Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-11 HPC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATIONCOMMISSION 7:00 P.M Thursday,May 11, 2017 City Hall, Council Chambers A.CALL TO ORDER B.ROLL CALL C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.February 9, 2017 E.NEW BUSINESS 1.Oath of Office for John Gaspar 2.Election of Chair and Vice-Chair 3.Heritage Award F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signs 2.Review Goals 3.HPC Training –Chapter 2 G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS th Anniversary Celebration 1.60 I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS J.ADJOURNMENT RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Commission Meetings -elected officials, staff and citizens. It ishoped that by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be heard and understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Commission meetings, it is understood that everyone will follow these principles: Speak only for yourself, not for other Commissionmembers or citizens -unless specifically tasked by your colleagues to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition. Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do notinterrupt or talk amongst each other. Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of Commissionmembers, staff or others in public. Be respectful of each other’s timekeeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive. D1 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 7:00p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2017 Council Chambers, City Hall A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and called to order by ChairBoulayat 7:00 p.m. B.ROLL CALL Commissioners Chairperson Peter Boulay Present Commissioner Bob Cardinal Present Commissioner Richard Currie Present Commissioner John Gaspar Present Commissioner Frank Gilbertson Present Staff Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor Present C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Currie moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Gilbertson Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.January 12, 2017HPC Meeting Minutes Commissioner Curriemoved to approve the minutes from the January 12, 2017HPC Meeting. Seconded by CommissionerGaspar Ayes – All The motion passed. E.NEW BUSINESS F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.Gladstone Local Designation Meetings Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, presented the timeline for the Gladstone Local Designation Meetings to the commission. th 2.60Anniversary Celebration Thursday, February 9, 2017 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes D1 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 7:00p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2017 Council Chambers, City Hall Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, updated the commission on the th 60Anniversary Celebration. Commissioner Curriemoved to approveplans for the event and ask departments to have displays at the event. Seconded by Commissioner Cardinal Ayes – All The motion passed. G.VISITOR PRESENTATION 1.Maplewood Area Historical Society(MAHS) H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.Century Homes Program Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, presented the Century Homes Program to the commission and informed them of how the awards will be presented. 2.Consultant for Gladstone Signage Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, updated the commission with the list of consultants that have submitted proposals for the signage at Gladstone. J.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Curriemoved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Gilbertson Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35PM. Next meeting isMarch9, 2017. Thursday, February 9, 2017 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes E1 State of Minnesota ) County of Ramsey ) SS City of Maplewood ) I, John Gaspar, do solemnly swearthat I will supportthe Constitution of the United States andof the State of Minnesota and faithfully discharge the duties of the office ofCommissioner of the Heritage Preservation Commissioninthe City of Maplewood,in the County of Ramsey and the State of Minnesota, to the best of my judgment andability. So help me God. Subscribed and sworn to before me this th 11day of May 2017 ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ Virginia Gaynor John Gaspar Liaison Heritage Preservation Commission E2 MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Staff Liaison RE: Election of Chair and Vice-Chair DATE: May 11, 2017 The Heritage PreservationCommission (HPC) ordinance requires that the HPC chairperson and vice-chairperson be elected by the commission at the first meeting in May of each year from amongthe members of the commission. The chairperson shall be responsible for calling and presiding over all meetings and shall be entitled to an equal vote with other members of the commission. If the chairperson is unable to attend a meeting, the vice-chairperson shall conductthe meeting. Recommendation The Commission should nominate and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson to serve through April 2018. E3 MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM: Virginia Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: May 11, 2017 SUBJECT:Heritage Award Introduction Each year the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) makes a recommendation to council on the recipient of the annual Heritage Preservation Award. Commissioner Cardinal has requested that the HPC review the criteria for selection of the award recipient. Discussion The City of Maplewood has four annual awards. Three of these are business awards established: “to inspire, recognize and reward business achievements in terms of growth, environmental awareness and contributions to the community.” In 2016 the process for these awards was: 1) Anyone interestedcould submit a nomination form;2) Nominationsreviewed by and winners selected by Housingand Economic Development Commission; 3) Awards presented at the State of Maplewood Community Luncheon.More information on this program is at: www.maplewoodmn.gov/Awards. The Heritage Preservation Award was initiated in 2010 and follows a different process. The HPC developsa slate of nominees with descriptions of each person’s contribution.HPC membersvote for a candidate and send their recommendation to city council. The award is then presented at a city council meeting, with a city council resolution. The criteria for the Heritage Preservation Award is: “The award honors an individual who has positively influenced Maplewood’s past or significantly contributed to the preservation of the city’s history.” Recommendation Review and discuss selection criteria. F1 MEMORANDUM TO:Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:VirginiaGaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE:May 11, 2017 RE:Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signs Introduction The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)is helping develop interpretive signage for Gladstone SavannaNeighborhood Preserve.At the MayHPC meeting commissioners will review the textfor the signs. Background Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve is a 24-acre park and preserve managed by Maplewood’s Parks and Recreation Department. It was formerly the site of the Gladstone Shops of the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad. The Master Plan for the site was approved by City Council in 2011andcelebrates the site’s industrial history and Maplewood natural resources. Park improvements including trails, soil remediation, landscaping, and prairie restoration have been implemented at the site. The Master Plan calls forinterpreting historic and natural resources at the preserve. In September 2016, the HPC approved the Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Sign Plan. The City subsequently received a grant to prepare text and images for the signs. Jeremy Nienow of Nienow Cultural Consultants LLCwas hired to develop text and prepare images for the interpretive trail. Thiscurrent phase of the project does not include designing the signs. Staff met with Mr. Nienow and Mr. Bob Jensen of Maplewood Area Historical in March to begin work on the project. The projectschedule is: MayPresent text toHPC JunePresent images andfinal text to HPC JulyStaff seeks quotes for design and manufacturing Oct Install signs Discussion Mr. Nienow has prepared a map showing the location of signs (Attachment 1)and a document with a project overview and text for the signs(Attachment 2). His work waslargely informed by theInterpretive Sign Plan prepared in 2016, but includesa few additions, and some stories may have been dropped due to available space. Stories thatare not told on the signs have the potential to be made available online. Changes for some of the sign locations are also proposed. F1 The proposal is to have four signs regarding cultural/industrial history and four signs regarding natural resources. The natural resource signs will include some history(ex: vegetation changes since the glacier). In addition, there will be one interactive sign in the playground with a history focus. We are also considering a Voices of the Savanna Trail, which would have smaller signs with quotes from people past and present. At the MayHPC meeting, commissioners will have an opportunity to discuss the text for each sign. In your review prior to the meeting, please focus on: 1.Are any important stories missing from the interpretive trail? 