Spring 2023 Proposal

Stream Ecosystem Purpose: 

The goal of this project is to create a stream ecosystem that can be used by the ISK community and is located below the lower parking area in the ISK Community Forest. The stream can help with students' with opportunities for sensory awareness, improving mental health and mindfulness. The stream will also provide opportunities for classes to come out and connect with nature or to inspire lessons in the creative arts, writing, environmental, and biological sciences. The stream will serve as an educational space for students of all grade levels, providing a natural remedy to nature deficit disorder, increase biodiversity at the school by creating wildlife habitat and providing water sources to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  It could be an ideal after-school club meeting space. Outdoor activities involving the stream can help students with stress, anxiety and better focus, and spending time in nature can build confidence. In summary, this proposal aims to create a stream ecosystem that will provide various benefits to the ISK community. 

Location: 

The stream will be located within the ISK community forest, which is below the lower parking area and has three entrances, one on the HS side and one opposite the MS black box and one opposite the ES entrance from the lower parking area. 

Design for the Stream: 

The stream will be located in the heart of the ISK forest, below the lower parking lot and road. With two paths with paired bridges spanning it, the three main areas of the stream are the “bio-falls” at the top, the stream itself, and the pump tank at the bottom. The central aspects of the stream will include a short steep section of waterfall at the top, followed by a longer gently meandering stream leading to the pump tank at the bottom. The dimensions of the stream are illustrated in the full proposal. 

Design for Bridges: 

The Log Bridge will be situated halfway between the Bio-falls and the Pump Tank, incorporating elements of a "fallen log" for an aesthetically pleasing and adventurous experience. The main body of this bridge consists of a 1.8-2m long (termiticide-treated) log sourced on campus with a flat top, reinforced with two large boulders on either end and further solidified with dirt and mud acting as an adhesive between the log and the boulder. The Cement Bridge, located along the main path, will be built of one reinforced cement slab laying over the stream and constructed to accommodate heavy traffic that will proceed along the main path. The ramp will be built in accordance with the United Nations Architectural Design Consideration (UNADC) to facilitate devices such as bikes and wheelchairs moving across this bridge.

Below: a selection of inspirational photos of what we aimed to create :