This document provides an assessment of the green infrastructure in the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia as part of Blacksburg's efforts to achieve certification in the STAR Community Rating System. The assessment identifies 7 sites and 1 area that meet the criteria for green infrastructure. Using GIS mapping, the document analyzes the percentage of land designated as green infrastructure and the percentage of residents within walking distance of green infrastructure. The assessment finds that Blacksburg has achieved the physical requirements for green infrastructure certification in STAR. With implementation of additional policy recommendations, Blacksburg should receive full certification.

1.
2014
Authors:
George
Carter,
Sarah
Gilmore,
Kristin
Hileman,
and
Peter
Hughes
Class:
UAP
4356
Environmental
Problem
Solving
Studio
Instructor:
Dr.
John
Browder
Client:
Carol
Davis
TOB
Manager
of
Sustainability
Assessment
of
Green
Infrastructure

2. 1
Table of Contents
Section Page
I. Executive…………………………………………………………………
Summary
3
II. Introduction………………………………………………………………. 3
2.1 Global …………………………………………………………………..
Significance
3
2.2 What is Green…………………………………………………………..
Infrastructure
4
2.3 Green Infrastructure in……………………………………………….
Blacksburg
4
III. Goals and Objectives…………………………………………………….. 5
IV. Methodology……………………………………………………………… 5
4.1 Defining Green…………………………………………………………
Infrastructure
5
4.2 Map Layer………………………………………………………………
Collection
6
4.3 Map Creation and the Exclusion…………………………………….
of Virginia Tech
7
4.4 Map 1.1: Parks Within the TOB…………………………………….. 8
V. Findings…………………………………………………………………… 9
Site 1: Owens Street Park…………………………………………… 9
Site 2: Shenandoah Bike Trail and Park……………………………. 11
Site 3: Wong Park…………………………………………………… 12
Site 4: Blacksburg Municipal Park…………………………………. 13
Site 5: Nellie’s Cave Park…………………………………………... 14
Site 6: Heritage Community Park and Natural Area……………….. 15
Site 7: Deerfield Trail………………………………………………. 16
Site 8: Creek Valley Overlay………………………………………... 17
Map 1.2 Identified Green Infrastructure in Blacksburg…………….. 18
Map 1.3 Residents Within Distance of Identified………………………
Green Infrastructure
19

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VI. Case Study Analysis of Equivalent STAR Certified……………..
Communities
21
North Hampton, Massachusetts………………………………………….. 21
Albany, New York………………………………………………………….. 21
VII. Recommendations…………………………………………………. 22
Table 1.1 Recommended Funding Opportunities……………………… 24
VIII. Conclusions………………………………………………………… 24
IX. Appendices/………………………………………………………… 27
A: Larger Maps………………………………………………………..…... 27
B: Parks Identified as Green Infrastructure…………………………… 33
C: Blacksburg Cemetery……………………………………………......... 34
X. References………………………………………………………….. 34

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Section 1: Executive Summary
Today, many communities recognize the growing need to balance the growth of the
community’s economic development with the integrity of the surrounding natural environment.
The STAR Community Rating System (STAR) is a tool designed by and for local governments
as a guide to implement and assess sustainable growth practices in communities. The STAR
program initiative is the nation’s first framework and certification program for local
sustainability. The program guidelines serve as a blueprint and as a means of authentication. The
Town of Blacksburg (TOB), a small college town in Virginia, is currently utilizing the STAR
program in pursuit of ensuring its sustainability. Blacksburg’s vision is a commitment to the
protection of the environment, the prevention of pollution, and the adherence to environmental
regulations while providing for economic growth and municipal services for its citizens. This
research report focuses on the assessment of the TOB in the Green Infrastructure (GI) section of
the STAR guide. The assessment was performed through ArcMap creation and on site field
work. The findings provide not only a detailed assessment and catalog of current green
infrastructure and community practices; but, the project also includes recommendations and
techniques to improve the green infrastructure of Blacksburg, VA. In conclusion the report states
that the TOB has achieved the physical requirements for GI and with the implementation of the
policy recommendations for GI, the TOB should receive certification for the GI section of the
STAR guide.
Section 2: Introduction
2.1 Global Significance
In the decades following World War II, the United States experienced large increases in
population growth. During the “Baby Boom” in the years between 1950 and 2000, the population
of the United States grew from 150.7 million to 281.5 million and experts predict population to
exceed 335 million people by 2025 (Hobbs & Stoops 11; Campbell 3). Between 1900 and 2000,
Hobbs and Stoops noted the population density tripled, growing from 26 people per square mile
to 80 people per square mile (15). As the population increased, and continues to increase, a
corresponding increase occurred with the development of infrastructure to support the expanding
needs of the increasing population. Concurrent with this population growth, was the movement
from a rural to an urban population density occurred in the United States. Urban development
expanded to meet the demands of this population and development continues today to support
and meet the needs of the citizens of the United States. As a necessity, infrastructure supports the
livelihoods of citizens, manages access to resources and utilities, and provides the foundations
for communities and the economy.
Despite early warnings of the harmful effects to the environment and natural resources by
environmentalists like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and Paul R. Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb
in the 1960s as well as, Ralph Nader’s activism in the 1970s, real efforts did not occur until the
mid-1990s when the United States recognized the competing elements of manmade
infrastructure often impeded natural processes and threatened the health of the environment.
Decades of mismanaged development, however, have resulted in the degradation of water quality
from toxic substances, the loss or fragmentation of habitats, and the diminishing biodiversity.
Before 1994, land development practices did not recognize the importance of conservation
strategies. Consequently, many municipalities are pursuing initiatives, commonly known as
Green Infrastructure (GI), which highlight the importance of considering the natural environment