2.Is the text engaging and clear? 3.Is anything inaccurate? The HPC discussion will cover content (not wordsmithing). If you have recommendations for changes in grammar, punctuation, or wording, please write those on a hard copy to submit to staff at the end of the HPC meeting. Those edits, along with general comments, will be forwarded to our consultant. Recommendation Review text for the interpretive trail at Gladstone Savanna and provide input. No formal action required. Attachments 1.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signs Map 2.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signage Draft 9ğƭƷ 9ƓƷƩğƓĭĻ bğƷǒƩĻ tğƓĻƌ ğƭƷ 9ƓƷƩğƓĭĻ ŷĻ bƚƩƷIźƭƷƚƩźĭ tğƓĻƌ F1, Attachment 1 DƌğķƭƷƚƓĻ {ŷƚƦƭ IźƭƷƚƩźĭ tğƓĻƌ bƚƩƷŷ 9ƓƷƩğƓĭĻ IźƭƷƚƩźĭ tğƓĻƌ Ͳ ‘Ļƌƌ \[ƚĭğƷźƚƓIźƭƷƚƩźĭ ğƓķ bğƷǒƩğƌ tğƓĻƌƭ Ļ ķƭƷƚƓ ƚźĭĻƭ ƚŅ DƌğŷźƭƷƚƩźĭ ğƓķ ƒƚķĻƩƓ ƨǒƚƷĻƭ {ƚǒƷŷǞĻƭƷ 9ƓƷƩğƓĭĻ bğƷǒƩĻ tğƓĻƌ bƚƩƷŷǞĻƭƷ 9ƓƷƩğƓĭĻ bğƷǒƩĻ tğƓĻƌtƌğǤŭƩƚǒƓķ ǞźƷŷ aƚĬźƌĻ tźĭƷǒƩĻƭ tğƓĻƌ F1, Attachment 2 Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signage City of Maplewood Maplewood, MN Draft Text and Images Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 1 F1, Attachment 2 This project was funded in part by the City of Maplewood and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as part of a Legacy Grant administered by the Minnesota Historical Society and awarded to the City of Maplewood. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 2 F1, Attachment 2 Table of Contents Project BackgroundÈ How to Read this DocumentÈ Layers of InterpretationÈ Style SheetÈ Interpretive Themes and SubthemesÈ North Entrance Historic PanelÈ Northeast Entrance Historic PanelÈ South Trail Gladstone Shops Historic PanelÈ Well Historic PanelÈ Well Nature PanelÈ Northwest Entrance Stormwater Nature PanelÈ East Entrance Nature PanelÈ Southwest Entrance Nature PanelÈ Playground Photographic PanelÈ Voice from the Savanna Trail PanelsÈ BibliographyÈ Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 3 F1, Attachment 2 Project Background This is a Draft Design submittal. Reviewing individuals are asked to carefully review this document and provide comments and direction. The City of Maplewood manages the Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve, located on the southwest corner of Frost Avenue and English Street, Maplewood, MN. The 24-acre park and preserve is a former industrial site that once was home to the maintenance shops complex of the St. Paul and Duluth (StP&D) Railroad. This site offers glimpses into MaplewoodÔs past, and encourages visitors to consider the impact of the past, the constantly changing nature of the present, and the consequences of our actions in the future. In January of 2017, the City of Maplewood sought quotes for historians or historical archaeologists to develop interpretive signage for the Savanna. Prior to this the City of Maplewood had worked with Bluestem Heritage Group to develop a signage plan which included a series of themes and sub-themes. The contract was awarded to Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC (NCC) and consultation was done primarily between NCC, Virginia Gaynor (City of Maplewood) and Bob Jensen (Maplewood Area Historical Society). Interpretive signage will focus on the following overarching theme: The Gladstone Savanna offers the opportunity to explore a complex history of the universal cycles of growth, death, and regeneration Ï both natural and cultural. Interpretive signs have the following goals: ¤To provide visitors with a better understanding of the natural and cultural resources of the Savanna and the surrounding area. ¤To enhance the Savanna experience for visitors; to give them a sense of place about Gladstone and specifically the railroad shops that were present here. ¤To potentially inspire visitors to explore the surrounding area, including the historic depot, poor farm, Bruce Vento trail, etc. ¤To provide a way for people to interact with the park that might follow up or preface visitation, in order to begin to develop an ongoing relationship between the visitor and Gladstone Savanna. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 4 F1, Attachment 2 How to Read this Document The Text and Images Document is the exhibit script; the permanent record of text and sources. It lists the Text and Image Assets comprising the new interpretive exhibits. Format In general, all left-justified lines in the document indicate the organization or descriptions of exhibit components. This includes elements, sources, and other notes. Lines that are indented show the text that will appear on the panels. Exhibit elements are named in italics. Paying attention to whether the element is main text, secondary text, or a caption etc., will help you recognize the varying levels of interpretation and their relative emphasis. Sources of information are also written in italics. In the final submittal, we will include a complete bibliography. Word count is included for all text blocks of 20 words or more. The word count is a constant reminder of the importance of keeping the text short. If it is too long, visitors will not read it. Exhibit research and anecdotal information have established that text segments should be no longer than 50 words. (See Interpretive Master Planning by John A. Veverka, p. 109; Interpretation for the 21st Century by Larry Beck and Ted Cable, p. 120.) While it is difficult to adhere to this standard in every instance, we do follow this axiom: it is better to tell a little and have some visitors actually read it, than tell a lot and have no one read it. Headers and text, secondary text, captions, etc. These titles identify the text that will actually appear on the panels. The text itself is indented for easy reading. Titles are printed in bold and the body in regular weight. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 5 F1, Attachment 2 Layers of Interpretation Although museum studies show that people do not read long text blocks, we have found that they can be enticed into reading quite a bit of information when it is presented in various formats and locations on the panel. Ideas can be included in the main text, secondary text, captions, and labels and can be illustrated with drawings, photos, and diagrams. Information can be layered so that a visitor reading only the headlines on the panels will get a rough idea of the main interpretive message. A person choosing to read the headlines and main text blocks will go home with a more complete idea of the message, and a person reading all of the text will have a good understanding. This is sometimes called the 3-30-3 approach based on the length of time the visitor spends reading: 3 seconds, 30 seconds, or 3 minutes. Total Words on a Panel Depending on the size of the panel, 225 seems to be a comfortable number. In his classic guide Environmental Interpretation, Sam Ham quotes a 1976 analysis by Arminta Neal: Most adults read at the rate of about 250 to 300 words per minute. Readers prefer short sentenceson an 18 to 20 word average. The average viewing time for most exhibits is no more than forty-five seconds. Thus, a visitor reading at a rate of 300 words per minute will average about 5 words per second, or 225 words for the full 45-second attention span.È The lesson should be clear. Exhibits must be concise. (page 246) Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 6 F1, Attachment 2 Style Sheet In order to maintain accuracy and consistency in the punctuation and grammar, we generally follow the rules as established by these reference books: Associated Press Stylebook The New York Public Library Writ erÔs Guide to Style and Usage The Chicago Manual of Style The American Heritage Dictionary In addition, for this project we have established these specific standards: Whole numbers below 10 are spelled out and numerals are used for 10 and above. But, Ñfive lawyers and 12 defendantsÒ might appear awkward and so would be written either, Ñ5 lawyers and 12 defendantsÒ or Ñfive lawyers and twelve defendants,Ò depending on the situation. A comma is used before ÑandÒ in a series. ÑShiras, Reed, and Scott were all judges in the Northern District.