South Fork Museum of Natural History
The South Fork Museum of Natural History was established to foster an understanding of the environment and ecology of Long Island. The site adjoins the Long Pond Greenbelt Preserve, home to many of the South Fork’s indigenous fauna and flora. The museum and site, an integral exhibit in itself, serve as models of environmentally sound planning and construction.
QRP's design includes sustainable measures such as porous paving, reinforced grass, and bioswales that attract wildlife. Vegetated parking areas blend with the surrounding meadows. During storms event, water overflows from the parking lot bioswales to a constructed shallow pond that also welcomes wildlife and provides irrigation. Plantings around the pond visually and ecologically connect the museum landscape to the Greenbelt beyond.
The entire landscape is both educational and beautiful, and is heavily used by enthusiastic school groups and other visitors. It has proved durable and resilient - the reinforced grass parking area has withstood heavy use, the native plantings have matured to seamlessly blend with the landscape beyond, and a variety of butterflies, birds, and small mammals have made their home here.
Location
Bridgehampton, NY
Client
South Fork Museum of Natural History
Role
Landscape Architect
Team
Rogers Marvel Architects