5. 4
and ecological processes in urban development activities. Now the issues municipalities face
today are compensating for the previous years of mismanagement. Faced with a higher density
of people and spatially less green space, municipalities must find a means to convert the
remaining green space into GI, garnishing and preserving the remaining benefits of GI.
2.2 What is Green Infrastructure?
According to Benedict and McMahon, green infrastructure (GI) is a strategically planned
and managed network of natural lands, working landscapes, and other open spaces designed to
conserve ecosystem values and functions that provides associated benefits to human populations
(Benedict & McMahon 5; Amundsen, Allen, & Hoellen 1). In general, the purpose of green
infrastructure is to use the indigenous vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage local
water quality, help maintain biodiverse habitats, and create healthier urban environments.
Specific to our research at the city and county level, green infrastructure reflects how a network
of natural areas provide wildlife habitats, flood protection, localized cooling effect, cleaner air,
cleaner water, and often times spaces for human recreation. According to the STAR Guide and
for the purpose of our assessment of the green infrastructure for the TOB, green infrastructure is
defined as “a network of green infrastructure features that integrate with the built environment to
conserve ecosystem functions and provide associated benefits to human population” (219). In
contrast to segregated or disputing conservation practices, green infrastructure incorporates
conservation values within practices for land development, growth management, and
infrastructure planning (Benedict & McMahon 5).
2.3 Green Infrastructure in Blacksburg
The TOB is a Virginia college town located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
and known nationally for its connection to Virginia Tech. Similar to most municipalities,
Blacksburg’s comprehensive plan emphasizes on the continued growth of the local economy,
and in pushing the community toward sustainable growth and development. Recognition by
Business Week in 2011 as "The Best Place to Raise Your Kids" and by Southern Living Readers’
Choice Winner as "The Best College Town in the South" demonstrates the town’s success
towards achieving these ends. However, room for improvement remains.
The achievement of the STAR rating provides the next step in distinguishing Blacksburg as
a sustainable community. To achieve the STAR rating, Blacksburg must meet multiple
standards in various areas including green infrastructure. At the town level, the implementation
of green infrastructure projects ensures a responsible approach to fostering expansion of urban
growth while not compromising the integrity of the existing ecosystems that provide essential
natural processes. According to the STAR Technical Guide, to achieve the green infrastructure
criteria, Blacksburg would need to achieve two of the three following characteristics: (1)
Localized cooling through tree canopy cover, green roofs, or green walls; (2) Water management
through wetlands, stream buffers, and permeable surfaces; and (3) Wildlife habitats and
recreational space for humans (222). By achieving these green infrastructure standards,
Blacksburg will improve the health of the local environment, consequently improving the health
of its human and wildlife population. Economically, the green infrastructure should provide a
cost-efficient management system for the community’s natural resources while the grey
infrastructure requires high construction, maintenance, and repair costs plus introduces pollutants
into source waters. Green infrastructure maintains and integrity and the environment as well as
serving as recreational and educational opportunities for the citizens of Blacksburg,

6. 5
Section 3: Goals and Objectives
The objective of this research is to perform a basic assessment of the current state of green
infrastructure in the TOB based on the standards established by the STAR Technical Guide. To
achieve a STAR rating for green infrastructure, a town must achieve a minimum of 20 points via
community level Outcomes and Local Action to represent the monitoring and upgrade of the
community’s existing green infrastructures.
Community level Outcomes include the demonstration of the physical existence, public
access, and amount of green infrastructures in the town, and a total of 14 points can be obtained
through achieving Outcome 1 and Outcome 2. Outcome 1, entitled Designated Green
Infrastructure, is achieved through demonstrating that 35% of the jurisdiction’s land is GI
according to our definition, described in Section 4. Objective 2, entitled Green Infrastructure
Distribution, is achieved through demonstrating that 85% of the population lives within a ½
walking distance GI projects according to our definition.
Local Actions involve demonstrating that the town government and community are taking
an active role in implementing policy for future GI projects and initiatives. This section consists
of 9 different opportunities for Local Actions to be developed in a jurisdiction, and a total of 14
points can be obtained. Benedict and McMahon highlight the need for community buy-in of
developing green infrastructure and the long term planning and maintenance inherent in
achieving success (6). Establishing a basic green infrastructure assessment provides the TOB the
opportunity to identify current strengths as well as gaps in their community and to define next
steps for the community decision-making process in achieving, developing, and maintaining
their green infrastructure. By highlighting areas for further research, the community can develop
strategies to increase the green infrastructure and the community’s sustainability.
Section 4: Methodology
4.1 Defining Green Infrastructure
In order to create an inventory of GI in the TOB, our team began by defining the term ‘green
infrastructure’ using the STAR Technical Guide. Our official definition of ‘green infrastructure,’
which we used to develop our initial inventory and our additional recommendations, aligns with
the definition provided by the STAR Technical Guide in the Natural Resources section: an
interconnected system of natural areas and open space that conserves ecosystem values, helps
sustain clean air and water, and provides benefits to people and wildlife (p. 283, STAR
Community Rating Technical Guide). Stemming from this definition, the STAR Technical Guide
also provided three criteria for classifying various GI project in municipalities. In order to assess
projects around the town, we integrated these criteria into our classification and decided that a
project would be considered a GI project if it met two of the three criteria, defined below:
1. Localized cooling through tree canopy cover: An existence of individual tree stands that
provide canopy cover and enables communities to experience a natural cooling that can
mediate thermal pollution experienced from phenomenon such as the Heat Island effect.
The heat island effect, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
describes, “built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas…Heat islands can affect
communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air
pollution and green gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water quality”
(“Heat Island Effect”)