Ò A comma is not used after an introductory prepositional phrase unless the phrase is very long or when omitting it would cause confusion. ÑIn 1845 Iowa became a state.Ò Only one space is used between sentences. All words in headlines will be capitalized except prepositions shorter than four letters. Photo and art credits do not include the word s ÑCourtesy ofÒ or ÑPhoto courtesy ofÈÒ The order we generally follow is: Name of artist/photographer, name of piece, name of lending institution. If the institution requests a different credit, we comply. If items in a credit line are not put on separate lines, they are separated by commas. No punctuation is used at the end of the lines. In general, when using a long quote with severa l ellipsis points (È), we will try to obtain permission to excerpt the quote without using the ellipses in order to simplify the text for the casual reader. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 7 F1, Attachment 2 Interpretive Themes and Sub-themes Themes and Sub-themes The following prioritized themes and topics represent the story of Gladstone Savanna conveyed through interpretative signage. These themes interconnect and weave together higher and lower priorities in an effort to reduce the overall reliance on signs, with the understanding that additional websites, written materials, and off site visits will continue the story began within the Savanna. The cycle of nature is a strong concept running through many of these themes. For a complete review of these Themes and Sub-themes please review the Final Signage Plan produced by Bluestem Heritage Group dated September 20, 2016. Theme 1: Layers and Cycles of History Though the landscape appears unchanged, this park has undergone transformation over the past 150 years. When we expand our sense of history beyond this, we appreciate the even greater changes that have occurred. Related Sub-Themes Sub-theme A: Land and Water Sub-theme B: Nature to Agriculture to Industry to Nature Theme 2: Trains (Railroad, Roundhouse, Shops) For decades, the Gladstone Shops were a bustling center of activity and growth. The shops played a critical role in the development of the small community of Gladstone, and served an important role regional transportation network development. Related Sub-Themes Sub-Theme A: Life in the Shops Sub-Theme B: Role in GladstoneÔs growth Sub-Theme C: Broader role in the regional railroad economy Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 8 F1, Attachment 2 North Entrance Historic Panel Exhibit Themes ¤Early history of New Canada and platting of Gladstone and its major drivers specifically the Plow Works, Gladstone Shops, and the Poor Farm. The major players in the settlement of the community including Dawson. ¤The coming of railroads to the region, their use, and value. The importance of the resources needed to maintain the operation of the shops, specifically labor, coal, and iron/steel. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place upon entering the savanna, specifically historic Gladstone. ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of what was once on the savanna and in the surrounding community which could also be explored. ¤To serve as the starting point for each visitorÔs story, especially those using the parking to the north. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn to this northern entrance because of the unique benches as well as its central location between the closest availa ble parking on Frost Ave. This 72Ò x 15Ò interpretive sign is a beginning place for their time within the savanna. The purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space (in relation to the plow and poor farm) as well as brief historical overview for Gladstone. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links to off-site information about the history, physical location, and drivers behind the savannaÔs historic and modern transformations. North Entrance Historic Panel Reading the Rails:Early History and the Village of Gladstone Overall Size: 72Ò x 15Ò Center Section Size: 36Ò x 15Ò Right and Left Section Sizes: 18Ò x 15Ò Header and Main Text:A History of Change Word Count:152 Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 9 F1, Attachment 2 A History of Change Looking at this prairie it is hard to imagine the shrill sounds, bustling shops, and iron horses built and maintained here well over 100 years ago. Originally settled as New Canada Township by Euro-Americans in the late 1850s, the street behind you is named for J.W.S. Frost who bought this land in 1865, built a house, and began farming. This area attracted dairy and truck farming as well as Lake Phalen leisure use. Over the coming decades railroads began crisscrossing the countryside. Two lines had a junction and depot just blocks northeast of here. Capitalizing on this William Dawson platted Gladstone on August 27, 1886, hoping his new town would soon rival St. Paul. The next year the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad chose Gladstone for its new Gladstone Shops maintenance th yard. The turn of the 20 century saw a diverse community with businesses which still bear the Gladstone name today. Background Image: Map of Gladstone 1888 Source: Credit: Caption: Northwest Magazine Illustration of the ÑMap of GladstoneÒ, February 1888. Secondary Text: Center Section Word Count: 63 Decline and Open Space Preservation Gladstone and the Shops never achieved the prosperity their founders had hoped. By 1915 the Shops had been relocated and the land leased to a series of companies including Seeger Refrigeration (later named Whirlpool). By 1979 all remaining buildings were demolished. Maplewood residents passed a referendum in 1993 to acquire and preserve open space. Gladstone Savanna was one of the first sites purchased. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 10 F1, Attachment 2 Image: Source: City of Maplewood Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Center Section Word Count: 66 William Dawson, Founder The first Irish-born mayor of St. Paul, William Dawson, Sr. had a keen eye for profits and progress. Enterprising business owner and banker, he purchased and platted 574 acres for the Gladstone Land Company in 1886 and was instrumental in securing a depot and railroad shops. Mr. Dawson named the th town after William Gladstone, well-known 19 Century British statesman, Prime Minister, and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Image: William Dawson Source: Credit: Caption: Side Bar: North Entrance Historic Panel Right Side of Panel Size: 18Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 59 It Takes More Than a VillageÈ The Gladstone Shops employed more than 100 men. Many lived in Gladstone, whose 1895 population was primarily Minnesota and U.S. born residents as well as German, Swedish, Norwegian, and Irish immigrants. The Shops depended heavily on raw materials shipped hundreds of miles. Maryland and Ohio provided the coal. Iron was smelted and shipped from Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 11 F1, Attachment 2 Image: Immigrant Workers Source: Credit: Caption: Image: Coal Car Full of Coal Source: Credit: Caption: Side Bar: North Entrance Historic Panel Left Side of Panel Size: 18Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 64 Of Plow Works and Poor Farms The Gladstone Shops were not the only community employer. The St. Paul Plow Works, which relocated to the nearby railroad junction in 1887, made various farm implements. A mile eastward down Frost Avenue is the Ramsey County Poor Farm built in 1885. A decade later this self-sufficient dairy farm, served 74 paupers, and employed over a dozen men and women. Image: Silhouette of Poor Farm Iconic Roofline Source: Credit: Word Count: 31 Caption: Step back to Frost Avenue and look east. Far off you can see the Poor Farm water tower. Its barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 12 F1, Attachment 2 Northeast Entrance Historic Panel Exhibit Themes ¤Early history of Railroads in MN; the line between St. Paul and Duluth; specifics on the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad Company. Early leaders in the railroad efforts including Dayton, Banning, and Cooke. ¤Specifics of the roundhouse, what they are used for and what they look like. The types of people employed in Railroad yards/shops. Modern use of this rail line today via the Bruce Vento Trail. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place upon entering the savanna near the roundhouse. ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of what was once on the savanna and in the surrounding community which could also be explored, specifically the roundhouse and the Bruce Vento Trail. ¤To serve as a reference point for this location vs. the other Gladstone Shops to the south. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn to this northeastern entrance because of the stone plinths laying out the shape and relative size of the roundhouse as well as the shade from the large cottonwood tree. This 72Ò x 15Ò interpretive sign is a beginning place for their exploration of the shops on the savanna. The purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space (in relation to the rest of the shops on the landscape) as well as a brief historical overview for railroads in general and recognizable names in the industry that are still present on the landscape between Maplewood and Duluth. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links to off-site information about the depot to the north, railroading in the community and state, and more information on roundhouses. Northeast Entrance Historic Panel Reading the Rails: The StP&D Railroad Overall Size: 72Ò x 15Ò Center Section Size: 36Ò x 15Ò Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 13 F1, Attachment 2 Right and Left Panel Size: 18Ò x 15Ò Header and Main Text: Building the ÑSkallyÒ Source: Word Count: 171 Building the ÑSkallyÒ Where you stand was once a thriving railroad maintenance yard. A route connecting St. Paul and Duluth was envisioned in 1857 but financial panics and the Civil War delayed sustained construction efforts until the late 1860s. At thirty-five minutes past 11 oÔclock pm, on August 1, 1870 the first train operated by the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad arrived in Duluth, cutting days off the journey, shifting commerce from the Mississippi River to Lake Superior, and helping make Duluth the fastest growing city in the nation. For years the line was known as the ÑSkallyÒ, a nickname variously attributed to Irish, Italian, and Swedish immigrants. In 1877, financial difficulties saw the railroad reorganized into the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad. The StP&D operated for 23 years and had a fleet of over 2,500 locomotives and cars, many built here at the Gladstone Shops. The company was purchased and incorporated into the Northern Pacific Railway in 1900 and ultimately into the Burlington Northern Railway system until the tracks were discontinued in 1987. Background Image: Gladstone Depot Source: Credit: Caption: Pictured here is the Gladstone Depot located just two blocks north of where you are now. Secondary Text: Word Count: 63 Why Gladstone? Competition and new StP&D Board membership in June 1887 ushered in an era of expansion, including building new maintenance shops. This was the first level area north along the rail line and already had a depot. Moreover, the StP&D was given 30 bonus acres. Dawson clearly realized the ShopsÔ potential to improve local prosperity. Construction began in August and Gladstone was platted weeks later. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 14 F1, Attachment 2 Image: Railroad Locomotive (preferably Engine #69 of the Hinckley Fire) Source: Credit: Word Count: 40 Caption: th Railroads were MinnesotaÔs transportation lifeblood in the 19 century and the Gladstone Shops maintained the engines and cars using these arteries. Pictured is Engine #69 which saved hundreds during the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 and was afterwards repaired here. Secondary Text: Word Count: 59 Railroad Jobs Look at the 1900 census for New Canada Township, Ramsey County and you find over a dozen Gladstone Shops occupations. Often listed ahead of the job (blacksmith or fireman) was ÑR.R.Ò, but there were also painters, car repairers, molders, boiler workers, and coal heavers. Along with these were associated railroad jobs such as station agent, engineer, and telegraph operator. Image: Census page from 1895 Census Source: Minnesota Historical Society Credit: Caption: This page is from the 1900 census for Gladstone. Note the highlighted families, places of origin, and occupations. Northeast Entrance Historic Panel Right Side Bar Size: 18Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 65 Banning and Cooke Many people made the line possible including two names you probably already know: William Banning and Jay Cooke. In 1864, Philadelphia native, William Banning became LS&M president and was instrumental in its success by enticing Philadelphia banker Jay Cooke to invest. The capital of early investors secured the Duluth route. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 15 F1, Attachment 2 Today, Banning and Cooke are memorialized along the route by state parks bearing their names. Image: Highlighted Map of the route from St. Paul to Duluth, overlaid with State Parks Source: Credit: Word Count: 33 Caption: Although these rails have gone silent you can follow their route via the Bruce Vento Trail, connecting St. Paul to Maplewood, including intersection with the east-west Gateway State Trail just north of here. Northeast Entrance Historic Panel Left Side Bar Size: 18Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 61 Round and Round They Go A roundhouse or engine house, is named for its distinctive shape and used for repairing and storing locomotives. Turntables further allowed for efficient engine re-direction and movement. Completed in 1888, the Gladstone Shops roundhouse had 25 stalls. Archaeologists found evidence for roundhouse maintenance pits and confirmed the turntable had been removed after work was relocated to other repair shops by 1915. Image: Roundhouse schematic Source: Credit: Caption: You are standing in the center of the StP&D Roundhouse. Image: BobÔs roundhouse image Source: Credit: Caption: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 16 F1, Attachment 2 South Trail Gladstone Shops Historic Panel Exhibit Themes ¤History of the Gladstone Shops including their importance for maintenance of the railroadÔs cars and engines. What types of buildings were present. Later decline of shops and their use then savanna. ¤Using natural setting and plantings to interpret the buildings. What is left of the buildings and what was found via archaeology. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place on the savanna, specifically in relation to the shops. ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of what was once on the savanna, its importance to early railroads, and in the surrounding community which could also be explored, specifically other uses of the shops and more information about these online. ¤To help visitors make a visual connection between the strategic prairie plantings and former locations of the shops. Area Description and Walkthrough Walking along the southern stretch of the Savanna one has a nearly uninterrupted sense of size, space, and appreciation for its openness, especially looking east or west. Visitors will therefore be drawn to this solo 36Ò x 24Ò sign located in the space between the two longer buildings of the historic Gladstone Shops. This interpretive sign is the primary place for telling specific information about the number, type, and reason for the shops being here. Its purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space (in relation to the outline of the buildings) as well as a brief historical overview for what happened here after the shops relocated, the archaeology that was done, and th e areaÔs transition back to a savanna. