Integrating Pedestrian Needs and Bird Habitat in Trial Design Along Secondary Watercourses in Tucson, AZ

• Main Author: Patton, Jennifer Louise
• Language: en
• Published: The University of Arizona. 2006
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/190198

Assessment of semi-natural landscapes in urban areas for habitat and human recreation has greater relevance as natural open space around cities disappears. Secondary watercourses can potentially serve as urban wildlife habitat and provide trail networks connecting to the urban mosaic and nearby natural areas. These areas also could extend bird watching into urban areas, an activity that is significantly increasing. This study focused on compatibility of bird habitat with a pedestrian greenway along a secondary watercourse in Tucson, AZ. Creating native bird habitat was emphasized due to the decreasing numbers of native species in Tucson’s urban core. The following question was addressed: What are the most significant criteria for creating native bird habitat and how can these be integrated with a pedestrian trail appropriate for secondary watercourses in Tucson? Guidelines integrating trail design and bird habitat were developed. These guidelines serve to guide future trail and habitat planning along undeveloped secondary watercourses in this region.