7. 6
2. Water management: The existence of a built environment, which includes natural wetland
areas, riparian zones, and permeable surfaces, provides communities with the opportunity
to experience natural improvement of water quality through stormwater management,
groundwater recharge, pollution control, and ecosystem services.
3. Recreation through parks and/or greenways: As expressed by the STAR Technical
Guide, parks and greenways offer people healthy options for alternative transportation, as
well as an opportunity for physical activity, stress reduction, and a desirable public realm
that improves urban vitality (STAR Technical Guide).
4.2 Map Layer Collection
In order to begin fieldwork, our team began by looking into the creation of maps through the
use of ArcMap software. Our creation of maps began by collecting various GI-related map layers
from John Eustis and Tommy Oravetz at the New River Land Trust and the TOB Geographic
Information System (GIS) coordinator, Katherine Smith. The New River Land Trust provided
maps on the impaired waters, conservation easements, corridors and previous green
infrastructure data developed by the New River Valley Green Infrastructure Initiative. The TOB
provided a thorough system of map layers including data on the public bike trails, parks, Creek
Valley Overlay, open space, resident addresses and the Virginia Tech property. The following
provides an overview of each map layer that was utilized in our map creation:
● Address: This map included data for each address in Blacksburg, which is relevant for
relating resident locations to proximity of green infrastructure projects.
● Bike Trails: This map layer included data on the existing bike trail system in Blacksburg,
which is important for determining recreational areas with alternative transportation and
physical activity advantages.
● Conservation Easements: This map layers provides information on the conservation
easements present throughout the town, which is important for recognizing open space
and existing tree canopy cover.
● Creek Valley Overlay: This map layer identifies the Creek Valley Overlay designation,
which includes extended buffers areas around natural streams that are important for
improving water quality and providing habitat.
● Ecological Corridors: This layer shows the corridors and nodes that are sufficient enough
to support healthy habitat for wildlife, including the provisions of dense tree canopy and
associated water quality benefits.
● Green Infrastructure: This map layer includes information on existing green
infrastructure within Montgomery County developed by the New River Valley Green
Infrastructure Initiative.
● Neighborhoods: This map layer includes data for the different neighborhood sections
within all of Blacksburg, which is important for determining resident locations relative to
green infrastructure assets and for determining an official boundary for the town.
● Open Space: This map includes areas within Blacksburg that remain undeveloped and
which represent potential areas for future green infrastructure projects.
● Parks: This map layer represents areas in Blacksburg that already meet our requirement
for recreational spaces.
● Virginia Tech Area: This map layer was used to identify Virginia Tech property, which is
comprised of areas that will be excluded from our green infrastructure analysis.

8. 7
4.3 Map Creation and the Exclusion of Virginia Tech:
Using ArcMap, our group was able to upload all data layers to the program and work
with them using various tools. Our base layer for Blacksburg was the data layer Neighborhoods,
with the addition of Virginia Tech Area layer, both of which allowed us to visualize the layout of
Blacksburg and its boundaries.
Our analysis of GI within the TOB is exclusive to the town, so we excluded Virginia in
our analysis with the use of the Erase tool on ArcMap, even though Virginia Tech is rich in GI
projects around campus. Projects on campus include rain gardens, detention ponds, stream bank
stability installations, vegetated buffers, and many other best management practices that help to
improve stormwater management and water quality on campus. Virginia Tech is also rich in tree
canopy coverage, and has been recognized by the Arbor Foundation for many years for its Tree
Campus USA status. In addition, the campus is abundant with recreational opportunities, from
bike trails to athletic courts. All of these attributes of Virginia Tech together make for a campus
rich in GI according to our criteria.
Although the inclusion of Virginia Tech’s GI projects would have helped to make
Blacksburg’s GI inventory stronger, the exclusion of Virginia Tech is important to create an
accurate analysis of GI within the town specifically. Virginia Tech is an institution whose
projects are separate from the public projects in the TOB. The inclusion of green infrastructure
projects located on Virginia Tech owned lands would skew, our analysis of the existing green
infrastructure projects in Blacksburg by inaccurately identifying them as a part of the town.

