Often when people think of the word restoration, images of cutting down invasive trees and rescuing native animal species come to mind. Restoration can invoke thoughts of restoring and maintaining a site's natural “purity”, but an important part of restoration is integrating humans into habitats without harming either. The goal is often for people to be able to explore nature safely and not disturb the ecosystem. The Reed Canyon trail system is an important example of this integration on our campus. The trail system, however, did not originate with exactly this in mind. The initial reason for its creation came from the early restoration period, when students and staff were working to remove the invasive ivy and blackberry plants that had taken over the canyon, between around 2000 - 2005.
Reed College soon had to take students and pedestrians into account when designing the trails, as they became more accessible and appealing. This led to design features, such as placing the trail further from the water’s edge to protect the riparian zone. This feature protects many of the amphibians and invertebrates which spawn in the wet earth next to the lake. Reed College also decided to designate spaces which did not need protection from heavy travel as inviting social spots for students. For example, we knew nothing would grow under what is colloquially known as the Blue Bridge, so we turned it into a sheltered place to play chess on a board made from an old stump. Creating intentional spaces for people to enjoy the canyon helps protect its ecosystem while encouraging people to enjoy the space. Trail systems are an often underappreciated form of conservation despite their importance in our ability to enjoy nature.
Reed College soon had to take students and pedestrians into account when designing the trails, as they became more accessible and appealing. This led to design features, such as placing the trail further from the water’s edge to protect the riparian zone. This feature protects many of the amphibians and invertebrates which spawn in the wet earth next to the lake. Reed College also decided to designate spaces which did not need protection from heavy travel as inviting social spots for students. For example, we knew nothing would grow under what is colloquially known as the Blue Bridge, so we turned it into a sheltered place to play chess on a board made from an old stump. Creating intentional spaces for people to enjoy the canyon helps protect its ecosystem while encouraging people to enjoy the space. Trail systems are an often underappreciated form of conservation despite their importance in our ability to enjoy nature.
Works Cited:
- Cover photo: Cole-Jensen, R. (2010). IMG_3746 path.JPG. [Digital image]. Reed College Archive, Portland OR United States. IMG_3746 path.JPG.
- Zach, P. (2021). Canyon Lecture and Introduction[lecture style]