Elizabeth Bowie, "Ecological Method for Landscape Architecture" Ian L. McHarg

McHarg observes that "ecology provids the single most indispensible basis for landscape architure." It's the study of physical and biological processes from the beginning of time until the present. "The place, plants, animals, and men upon this earth are only comprehensible in terms of physical and biological evolution." There is a method to this system that's quite remarkable. You begin with historical geology, climate, and physiography and move on to water regimen, plant evolution, nature, and patters of soils. Vegetaion is highly dependant upon soil variables as is animal life on plant matter. All of this leads to a gross ecological inventory in which land use maps may be contrivied. The list continues to expand the further we move away from the beginning idea and it shows the process as a basis for form. Ultimately, ecology offers the landscape architecture profession freedom to open any door.

In relation to Poverty Point, we as designers need to utilize this process to the fullest capacity possible. The site offers a great historical setting, the likes of which many of us will not again have the opportunity to work with in the furture. The mounds themselves are several thousands of years old; raising the point, that Prehistoric site conditions should be studied through the present day. How did the years between the first basket full of dirt for construction effect the present day conditions and today's vistors experience?