9. 8
4.4 Map 1.1: Parks Within the TOB:
In our creation of maps, we determined that the analysis of park systems would be beneficial
as a first move because they already meet one of our GI definition criteria: the existence of
recreational opportunities for the public. Having determined this, our group uploaded the TOB
Parks layer into the map to create a starting point and reference map for the beginning of our
fieldwork. Using this initial map, we were able to edit the Parks data layer through the ArcMap
editing tool, which allowed us to delete individual park data that we disqualified from our GI
inventory.
Having identified the
parks that exist within the
town, our group began
fieldwork. Fieldwork
consisted of traveling to each
potential green infrastructure
space and determining
whether it met two out of
three of our green
infrastructure criteria. Some
sites were quickly
determined to contain green
infrastructure elements,
while others were harder to
analyze, and some did not
meet our criteria at all.

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Section 5: Findings
Site 1: Owens Street Park
Located at 316 Owens Street, Owens Street Park consists of recreational opportunities
including a playground and bike trail. This park has naturally advantageous topography, which
contributes to its inherent value as green infrastructure. Furthermore, the TOB has also taken
active steps to enhance the ecological benefits of this site structurally. Both the natural and
engineers aspects of the park’s green infrastructure are described below.
Running through the center of the park is Stroubles Creek, to which the Town has
enhanced the existing stream buffer with plantings and water-slowing structures to help trap
sediment, debris, and provide bioremediation for potential pollutants. (Photo 1.1). Not only does
the park experience water quality improvement from this enhanced stream buffer, but also during
heavy rain effects, the park’s topography - a natural depression - doubles as a detention pond for
periodic water overflow from the stream (Photo 1.2), which reduces the potential for flooding of
the surrounding area. The water accumulating during heavy rain effects is funneled through
constructed stormwater weirs (Photo 1.3) and channeled across the road where it continues to
flow down Stroubles Creek (Photo 1.4). This 2-acre park was determined to be green
infrastructure within the TOB due to meeting two of the three required criteria of a space having
recreational opportunity and water quality improvement benefits.
Photo 1.1: Owens Street Park provides recreational
opportunities and water quality improvement benefits.
Photo 1.2 During heavy rain effects, Owens Street Park
helps to improve stormwater management by becoming a
detention pond.

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Photo 1.3: Excess water that is
trapped in the park during heavy
rain effects is funneled through this
weir (one other not pictured) and
channeled below the street to the
other side, where it continues to
flow down Stroubles Creek.
Photo 1.4: Excess water is funneled
through weirs and transferred under
the street through the culverts above.
Photo 1.5: Excess water channeled
to the other side of the street
continues down Stroubles Creek,
pictured above.

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Site 2: Shenandoah Bike Trail and Park
Located at 1501 Seneca Drive, Shenandoah Bike Trail and Park was identified as a
potential space consisting of green infrastructure benefits due to initially meeting our recreational
criteria (Photos 2.1 and 2.2). Through further analysis, the team determined that in addition to
recreational advantages, the park also provides water quality improvements through protective
stream buffers (Photo 2.4) and an abundance of tree canopy cover. (Photo 2.5) This 22-acre park
was successfully identified as green infrastructure within the TOB through meeting all three of
our determined criteria.
Photo 2.1: Shenandoah Bike Trial and Park offers
recreational opportunities through use of two playgrounds on
the property.
Photo 2.2: Shenandoah Bike Trail and Park has alternative
transportation and physical activity benefits through its bike
trail system
Photo 2.3: Natural stream insect the
park and are protected by vegetative
buffers.
Photo 2.4: Vegetated buffers along the
park’s streams protect natural waters
from neighborhood pollution runoff.
Photo 2.5: An abundance of tree canopy
cover overlaps much of the bike trail
offering natural cooler and shade benefits.

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Site 3: Wong Park
Located at 303 Wilson Avenue, Wong Park is a public space offering recreational
benefits through the existence of a public playground and bike trail (Photo 3.1). In addition to
recreational opportunity, the park also offers water quality improvement through the installation
of a pervious parking lot (Photo 3.2) and a large riparian area behind its main building (Photo
3.3), the Bennett House. The pervious parking lot allows for management of stormwater through
helping water filter through the ground rather than allowing it to completely run over the surface
like a regular parking lot. Reducing runoff in this way helps to reduce downstream issues of
erosion and the washing of ground pollutants into water systems. The vegetated riparian area
located behind the main building protects water systems from the surrounding neighborhoods by
catching possibly pollutants (Photo 3.4), and contains an area of depression that is important for
detention of water during heavy rain events. This park was determined to be green infrastructure
through meeting two of our three set criteria, both recreational and water quality benefits.
Photo 3.1: Wong Park offers recreational opportunity
through inclusion of a playground and bike trail.
Photo 3.2: The installation of a pervious parking lot
allows for the filtration of water to ground system rather
than an accumulation of runoff seen with impervious
parking lots.
Photo 3.1: A vast riparian area behind the building
improves water quality and acts as a detention pond
during heavy rain events for stormwater management.
Photo 3.2: Riparian area acts as a buffer between
neighborhoods and natural areas, allowing for natural
capture of possible pollutants.

