How the proposed arena can damage, or improve, Miami's natural areas

Students and faculty alike received news on Wednesday, Feb. 19 that Cook Field was going to be recommended as the site for a new multi-purpose arena. While Cook is a popular “green space” for student activities, damage to a more vulnerable green space nearby could cause problems for another realm of Miami recreation.

Miami’s Natural Areas run right along the northeast edge of campus, close to the Cook site. This includes Marcum Woods and a section of Four Mile Creek, as well as the area surrounding Miami’s equestrian center. Some concern has arisen about the proximity of these protected areas to such a large-scale construction project.

Nancy Feakes, field manager of Miami’s natural areas, said she is especially concerned about the potential for increased pollution in the creek. With the removal of grass and trees in and around Cook, Feakes explained that runoff from rain and fertilizer will have a quicker downhill path to the creek and could pick up contaminants from the construction. She said she believes these concerns should be considered in design plans.

“I don’t know if the natural areas are on the radar of [the planning committee],” Feakes said. “... but I want the impacts considered.”

She also explained that litter and excess material could blow into the waterway, which sits at the bottom of a steep embankment on the edge of campus. However, Feakes believes that pollution into the natural areas can be minimized with proper measures in place during construction, such as drainage ditches and fence screens.

During the planning phase of the paved trails near DeWitt Cabin, the Natural Areas Committee was included in the design phase. Feakes explained that she suggested adding drainage spots along the trail to minimize erosion, which were included in the final project. She said she hopes that her committee will eventually be included in the new arena plans.

Natural Areas Committee chair David Gorchov, a professor of biology, sent an email to the planning committee expressing this desire. Other departments have also been excluded from preemptive planning, including Miami’s sustainability office. Director of Sustainability Olivia Herron said in an email to The Miami Student that she believes staff in physical facilities will be involved once a design is commissioned.

However, Feakes said she hopes the natural areas will eventually be considered during construction, and that new infrastructure could improve access to the trails. An old, washed-out road goes down the hill next to where Cook Place used to stand, and she sees that as a way for Miami to improve the natural areas right next to the arena by reconstructing it as a walking trail.

“Through this project, there is a potential for things to be improved,” Feakes said.

With the likelihood of increased foot traffic in the area, Feakes also said she sees it as an opportunity to add map kiosks and trail signs to increase the visibility of the natural areas. A resource that she says is not utilized by many students and could see more visitors.

Ultimately, Feakes said she hopes that she and other departments around campus will be included in design talks. Only with collaboration does she see the construction having a minimal ecological impact, and possibly benefiting Miami’s local stream and forest.

nortonsm@miamioh.edu