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In 1993 a wildfire swept through the Stunt Ranch Reserve destroying all of its buildings and facilities. This project will replace the destroyed buildings with two modular structures, connected by a large outdoor deck and trellis cover. To minimize site disturbance, the replacement structures will be located over the footprints of preexisting structures destroyed in the 1993 fire. The project will be designed to achieve LEED certification through the use of locally manufactured modular structures that incorporate recycled content, low-emitting materials, full cut-off light fixtures, sensor-activated water faucets, and a prefabricated waterless toilet system. The buildings will also meet all requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.
The proposed construction and site improvements include:
A nature center with displays depicting "stories" about the cultural and natural landscapes of the Cold Creek watershed and Santa Monica Mountains. The stories will illustrate such topics as the area's human history, the role of fire in the ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains, biodiversity of local woodland, riparian and chaparral habitats, regional geology, and resource management concerns at the wildland/urban interface. It will also put the local ecosystems in a global context showing Southern California as one of the world's significant Mediterranean-climate ecosystems.
A classroom with portable tables and chairs will accommodate up to 40 people for classes, lectures, and meetings. Users will benefit from state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and from the reserve's growing reference library. Wall space will feature research posters, maps, photos, and art unique to the Santa Monica Mountains. A moveable wall between the nature center and classroom may be opened to provide a larger space for indoor lectures and meetings.
A workroom with fixed tables and storage facilities will provide important space and facilities for diverse groups of Reserve users. This room will function as a space for researchers, teachers, and individuals to spread materials out on tables, to use microscopes and other scientific instruments on a stable and well-lit surface, and to analyze ecological materials for their research. Two small offices, located adjacent to this research area, provide space for a reserve manager and long-term research users.
Two toilets serving the entire center will be located on the deck outside of the workroom. The project will include the installation of a prefabricated waterless toilet system, an evaporative pond lined with a waterproof membrane for sink wastewater, and a propane tank to power the air conditioning units in the modular buildings.
The existing utility lines serving Stunt Ranch require major upgrades. Water will be provided from an existing off-site pump station operated by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. A new fire suppression system will consist of two 5,000-gallon water storage tanks and a fire hydrant. The buildings will include fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems. |
