Definitions Flashcards
Define “sustainable landscapes”
Sustainable landscapes enable natural and built systems to work together to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Define “sustainable”
of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.
Define “landscape”
the landforms of a region in the aggregate or a portion of a territory that can be viewed at one time from one place.
Define “climate change”
the general trend of increasing temperature on Earth resulting from atmospheric changes such as the increase in carbon dioxide and methane from transportation, power generation, and other industry emissions.
Define “water quality degradation”
nutrients, sediments, oils, and other pollutants that wash from agricultural and developed landscapes into streams and rivers reduce viable aquatic habitat, negatively affect fisheries, and make water unsafe for human recreational activities.
Define “increased impervious cover”
developing a previously undeveloped site requires changing the existing land cover from a natural state to agriculture, pavement, building roof, etc. These land covers reduce the area where water can seep into the ground and increase the amount of water that rapidly runs off the surface creating potential erosion and flooding problems and decreasing groundwater recharge.
Define “reduced biodiversity”
as we convert natural landscapes into developed landscapes natural habitats are greatly reduced, decreasing the populations and diversity of native plants and animals.
Define “functional landscapes”
landscapes that provide benefits beyond aesthetics; also referred to as sustainable landscapes
Define “ecosystems”
the living and non-living components of a landscape and the ways they interact.
Define “green infrastructure” (GI)
the intentional use of the ecosystem services provided by plants in the managed landscape.
Define “low impact development” (LID)
land development that mimics the natural cycles of the landscape as closely as possible and protects and incorporates natural systems as design elements.
Define “best management practices”
specific examples of low impact development (LID) or green infrastructure (GI) practices or techniques that are used to control pollution such as pervious pavement, rain gardens, and riparian buffers.
