Trinity University Natural Area (TUNA) Project

Introduction. Trinity University has an undeveloped 12-acre parcel of land on the northeast corner of campus. Within the last 20 years, a jogging/walking trail has been laid down, tree cover has increased, and wildflowers have been planted to increase the beauty and student use of the area. Recently, campus interest in environmental issues has raised awareness of the educational potential of this attractive open space. A group of faculty, students, and staff at Trinity University have discussed a plan to manage this parcel, so that it would satisfy the university community's need for an outdoor area for environmental teaching and learning.  To that end, an informal campus committee was formed. This committee wrote a vision statement related to the future use of this open space and with the support of the Associated Colleges of the South held a planning charette in November 1999.

The Vision Statement. We would like to see the northeast corner of campus maintained as open space for use by the Trinity community and its neighbors.  These uses include formal and informal education in an outdoor setting.  (7 April 1999)

The Planning Charette. A Planning Charette was held at Trinity University on November 5-6.  Participants in the Charette included Trinity University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, members of the San Antonio community, representatives from ACS institutions, and invited consultants. Most of the work of the Charette was carried out by two teams - the Oak Group and the Butterfly Group. Each team developed a list of issues, identified desirable site elements, and produced a preliminary site plan. After the completion of the Charette, the TUNA committee carefully studied the work of the Charette teams and produced a Preliminary TUNA Development Plan.

Preliminary TUNA Development Plan.

Objectives. There are three objectives associated with the development and future use of this area.

1) Educational Use.  This open space should provide an opportunity for students to learn in through formal, informal, and experiential education The topics of these educational opportunities should include, put not be limited to:

observing and enjoying nature

local plants and animals

local ecosystems

wetland ecosystems

ecological restoration

sustainability and land stewardship

hydrology

solar exposure

history of land use

ethnicity and land use

These educational uses should determine not only the end use of this area, but also the way that it is developed. For example, actual participation in a restoration project is an effective way for students to learn about ecological restoration.

2) Restore Land.  As a result of nearby development, misuse, and an extended drought the soil and plant quality on the site has degraded. Restoration of this site should include the following elements:

addition of soil to eroded areas

changes in local contours to reduce erosion

addition of native plants to reduce erosion

addition of native plants to provide habitat for local birds, butterflies, and other fauna. These plants should include:

- native grasses

- native wildflowers

- native shrubs

- native trees.

careful use of recycled water

Plants used in the restoration should be appropriate to the solar exposure and drainage and should illustrate the following ecological regions:

      - South Texas Plains

      - Hill Country

      - Short-Grass Prairie

      - Wetlands

The restoration process and the educational process should be linked as much as it is practical. For educational purposes, it is useful to realize that the restoration process is an ongoing process that students and faculty can both observe and participate in.

3) Open Space.  This open space should provide a safe and pleasant environment for students, other members of the Trinity community, and Trinity's residential neighbors to walk, learn about local ecosystems, learn about the history of local land use, and to engage in other low-impact activities in a natural setting.

Site Elements. In order to meet these objectives, the following elements are necessary:

1)             Erosion Control and Land Restoration.

2)       Redesigned Hiking Trail. Nature trail should reduce erosion and be accessible to wheelchair users.

3)       Prairie Grass and Wildflower Areas.  The Prairie Restoration Area, an-ongoing project to restore native grasses and native wildflowers should be located at the northern edge of the site, along Hildebrand Avenue. The existing wildflower area should be left where it is currently located, but native plants should be emphasized.

4)       Riparian Area.  Wetland demonstration area. This should be located in the lowest drainage area along the southern edge of the site.

5)       South Texas Plains.  Native shrubs and trees. This should be located at the northeast corner of the site where Stadium Drive and Hildebrand Avenue meet.

6)   Hill Country Area.  Native shrubs and trees. This should be located in the western half of the area.

7)       Botanical Research Area. An area for student/faculty research projects. This should be located adjacent to the Prairie Restoration Area.

8)       Outdoor Seating Area. Block or bench seating for 20-30 in a shaded area. This should be located in the grove of live oak trees at the center of the area.

9)       Entrance. The entrance would include informative displays and a trash receptacle.

10)      Picnic Area. Shaded area with tables/benches.

11) Mulching Operation. The existing mulching operation should be moved to a site at the edge of this TUNA area.