main focus, so design will emphasize the environment and will urge visitors to be immersed in the tallgrass prairie through self-guided exploration and through ranger-guided learning programs. Trail refurbishment is yet another focus to help people easily find the diverse landscape of the tallgrass prairie in the Sheyenne National Grasslands. Currently, there are no signs leading visitors or bystanders to the Sheyenne National Grasslands, and the three trailheads are nearly impossible to find without help from GPS. Increased wayfinding to the site as well as more accessi- ble trails within the site would open up visitation to a wider variety of people. The users would be people of all ages that already love the outdoors as well as people that may not understand the uniqueness of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Recommended Citation
Roach, Hannah, "Sheyenne National Grasslands: An Ecological Learning Center and Trail Enhancement in Ransom and Richland Counties of North Dakota" (2017). Landscape Architecture Theses. 225.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/landscape-architecture-theses/225