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Site 4: Blacksburg Municipal Park
Located on Turner Street and Patrick Henry Drive, Blacksburg Municipal Park spans 35 acres and
is one of the largest parks in Blacksburg. The park offers an abundance of recreational opportunities for
residents through the playgrounds, Skate Park, and athletic fields. Playgrounds in the park include the
Hand-n-Hand Playground and Caboose Playground (Photo 4.1). The athletic fields also are used as
alternative areas for events. During our fieldwork, we were able to witness the athletic fields being used
to host a dog show for area residents (Photo 4.2).
Photo 4.1 The Hand-n-Hand Playground offers a
variety of recreational opportunities for children
Photo 4.2 The athletic fields at the Municipal Park are able
to provide alternative activities for residents
In addition to recreational opportunities, tree cover offers localized cooling benefits in the
development of tree stands around the park (Photo 4.3). The park also has a tree nursery that sponsors the
2:1 tree replacement ratio in Blacksburg for trees that are lost to development or natural causes around
town (Photo 4.4). The tree nursery is also a volunteer service, which allows for educational opportunities
and for residents to become personally familiar with the importance of harboring tree nurseries and their
benefit in relation to the 2:1 tree replacement ratio. In it’s current state, the Blacksburg Municipal
meets all three of our set criteria for GI and has been included in our inventory.
Photo 4.3 Tree stands are being developed that help
with the natural cooling of the surrounding area
Photo 4.4 A tree nursery in the park offers trees for a 2:1
replacement ratio in Blacksburg

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Site 5: Nellie’s Cave Park
Sitting on ten acres, Nellies Cave provides a combination of both recreation and environmental
services. First, there is a public walking trail that loops through the woods (Photo 5.1), offering tree
canopy benefits, and around the public playground areas, offering recreation (Photo 5.2). Playgrounds in
the park have been built with pervious surfaces, seen in the horseshoe pits and with the mulch covering,
both helping reduce water runoff into surrounding areas.
Nellie’s Cave Park also has a small arboretum, which offers educational opportunities through
signage describing the trees in the park and the services they provide (Photo 5.3). This educational
opportunity for the public is accompanied with a shaded area for natural cooling of the area (Photo 5.4).
The arboretum is also located in an area that appears as if it could serve as a detention area during
excessive rainfall events due to its topography, which forms a natural depression. This area forming this
depression is also heavily vegetated allowing for increase uptake of excess water and trapping of nutrients
and sediment.
Overall, the recreational opportunities provided in the park together with the abundant natural
cover in the form of trees and vegetation have qualified this park as GI according to our criteria.
Photo 5.1 The nature trail that loops
through the park provides recreation,
tree canopy for cooling, and slight
infiltration benefits through its pervious
cover.
Photo 5.2 The playground on the park
grounds offers recreation and water
filtration benefits through its mulch
covering
Photo 5.3 Educational signs raise
awareness of tree species and their
ecosystem importance while offering
canopy for the park

16. 15
Photo 5.4 An abundance of tree cover in the park offers
natural cooling benefits
Photo 5.5 Vegetated surfaces in the depression area help
trap sediment and other harmful pollutants that may be
carried in runoff
Site 6: Heritage Community Park and Natural Area
Located at 2300 Glade Road, Heritage Community Park and Natural Area is 169 acres
of natural and recreational area, serving as both Blacksburg’s largest park and a great example of
an area meeting our criteria for GI. Consisting mainly of natural cover, Heritage Park has close
to no impervious surface area aside from the pathways that give recreational opportunities for
residents of Blacksburg (Picture 6.1). Paths throughout the park lead through green spaces and
vegetated landscape that is great for water filtration, and various wetland and riparian areas offer
flood protection and pollutant traps (Photo 6.2). Along with vegetation, the park consists of a
good amount of canopy coverage, offering shady spots that cool off the area and help to provide
enhanced habitat for wildlife. Heritage Park meets all three of our criteria, and has been
classified as GI in our inventory.
Photo 6.1: Heritage Park provides recreational
opportunities for the public through existence of a
bike trail.
Photo 6.2: Wetlands and riparian areas exist along
the stream to help with water quality improvement.

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Site 7: Deerfield Trail
Located at 1200 Deerfield Drive, Deerfield Trail is primarily a recreational trail that is easy for
walking and biking (Figure 7.1), and which is benefitted with scenic views for residents in the area.
Along the pathway, visitors can enjoy the informational signage that describes the natural functions of the
surrounding area (Figure7.2), and if you look close enough, you can find hidden water quality
improvement projects along the trail as well. Just as the beginning of the trail, one can observe the subtle
detention pond that is present, fit with a vegetated rain garden (Figure 7.3) and storm drain that leads to
the adjacent Tom’s Creek (7.4). Projects such as this help to capture overflow from the creek, filter out
possible contaminants, and return water to the creek without disturbance. In addition, the creek is lined
with riparian buffer areas fit with grasses, shrubs and trees, helping to both capture pollutants and
naturally cool the natural environment. Overall, Deerfield Trail meets all three of our criteria and has been
classified as GI in our inventory.
Photo7.1:DeerfieldTrailisprimarilyarecreationaltrailfitforeasy
bikingandwalkingforresidents
Photo7.2:Visitorstothetrailcanfindinformationalsignagemeant
toeducateobserversaboutthefunctionstakingplaceinthe
environmentaroundthem.
Photo7.3:Projectssuchasthisraingardenhelptoimprovethe
waterqualityoftheadjacentTom’sCreek.
Photo7.4:Waterqualityimprovementprojectshelptoprotect
Tom’sCreek,whichrunsadjacenttoDeerfieldTrail.

