An ecological pilgrimage: fostering ecological literacy in the Lake Winnipeg watershed
Date
2014-01-13
Authors
Stankewich, Shawn
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Abstract
This practicum investigates the application of ecological literacy theory to the practice of landscape architecture. Ecological literacy can be defined as the ability to comprehend the complex relationships of one’s surrounding environment and live life with greater environmental sensitivity. The Lake Winnipeg watershed is home to over 5 million people, and draws its water from four Canadian provinces and four American states. With the anthropogenic manipulation of the landscape, native watershed functions like water retention and filtration have been compromised. Each year, increasing amounts of phosphorus enter the lake from agricultural and urban fertilisers and effluents. This nutrient loading creates algal blooms toxic to humans and other species that rely on the lake for survival. The proposed programmatic framework and design interventions are intended to address these impacts by fostering watershed sustainability and ecological literacy, while engaging citizens in the processes associated with increasing local ecological integrity.
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Keywords
Ecological Literacy, Water, Watershed Management, Eutrophication, Lake Winnipeg, Landscape Architecture, Living Infrastructure, Ecosystem Services, Education, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Ecological Design, Interpretive Design, Eco-revelatory Design