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links to off-site information about the specific history of the shops, detailed drawings, and images of buildings before they were torn down, as well as more detailed information on the archaeology in the area and the locations of modern transformations. South Trail Gladstone Shops Historic Panel Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 17 F1, Attachment 2 Reading the Rails: The Gladstone Shops Overall Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Section Size: 26Ò x 24Ò Right Side Bar Size : 10Ò x 24Ò Header and Main Text: The Gladstone Shops Source: Word Count: 149 The Shops at Gladstone The Gladstone Shops were completed in 1888 at over one quarter of a million dollars. An orderly array of rail lines marched across the site paralleling fuel and raw material sheds, maintenance shops, a well, 1800 feet of sewer, and a 100 foot smokestack. Shops were steam heated with tall windows and whitewashed interiors spreading ample light throughout the large main buildings. In its heyday, the Shops were a powerful reminder of the prominence railroading had in Minnesota. After 1915 the Shops were shuttered and work moved to the Como and Mississippi Street Shops. Various businesses attempted to repurpose the property and in the late 1930s a 150 foot water tower was added. However, by the early 1940s the shops were being dismantled. In the fall of 1979 the site was completely demolished and lay vacant until the City of Maplewood purchased the land from Burlington Northern in 1995. Background Image: St. Paul & Duluth R.R. Shops, Gladstone, Minn. Source: Northwest Magazine, February, 1888. Caption: The St. Paul & Duluth R.R. Shops at Gladstone, Minn. Northwest Magazine, February 1888. Secondary Text: Word Count: 54 GladstoneÔs Role Used for only 28 years, the Gladstone Shops built, refit, and maintained the St. Paul & Duluth RailroadÔs engines and cars. This meant upgrading existing equipment, keeping up with railroad improvements. As engines and track grades improved Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 18 F1, Attachment 2 larger capacity cars could be built. With a fleet of nearly 2,500 this was no small task. Image: Shops Source: Caption: Secondary Text Word Count: 60 Specific Shops By 1903 the railroad maintenance yard had numerous shops in addition to the roundhouse, turn, and transfer tables. These included large machine and erecting shops; blacksmith, tin, paint, wheel, and cabinet shop; as well as a brass foundry. Beyond the office and storage sheds it also had two sets of privies (bathrooms) on north and south sides of the yard. Image: 1903 Gladstone Shop Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Source: Minnesota Historical Society Caption: This 1903 insurance map provides intricate detail of the Gladstone Shops South Trail Gladstone Shops Historic Panel Right Side Bar Size: 10Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 64 Digging into Shop History In 2012 Maplewood worked with archaeologists to learn more about what remained of the Gladstone shops after they were demolished. Archaeo-Physics LLC used ground penetrating radar to examine underground areas before excavation identifying the roundhouse, transfer table, and several shops. During site cleanup and restoration efforts Summit Envirosolutions LLC conducted archaeological monitoring documenting 37 features including foundations, tracks, the well, and buried Shop ruins. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 19 F1, Attachment 2 Image: Archaeologist using Ground Penetrating Radar Source: Archaeo-Physcis report Credit: David Maki Caption: David Maki of Archaeo-Physics uses Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to peer below the ground. Image: Average-Amplitude GPR 75cmbgs Depth Slice Source: Archaeo-Physics report Credit: David Maki Caption: GPR data displaying approximately two feet below ground showing the roundhouse, transfer table, and other shop outlines. Image: Picture of Feature 32 Source: City of Maplewood Credit: Virginia Gaynor Caption: Cross-section of foundational materials from the roundhouse floor. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 20 F1, Attachment 2 East and West Well Panels Exhibit Themes ¤History and Process of digging the well. Importance of water to the railroad. ¤Geological layers, soil, and aquifers. Tell time with geology. Area Objectives ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of what was once on the Savanna specifically the well. ¤An appreciation of the depth and breadth of geological time. ¤To add additional information to the well installation. ¤To serve as a reference point for each visitorÔs story, between natural panels primarily to the West and the more cultural panels to the East. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn to this location as they walk along the northern end of the Savanna by its circular layout and plantings. These two 36Ò x 24Ò interpretive signs are a bridging location between the cultural and natural signs. This point of orientation also provides a brief history of both the well itself and the areas geologic past. The location is ideal for adding QR codes or website links to information on site history, geologic location, and drivers behind the SavannaÔs historic and modern transformations. Well Panel Looking to the East Reading the Rails: Gladstone ShopsÔ Well Overall Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Section Size: 26Ò x 24Ò Side Panel Size: 10Ò x 24Ò Header and Main Text: Gladstone ShopsÔ Well Word Count: 142 Water: A Well Needed Resource Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 21 F1, Attachment 2 The Gladstone ShopsÔ well was crucial for site operation. The Gladstone Shops used between 80,000 and 100,000 gallons of water per day. Without water the shops and the locomotives they built and maintained would have come to a standstill. Water was used in the boiler and engine rooms producing steam, providing power to operate shopsÔ machinery, and much needed heat during winter months. Fire was a constant fear; well components were installed below ground to guard against such an event. The Shops also had an eight-man fire company with fire pails distributed throughout buildings and a rail cart with 700 feet of hose. If fire had damaged the well mechanism, water could be pumped temporarily by using the locomotives stored in the roundhouse. By 1953 a 150 foot water tower was built to serve property renters after the railroad shops were closed. Background Image: Piping to the Tanks Source: American Engineer and Railroad Journal Credit: Caption: This drawing shows how water was pumped from the well to the storage tanks 550 feet away. Secondary Text: Word Count: 58 How Deep and Where? The Gladstone Well had a steel casing driven down 258 feet and an open hole in bedrock a further 310 feet to an ultimate depth of 568 feet. After property demolition in 1979 the wellÔs location was lost. Interviews, aerial photography, historic map research, Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and magnetometer survey ultimately relocated the well in September 2000. Image: Photograph of Todd Petersen Source: MGWA Newsletter, March 2003 Credit: MGWA Caption: Todd Petersen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Waters Division, conducting magnetometer survey searching for the buried well. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 22 F1, Attachment 2 Secondary Text: Word Count: 49 Capping the Well Excavation uncovered an eight foot diameter limestone well shaft filled with debris. This was cleaned out in 2001 down 35 feet before the well casing was finally discovered. Improperly sealed during site demolition to only 155 feet, this material was removed and the entire well capped to todayÔs standards. Background Image: Removing demolition debris from well pit Source: MGWA Newsletter, March 2003 Credit: MGWA Caption: Well contractor, John Johnson, removing demolition debris from the limestone well pit. Right Side Panel Panel Size: 10Ò x 24Ò Word Count: 66 Priming the Pump Initially the well used a deep well pump requiring considerable attention and repairs. By 1900, Mr. G.D. Brooke, StP&D General Master Mechanic improvised an innovative solution using compressed air to pump water into two 50,000 gallon tanks. Air pressure in the shopsÔ piping was 125 pounds per square inch; which was reduced to between 60 and 100 pounds for adequate pumping and reduction of pipe vibration. Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Well Panel Looking to the West Reading the Rails: History in Depth Overall Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Section Size : 26Ò x 24Ò Left Side Panel Size: 10Ò x 24Ò Header and Main Text: History in Depth Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 23 F1, Attachment 2 Word Count: 151 History in Depth Because of past activity by glaciers, Minnesota has some of the most interesting geological history found anywhere on the Earth. Depending on where you stand, you can see rock formed 3.6 billion years ago exposed during the last ice age. Here at Gladstone, rock scrapped from northern Minnesota has been piled up, creating a thick layer of glacial drift soil. Deep below this regionÔs teaming lakes and rivers is another unseen source of valuable water. Much of the southern half of Minnesota has deeply buried sandstone, limestone, and dolomite aquifers. An aquifer is an underground layer of water- bearing permeable rock accessible by drilling a well. This water is typically much cleaner than surface water as it is slowly filtered by the rock through which it moves making it a valuable source of drinking water. Below us are several aquifers including the Prairie du Chien limestone, Jordan sandstone, and Franconia sandstone aquifers. Background Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Word Count: 42 Geologic Time The bedrock soils beneath your feet are millions of years old from a time of dramatic geologic, climatic, and