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Site 8: Creek Valley Overlay
The Creek Valley Overlay consists of the Tom’s Creek, Stroubles Creek, and Slate Branch
waterways. In addition, it contains the surrounding areas that fit any of the following criteria:
● located in the floodplains of the
aforementioned waterways,
● adjacent wetlands,
● areas of twenty-five percent or greater slope
adjacent to the floodplain or within fifty feet of
the creek if no floodplain is present,
● and any other land area within fifty feet of the
center line of the creek that is not already
included in the Creek Valley Overlay based on
the above criteria (Blacksburg, Virginia Code
of Ordinances)
S
Between Tom’s Creek and all of its tributaries, virtually all of Blacksburg is within a half mile of some
portion of the overlay. All of these water sources eventually feed into the New River, which is a chief
water source for the Town of Blacksburg.
The Overlay provides a number of ecosystem services. The land area adjacent to the creeks
provide vegetation that has a buffering effect, preventing sediment and nutrient runoff from entering them
and decreasing water quality. Tree cover accounts for a large portion
of this vegetation, which provides temperature regulation by means
of a cooling effect for both the stream and the surrounding land area.
Finally, many portions of the overlay contain bike trails, providing
recreation opportunities for the community. Based on these findings,
the Creek Valley Overlay qualifies as green infrastructure as it meets
all three of the STAR guide criteria.
The Creek Valley Overlay could become a much more
valuable green infrastructure feature for the Town of Blacksburg, but
its condition has declined over the past two centuries or so since the
founding of Blacksburg. In particular, the Tom’s Creek and
Stroubles Creek tributaries have suffered. They have been listed as
impaired waterways, as defined by the Clean Water Act, as recently
as 2012 (2012 Impaired Waters).
The degradation of the Creek Valley Overlay is due to centuries of agricultural practices,
development, and pollution. With agriculture being such an important aspect of Virginia Tech, it is
inevitable that this would impact the surrounding area. The creeks took the bulk of this impact in the form
of agricultural and livestock runoff. That, on top of development and urbanization, has caused a massive
influx of nutrients and sediments into the area, which led to the eventual impairment of the waterway.
There have been several restoration attempts in the years following Stroubles Creek’s designation
as an impaired waterway. A study was conducted on the stream by the Virginia Tech Biological Systems
Engineering department, which used its findings create a TMDL implementation plan for the watershed
in 2006 (Upper Stroubles Creek Watershed TMDL Implementation Plan). However, in order to
maximize Stroubles Creek’s usefulness as green infrastructure, and in turn improve the utility of
the Creek Valley Overlay as a whole, this work must continue to progress.
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Map 1.2: Identified Green Infrastructure in Blacksburg
Through our observations and
analysis from fieldwork, our group
was able to come up with an
inventory for the GI projects within
the TOB. Using the ArcMap tool
Merge, we created a new layer,
titled Identified Green
Infrastructure, which combines all
layers which meet our criteria and
qualify as GI in the TOB. This new
Identified Green Infrastructure
layer includes the Parks layer with
our qualified parks, the Creek
Valley Overlay layer, the Ecological Corridors layer, the Green Infrastructure layer, and the
Conservation Easements layer. The black dots on the map represent the resident addresses in the
TOB, important for evaluating Outcome 1 for the STAR Technical guide

20. 19
Outcome 1
Map 1.3: Residents Within Distance of Identified Green Infrastructure
As part of the STAR Technical
Guide’s Outcome 1, the next step
in our evaluation of GI in
Blacksburg was to figure out
approximately how many
residents were within a half-mile
radius of these identified GI
projects. This evaluation of
resident addresses and their
proximity to GI projects was
possible through a Search by
Location function in the ArcMap
program. Using this function, we
calculated how many of the
residents, identified in the
Addresses layer, were within a
half-mile distance of the
Identified Green Infrastructure
layer. Through running this
function, ArcMap calculated that
approximately 96% of the
resident addresses live within a
half-mile of GI in Blacksburg.
This percentage of the population
exceeds the 85% requirement of
the STAR Technical Guide,
resulting in Blacksburg meeting
the criteria for Outcome 1.

21. 20
Outcome 2
The next step in our evaluation of Blacksburg’s ability to meet Outcome 2 was possible
through further use of ArcMap. We used a tool in ArcMap called Erase to erase the Virginia
Tech area out of the Blacksburg boundary. Using this layer that represented the entire
Blacksburg area, we calculated the total acreage of this area through the use of the Statistics tool,
which came out to a total of 10.476.44 acres (Map 1.4). Next, we used our Identified Green
Infrastructure layer and the Erase tool to again cut the identified GI projects in town out of the
total acreage. We used the Statistics tool again to recalculate the acreage without the GI projects,
which came out to a total of 8,887.69 acres (Map 1.5). The initial acreage minus the new acreage
represents that 1,588.75 acres of the TOB are designated as GI, or 15%.
This percentage does not meet the requirements for Outcome 2 of the STAR program, but
is a representation of Blacksburg GI without the inclusion of a tree canopy analysis. Through the
Virginia Department of Forestry, we were able to use data from an urban tree canopy analysis
done in 2008, which represents that approximately 3,809 acres of Blacksburg have urban tree
canopy (Appendix D: Urban Tree Canopy Analysis - Blacksburg, VA). This acreage represents
approximately 36% of Blacksburg obtaining an urban tree canopy coverage, canopy that
provides natural cooling benefits for the town and water quality improvements through filtration
and stabilization of land for decrease erosion potential. This percentage exceeds the 35%
requirement for Outcome 2 in the STAR program.

22. 21
Section 6: Case Study Analysis of Equivalent STAR Certified Communities
Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton, MA attained the first 5-STAR community ranking on May 2, 2014
(“Northampton”). Northampton began as a Pilot Community within the STAR network in
November of 2012. With 18.9 points out of 20 in the NS-1 category, Northampton is among the
highest ranked cities in GI. The primary success of Northampton’s STAR rating and more
specifically the GI, was the integration of GI initiatives into the city’s Comprehensive Plan. In
2011, Northampton created the Open Space, Recreation and Multi-Use Trail Plan, a seven year
plan with the goal of “continue to work towards maintaining vibrant urban centers and obtaining
the benefits of sustainable development, without compromising the City’s valued environmental
resources (1)”. As a component of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the plan highlights steps that
can be adopted in the sector of GI to increase upon its STAR rating.
Northampton made it essential to involve the community in the Open Space, Recreation
and Multi-Use Trail Plan to improve public knowledge about what exists in the community and
how it can be used. The community goals in the plan spell out the need for more public
awareness regarding open spaces and how these spaces address concerns of the community. In
an evaluation of the community, the analysis determined the open space and recreation needs
were not met (142). Therefore, Northampton made plans to create more passive recreation, to
protect wetlands and endangered habitats, to encourage development sensitive to the
environment, to protect future and current parklands, to develop more trails and to focus on a
maintenance plan for the GI. Northampton focused on creating a broader concern for the GI that
already existed in the community opposed to putting more GI into the city. This provision caters
to the “local action” sector section of the STAR points system by developing off of what is
already in the community. In this regard, Northampton received full credit for 8 out of 9 local
actions.
In addition to local actions, the STAR system awards communities with points attained
through outcomes. According to the star guide a city needs to demonstrate that “85% of the
population lives within a half-mile walk distance from green infrastructure” to receive full- credit
for the Green Infrastructure Distribution category. In the case of Northampton, the Open Space,
Recreation and Multi-Use Trail Plan surpasses this statistic by inquiring that “urban and village
centers and their dense walkable neighborhoods should be located within 4/10th
of a mile of
conservation of park land” (156).
Lastly, Northampton includes a management plan for parks and recreation in the Open
Space, Recreation and Multi-Use Trail Plan, which will sustain GI and prevent its degradation
over time. This management plan includes “mowing grass, trash removal and monitoring
agreements (173).” . By creating a management program, Northampton asserts the existing GI in
the city will not be lost over time and will provide long-term benefit to the community.
Albany, New York
Albany, New York also entered the STAR program as a Pilot Community in November
of 2012. Albany received a 3-STAR certification in June of 2014 with 14.9 out of 20 points in
the interest of GI (“Albany”). As a 3-STAR community Albany is “recognized for sustainability
leadership” (“Albany”) Although Albany does not rank as highly as Northampton, MA, Albany