evolutionary change. These rock layers were formed during the two earliest periods of the Palezoic era between 540 and 440 million years ago. Image: Artist drawing showing the ground surface down to approximately 600 feet. Image will delineate the following: glacial drift, Prairie du Chien formation limestone (aquifer); Jordan sandstone formation (aquifer), St. Lawrence dolomite formation (confining layer); Franconia sandstone formation (aquifer). Source: Credit: Caption: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 24 F1, Attachment 2 Secondary Text: Word Count: 53 Glaciers Beginning over 110,000 years ago and continuing until 12,000 years ago, glaciers once covered much of North America. This event shaped the modern Minnesota landscape and formed the Great Lakes. Scrapped, pushed, and carried; over two hundred feet of drift soils were left in this part of Minnesota when the glaciers finally receded. Background Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Left Side Panel Panel Size: 10Ò x 24Ò Word Count: 49 Endangered Groundwater The Gladstone Shops well went through and connected three different aquifers, breaching a confining layer of dolomite in the process. Once abandoned these wells are potential pathways for surface contaminates and can threaten drinking water. Sealing this well helped preserve and protect ground water for years to come. Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 25 F1, Attachment 2 Northwest Entrance Nature Panel Exhibit Themes ¤The history and importance of stormwater management, how the system works today, water as an asset vs. problem. ¤Recreating stormwater management on a smaller, personable scale. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place upon entering the Savanna. ¤To intrigue visitors with the larger picture of water management on the landscape and a sense of community involvement. ¤To serve as the starting point for each visitorÔs story, especially those using the parking to the north or entering from the northeast. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn to this northeastern entrance because of the unique damn/bridge feature and the mounting of the panel directly to the rail ing. This 36Ò x 24Ò interpretive sign can be a stand-alone point of information as well as a beginning place for their time within the Savanna. The purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space as well as a brief history and overview of stormwater management at this location. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links) to off-site information about the history, physical location, and drivers behind water manageme nt and the SavannaÔs historic and modern transformations. Northeast Entrance Nature Panel Reading the Rails: Gladstone Savanna Overall Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Section Size: 26Ò x 24Ò Northeast Entrance Nature Panel Header and Main Text: Water as an Asset Source: Word Count: 145 Shifting Water from Problem to Asset Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 26 F1, Attachment 2 Urban development has greatly increased stormwater runoff in our communities. Although ancient civilizations understood the th need for sewer systems to collect and carry rainwater, 19 and th early 20 Century city planning was often unconcerned with stormwater effects. Stormwater runoff flows directly into wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Along the way it picks up trash, waste, and chemicals causing algae blooms and pollution. In 1969 the Cuyahoga River in northeastern Ohio actually caught fire due to water pollution. This sparked nationwide calls for regulation culminating in the 1972 passage of the Clean Water Act and comprehensive efforts to study, understand, and manage stormwater. Since these early efforts there have been major shifts in how we think about stormwater. Instead of concentrating on directing stormwater off-site simply to reduce flood concerns, practices now focused on retaining rainfall where it happens; minimizing runoff and increasing infiltration and groundwater recharge. Background Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Word Count: 57 Rethinking MaplewoodÔs Stormwater MaplewoodÔs early roads often did not consider stormwater. As the city matured curbs, gutters, and storm sewers became a part of the urban landscape for moving water quickly away from neighborhoods. Today stormwater is becoming an asset instead of a problem. In 1997 MaplewoodÔs first raingarden was built just a few blocks east of here on Birmingham. Image: Historic Photograph of Road Flooding Source: Credit: Caption: Image: Photograph of Birmingham Raingardens Source: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 27 F1, Attachment 2 Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Word Count: 63 Planning for Rain Earlier stormwater management here primarily stopped major rain event flooding. Most stormwater flowed directly into Lake Phalen with no treatment. TodayÔs system significantly improves water quality and can capture and infiltrate a 1.5 inch rainfall event. Numbers etched in the wall mark heights for a 2-year, 10-year, and 100-year storm event, however with new climate change calculations these heights are now too low. Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Northeast Entrance Nature Panel Right Side Bar Source: Word Count: 93 How Does it Work? Gladstone Savanna has a two-cell stormbasin system. Runoff from the neighborhood moves into the first cell (in front of you) allowing sediments to settle out and soil microbes to break down pollutants. When water levels rise during heavy rains water flows beneath this bridge and runs down a dry creek bed, spreading out into a second infiltration basin (behind you). Interested in doing this on a smaller scale? Raingardens, shallow depression typically planted with native plants and grasses, are becoming a popular way to filter rain water runoff from roofs, sidewalks, and driveways. Background Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 28 F1, Attachment 2 East Entrance Nature Panel Exhibit Themes ¤History of vegetative change at this location including the Savanna, industrial use, and back to Savanna. General information on what a Savanna is, how they are created and maintained, and their scarcity on the modern landscape. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place upon entering the Savanna. ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of time and landscape change. ¤To give an appreciation for the joint efforts of nature and the City of Maplewood to reclaim the landscape. ¤To serve as the starting point for each vi sitorÔs story, especially those coming from the residential area to the east. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn to this eastern entrance by both the entryÔs decorative and interpretive landscaping, but also by the broad expanse of savanna ahead of them. This is one of the best vantage points for viewing the awe-insp iring openness of the Savanna. This 36Ò x 24Ò interpretive sign is a beginning place for their exploration within the Savanna. The purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space from a natural perspective, specifically how the landscape has changed over time, and the efforts it takes to preserve this scarce resource. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links to off-site information with additional details about area vegetative history, plants and animals, as well as natural and cultural preservation and succession efforts. East Entrance Nature Panel Reading the Rails: Gladstone Savanna Overall Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Section Size: 26Ò x 24Ò East Entrance Nature Panel Header and Main Text: Gladstone Savanna Source: Word Count: 150 Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 29 F1, Attachment 2 Gladstone SavannaÔs Natural History Minnesota savannas are open spaces where grasses and wildflowers cover the ground between clusters of trees. This landscape has changed many times over the 12,000 years since the glaciers. A thousand years after the glaciers retreated spruce forests dominated, with mastodons and other mega faunal common. As time passed the climate warmed drying the landscape. By 7,000 years ago the first grasslands spread far and wide dotted with grazing bison and elk herds. These ancient prairies would not last; our climate cooled and became wetter. By 700 years Ñbig woodsÒ of sugar maple, oak, elm, and basswood had replaced the prairie with only pockets of savanna here and there on the landscape. At the time of Euro-American settlement this area was listed as hilly land with scattered timber and supposed second-rate soil; likely an open savanna as you see it today with oaks scattered in a sea of grass. Background Image: Tundra and Megafauna Picture Source: Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Word Count: 48 Forged in Flame Savannas depend on fire to keep them filling in with trees. Periodic landscape burning favors the growth of native grasses, wildflowers, and thick-barked oaks. Historically fires were caused by natural events or even intentionally set by Native Americans to help control insects and improve grazing. Today, controlled burns keep savannas intact. Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Secondary Text: Word Count: 48 Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 30 F1, Attachment 2 A Rare Ecosystem Two centuries ago oak savannas covered 5.5 million acres, or nearly ten percent, of Minnesota. Farming, population growth, urban development, overgrazing, and the removal of fire from the landscape has reduced oak savannas to less than 55,000 acres; making them one of the rarest ecosystems on earth today. Image: Source: Credit: Caption: East Entrance Nature Panel Right Side Bar Source: Word Count: 94 Life After the Railroad By 1980 industryÔs engines had ceased and grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildflowers returned. Twenty years later lichens were breaking down remaining asphalt patches. This natural process of landscape reclaiming is called Succession. This process is not enough to sustain a small natural area continually threatened by pollution and invasive species such as knapweed and Siberian elm; especially without the check and balance of fire. The City of Maplewood is lending a helping hand by using controlled burns and mowing to manage the property as an open grassland; just as it had been when pioneering settlers first arrived. Background Image: Source: Credit: Caption: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 31 F1, Attachment 2 Southwest Entrance Nature Panel Exhibit Themes ¤Individual prairie and oak savanna plant species with basic names and images. Early agricultural misunderstanding of prairie soil potential. City of Maplewood efforts related to restoration of Gladstone Savanna. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place upon entering the Savanna. ¤To intrigue visitors with a sense of what grows on the Savanna today specifically tree, grass, and wildflower species. ¤To give an appreciation for the efforts the City of Maplewood has taken to restore the Savanna. ¤To serve as the starting point for each vi sitorÔs story, especially those coming from the residential area to the south. Area Description and Walkthrough Visitors are drawn from the community to the south, by the broad expanse of savanna ahead of them, as well as by the childrenÔs playgrou nd located just to the north. This 36Ò x 24Ò interpretive sign is a beginning place for their exploration within the Savanna. The purpose is to provide a point of orientation to the space from a natural perspective, specifically the types of plants they could encounter. It can assist parents in providing a moment of curiosity for their children before or after they play at the playground. This would also be an ideal panel for adding QR codes or website links to off-site information with additional details about area plants and animals. Southwest Entrance Nature Panel Reading the Rails: Prairie and Savanna Plants Overall Panel Size: 36Ò x 24Ò Center Panel Size 26Ò x 24Ò Main Text: Savanna Plants Word Count: 136 Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 32 F1, Attachment 2 Savanna Plants Grassland plants vary based on soil type and shade. Gladstone SavannaÔs sandy soils are perfect for short-grass prairie cover like the blue grama (aka eyelash grass). Taller grasses like big bluestem (aka turkey foot) can be found near the SavannaÔs western edge. Beyond grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and even trees have their places in this savanna. Hazelnut is a well- known shrub commonly found on the savanna. Bur oaks, with their corky bark and twisting branches, are also savanna icons. In 2014, returning the Gladstone Shops to their pre-settlement open grassland began in earnest. Brush and selected trees were first removed while portions of the site were capped with two to three feet of soil to diminish the effects of industry contamination. After existing vegetation was killed with herbicide, three different mixes of prairie plants were seeded across the Savanna. Image: Stock Photograph of Black-eyed Susan Source: Credit: Caption: During the first few years of Savanna restoration species such as Black-eyed Susan quickly dominated. The Savanna will continue to change over time. Background Image along entire base of the panel: 11 different prairie and oak savanna plants with root systems (have them ranked by root depth). Leave out four for the prairie wildflower side panel. Source: artist Credit: artist Caption: A wide variety of plants prosper in an oak savanna depending on soil and shade. Secondary Text: Word Count: 45 Prairie Remnants Prior to restoration there were a few patches of native prairie grasses and flowers at Gladstone Savanna. Those not impacted by soil remediation and trail installation were protected. Today Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 33 F1, Attachment 2 these prairie remnants thrive, blooming and attracting many pollinators; and giving clues to a bygone landscape. Image: Image of Prairie Remnant Source: City of Maplewood Credit: City of Maplewood Caption: Pictured is one of two prairie remnants identified at Gladstone Savanna before restoration. Secondary Text: Word Count: 54 Deep Roots, Good Soil When settlers first gazed upon Midwestern grasslands they believed the soil poor because few trees were growing. They soon realized their error. Prairie plants have deep roots; each year portions decompose and enrich the soil. Centuries of this process created deep, rich, soils perfect for planting; if the dense top grasses could be broken. Image: Artists image of plow in leadplant Source: artist Credit: artist Caption: Leadplat, a prairie shrub, is also called shoestring because of the snapping sound made when a plow cuts its tough roots. Southwest Entrance Nature Panel Right Side Bar Size: 10Ò x 15Ò Word Count: 62 Prairie Wildflowers Native prairie wildflowers provide important food and shelter for butterflies, bees, birds, and a variety of animals. Several of these flowers are easily recognizable and have been planted in abundance on the Savanna. Wildflowers begin blooming in April and continue deep into the fall. Come back again during another season and enjoy new flowers amidst the trees and grasses. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 34 F1, Attachment 2 Image: Collage of four recognizable prairie wildflowers: Source: Stock photographs Credit: Caption: These four wildflowers are present at different times of the year. See if you can find each of them on the Savanna. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 35 F1, Attachment 2 Voices of the Savanna Exhibit Themes ¤The juxtaposition of historic and modern people who used the area via quotes. ¤Placing people within the space and giving them agency over its past, present, and future. Area Objectives ¤To provide visitors with a sense of place and time on the savanna. ¤To intrigue visitors to add their own comments on the space and take ownership of its security and stewardship. ¤To serve as way to allow visitors to make a visual connection between modern and historic peoples. Area Description and Walkthrough Dividing the savanna roughly in half, is a north-south path cutting through the shops space. This space is represented by different planting s and stone ÑcornersÒ. Looking east and west one has an appreciation for the size of the prairie, while also being within the shops themselves. To further provide a sense of history as well as modern ownership, a series of historic and modern quotes have been placed on signs alternating to the right and left of the trail as one moves north or south along the path. Quotes will be historic on the top and modern on the bottom and printe d on both sides. These signs will be relatively small, 24Ò x and placed low on the landscape and at an angle so that viewers will not be distracted from their surroundings until they are upon them. These signs are a primary mechanism for moving the visitor back and forth through time as well as potentially incorporating their own voice via QR codes and the option to leave comments on a website and learn ways they can help out at the Savanna via plantings, maintenance, and other activities. Historic Quotes Quote: Source: St. Paul Mayor Jacob StewartÔs Remarks at the dedication of the William Banning th Locomotive. St. Paul Pioneer, June 25, 1868. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 36 F1, Attachment 2 May its iron frame and steel muscles never tire; its fiery zeal be never quenched, and its brazen lungs constantly throb with the energy of its steam life. -- St. Paul Mayor Jacob Stewart at the dedication of the William Banning Locomotive, June 25, 1868 Quote: Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson Railroad iron is a magicianÔs rod in its power to evoke the sleeping energies of land and water. -- attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote: Source: Advertisement of Kavanagh & Dawson, Hotel Ryan, St. Paul, MN. The St. Paul th Pioneer Press, August 13, 1887. There is today no other property in the suburbs of Saint Paul that has a brighter future before it than Gladstone. -- Advertisement of Kavanagh & Dawson, Hotel Ryan, St. Paul, MN Quote: Source: The Railroad Car Journal, Vol. 2, pg. 159 There have been built at the Gladstone shops ten 38-ft 60,000 lb. capacity freight cars, and six more are now under construction. -- The Railroad Car Journal Modern Quotes Quote: Child playing in park Source: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 37 F1, Attachment 2 Credit: Quote: Adult walking in the Savanna Source: Credit: Quote: Source: Bob Jensen, President, Maplewood Area Historical Society Credit: Can you imagine this quiet Savanna as once being a noisy, smelly, smoky maintenance yard for trains between St. Paul and Duluth? -- Bob Jensen, President, Maplewood Area Historical Society Quote: Source: David Maki, Remote Sensing Archaeologist, Archaeo-Physics, LLC. The siteÔs excellent soil qualities gave us exceptionally clear sub-surface imagery. Massive limestone foundations and the roundhouseÔs geometry provided very interesting pictures. -- David Maki, Remote Sensing Archaeologist, Archaeo-Physics, LLC. Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 38 F1, Attachment 2 Playground Panel with Movable Triangle Panels Exhibit Themes ¤The juxtaposition of historic and modern images for children to view and manipulate. ¤Placing people within the space and giving them agency over its past, present, and future. Area Objectives ¤To provide children/visitors with a sense of place and time on the savanna. ¤To foster curiosity in children/visitors as to what happened around them before the playground was there and to take ownership of its stewardship. ¤To serve as way to allow children/visitors to make a visual connection between modern and historic peoples. Area Description and Walkthrough Blending with the playground equipment, this panel gives children and other visitors a visual connection to the savanna and its historic use. Each panel has a particular theme, specifically: Nature; People; and Today. Photographic Nature Image: Oak Savanna Source: ArtistÔs Nature Image: Mammal on Oak Savanna Source: ArtistÔs Nature Image: Bird on plant Source: Photographic People Image: Railroad Workers Source: ArtistÔs People Image: Train Conductor Source: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 39 F1, Attachment 2 ArtistÔs People Image: Pioneer Woman Source: Photographic Today Image: The Playground Source: ArtistÔs Today Image: Dog Walking Source: ArtistÔs Today Image: Visitors Viewing Panel Source: Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC Gladstone Savanna Draft Text and Images 40 F MEMORANDUM TO:Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:VirginiaGaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE:May 11, 2017 RE:2017 Goals Introduction The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)approved 2017 goals at its January 2017 meeting. The Commission will discuss the status ofthose goals. Discussion The 2017 Heritage Preservation Goals are listed below. GOALSTATUS / SCHEDULE th 1.Plan and present 60Anniversary Celebration.Completed 2.Complete 60 Stories project.Completed 3.Designate Gladstone Savanna as a local historicCompleted (pending SHPO) site. 4.Designate one additional historic site.Begin in June 5.Submit grant to continue preservation planning.Summer or Fall 6.Prepare and/or review interpretive signage: a.Review and install sign for Lookout Park. Ongoing b.Work with consultant on text forGladstone Ongoing Savanna interpretive signs. Fall c.Review interpretive sign for Conifer Ridge. 7.Begin work on Comprehensive Plan, HistoryMay2017-December 2018 Chapter 8.Make recommendation for 2017 MaplewoodNovember Heritage Award. 9.Educate HPC on Department of Interior guidelines.Summer or Fall 10.Present stories of Maplewood history during HPCOngoing meetingsusing material from 60 Stories project. Goal #10 is to present some of the 60 stories during the HPC meetings. Attached is the table of contents for the 60 Stories of Maplewood History. Staff recommends the commissionselects five to six stories tobe presented over the course of theyear. F Maplewood is a Certified Local Government. One of the requirements we need to meet each year is for HPC members and/or staff to attend the annual State Preservation Conference. In 2017, the conference will be September 14-15, in Albert Lea, MN. We anticipate grants will be available to cover the cost for at least two commissioners to attend. Recommendation Discuss goals status and select five to six stories for presentation at future commission meetings. Attachments 1.Table of Contents from 60 Stories of Maplewood History F, Attachment 1 60 Stories of Maplewood History Table of Contents Chapter 1 --Native American and Early Settlement 1,000 Years Ago, or So, At Fish Creek Early Peoples of Maplewood –not yet written Maplewood’s Historic Landscape The Battle at Battle Creek nd Land Hilly, Soil 2Rate – The Public Land Survey Chapter 2 – Agriculture, Nurseries and Truck Farming The Bruentrup Heritage Farm Midvale or Merriam Farm Schroeder Dairy Greenhouses and Cabbage Fires Gerten’sGreenhouses Truck Farming in Maplewood Chapter 3 --Transportation Vento Trail Gateway Trail – A Rail to Trail Success Highway 61 Chapter 4 --Cultural Life Edward Phalen –Namesake for Lake Phalen Lookout Park Kohlman Hotel Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum The Mystery of the Missing Groves Keller Golf Course Joy Park Maplewood Covenant Church Ramsey County Fair St Paul Ski Club - Carver Lake Ski Jump St Paul’s Priory Maplewood’s Sandy Lake A Home Run for Flicek Lake Phalen, the Ice Palace,and the Winter Carnival New Life for an Old Library Religious Institutions in Maplewood Aldrich Arena St John’s Hospital F, Attachment 1 Chapter 5 --Civic Life Becoming a City New Canada Town Hall Carver Lake – A One-Room School Ramsey County Poor Farm The Ramsey County Poor Farm Cemetery The Arbolado School Bell The Ghost Town of Gladstone Gladstone Volunteer Fire Station Historic Fires in Maplewood Maplewood Municipal Building The Evolution of Maplewood Nature Center Preserving Open Space A Drink ofWater Chapter 6 --Commerce and Industry Gladstone Railroad Shops Dean’s Tavern KSTP-AM Radio Building 3M Moves to Maplewood Maplewood Mall Chapter 7 --People and Places: William Dawson Sr.- Founder of Gladstone Sarah Wakefield and the Lake Rex Shane and 1800 English Street Grandpa Fisher Witches’ Woods Discrimination in Maplewood Sundgaard family and 1851 Clarence Street Sundgaard family and 1865 Clarence Street Who Was Waldo \[Luebben\] Amy Peterson-Hometown Olympic Heroine F3 MEMORANDUM TO:Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:VirginiaGaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE:May 11, 2017 SUBJECT:HPC Training Introduction The Minnesota Heritage Commission Statewide Training Manual is available for use by Heritage Preservation Commissions (HPC). The HPC will continuethis training at the Aprilmeeting. Discussion HPC’s throughout the state are encouraged to use the Minnesota Heritage Commission Statewide Training Manualand accompanying training materialsto increase their understanding of the HPC’s role and ofpreservation laws and processes.The training is provided in a set of PowerPoint slidesfor HPC’s to reviewand a 160-page training manual. The HPC completed Chapter 1: Why Are We Here?at theOctober 2016 meetingand Chapter 3: Designating Propertiesat the November 2016 meeting. At the May2017 meeting, the HPC will review Chapter 2: Legal Foundations. This section covers: A.Legal Basis B.How Do We Find What Is Historically Significant? C.Tools Used to Identify Historic Properties D.How Do We Officially Recognize Properties of Historic Significance? E.How Does National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Designation Work? F.How Does Local Designation Work? G.What Legal Issues May Be Raised? Slides for Chapter 2are available at www.ci.stillwater.mn.us(Search: HPC Training Program). If you would like a hard copy of the slides, or of the training manual, please let staff know and they can provide that for you. Recommendation No action required.