23. 22
is still just 1 of only 6 communities who to received credit for both actions and outcomes of NS-1:
Green Infrastructure.
Due to the amount of rainfall, much of the Green Infrastructure in Albany is focused
towards stormwater management and is included in the Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP)
for the city. In the SWMP, it suggested GI clinics would be helpful to the community. This
includes constructing rain gardens around the city as an education tool for the community to
learn more about stormwater management and green infrastructure as a whole. The Elm Avenue
Park Rain Garden is an example of this GI. The Rain Garden in Elm Avenue Park is open to the
public, to observe a rain garden first-hand. Allowing the public to become aware of their
surroundings was essential towards Albany’s success in the STAR program. The three local
actions (1, 3 and 4) that Albany received full credit for look to partner with the community
making local involvement essential to their success.
Permeable and porous paving is also a prevalent example of GI found around Albany. A
specific example of this is the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, which uses Flexi-Pave “a
porous pavement material made from recycled tires, as a trail surface along the Metamorphosis
Maze exhibit and the Native Plant Walkway” (n.p., Venuti). This trail allows for a permeable
walkway, which contributes to storm water management. The city also installed Infiltration
Basins, such as the Latham Business Park Infiltration Basin, which are used as a storm water
management effort.
Overall, Albany plays towards their needs of storm water management. The focus of the
city does not span a vast covering of GI. However, the focus on storm water management allows
for the Albany community’s success and to attain a high STAR rating.
Section 8: Recommendations
While Blacksburg contains an impressive inventory of GI, there are still sites that do not
qualify. However, through recommended actions these sites could be improved to meet the
criteria for GI and increase the GI inventory of Blacksburg. An example of this is the Blacksburg
Municipal Golf Course. Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course is a substantial section of green
space serving as a recreational location first, while providing a wildlife habitat, a source of water
filtration, and a cooling tree canopy from the existing tree coverage. However, the land
management practices of the course, such as pesticide use and construction disqualify the area
from being considered GI (Snow). However, if the golf course was to use best management
practices to reduce the environmental harm of the site the Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course
could become a GI site in the future. It would be recommended that the Blacksburg Municipal
Golf Course and other similar sites that have potential to be defined as GI make the necessary
improvements to increase the GI in Blacksburg and allow the town to achieve the highest STAR
rating
More importantly Blacksburg needs to focus on policy improvements to achieve STAR
rating. While the town meets the standards of Outcome 1 and Outcome 2, points can still be
obtained from Local Actions, which is where Blacksburg is lacking. First, including specific
details about GI in the town’s Comprehensive Plan would establish GI to be viewed as a priority.
Local Action 1 states that you can achieve points by “creating a community-wide green
infrastructure plan that is integrated with other local plans.” Taking a note from the successes of
Northampton, Massachusetts, it is evident inclusion of GI in town plans leads to GI
improvements. While the Blacksburg Comprehensive Plan written in 2012 mentions various

24. 23
components of GI such as open space, recreational areas, detention ponds, storm water
management and greenways, there is no specific mention of GI itself. Devoting a section of the
Comprehensive Plan specifically to GI could help push for improvements in this specific area
and meet the criteria for local action 1. In addition, the town’s current open space plan comes
from the Open Space Planning, an Initiative for Our Future, a document that dates back to 1994.
Open space and recreation is an important and prominent component of the GI inventory of
Blacksburg. Creating a new open space planning guide such as the Open Space, Recreation and
Multi-Use Trail Plan of Northampton could allow for implementing more current approaches in
the area of open space.
Local Actions 2, 6 and 9 encourage the establishment of programs to ensure long term
benefits from the GI that is already developed. These local actions could be fulfilled through
management and monitoring programs. The current Comprehensive Plan includes The
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which is “a comprehensive initiative implemented to
promote sustainability and environmental awareness, educate employees and residents, and move
the community toward actions that will create a more sustainable region” (“Blacksburg
Comprehensive Plan”). However, the EMP spans a wide array of environmental and
sustainability goals. The areas of focus for the EMP include “Energy Management, Urban
Forestry, Transportation, Watershed Integrity, Climate Protection, Waste Reduction and
Recycling and Sustainable Buildings” (“Environmental”). By creating a management plan
specifically geared towards the existing GI it can be ensured 85% of the population who lives in
½ mile of GI and 35% of protected GI land area remains intact and increases as Blacksburg
expands. While Blacksburg has an acceptable amount of GI at the present time, if the GI is not
maintained it could degrade and lose any benefit it offers to the Blacksburg community.
In addition, to maintenance, a monitoring program also provides value to the GI in
Blacksburg. For instance, periodically updating Geospatial Information System (GIS) inventory
of the GI provides the means to track a community’s GI progress. Advancing in the STAR
system is dependent upon tracking progress towards the goal of a STAR rating. By updating
mapping more often, Blacksburg can see where it is lacking or succeeding, which will target the
areas the town needs to focus resources and energies. Upkeep of the GIS inventory could be an
opportunity for the town to make use of the student resources around them. Partnering with GIS
classes offered at Virginia Tech could offer a constant source to keep up with the changing GI
conditions in Blacksburg, while also providing an educational opportunity to student.
Increasing funding for GI projects is also a recommended measure. Local Action 7 can be
fulfilled by “an increase in the percentage of funding invested in green infrastructure.” Pursuing
funding opportunities, such as grants and partnerships, would allow Blacksburg to benefit from
GI projects without taking budget cuts from other projects around town. The EPA and various
other organizations offer an abundance of funding opportunities that support GI initiatives. By
applying for more funding opportunities more GI projects could be implemented around
Blacksburg and would better the city’s current GI statistics. In addition, there are various areas
around Blacksburg with the potential to develop into sources of GI. With funding in place, the
town could pursue many of these sites for development. By increasing funding, the town could
develop also other GI that is not currently found in Blacksburg, such as green roofs, green walls
or permeable sidewalks. Various recommended funding opportunities are listed in Table 1.1
below in addition to others that can be found on the EPA website (“Funding Opportunities”).

25. 24
Table 1.1 Recommended Funding Opportunities
Opportunity:
Contact:
Website:
DOI Rivers, Trails, and Conservation
Assistance Program
(202) 354-6900
nps_rtca@nps.gov
http://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/ap
ply.htm
Appalachian Regional Commission
Denise Ambrose
804.371.7029
Denise.Ambrose@d
hcd.virginia.gov
http://www.arc.gov/funding/AR
CGrantsandContracts.asp
EPA Clean Water State Revolving
Fund (CWSRF)
N/A
http://water.epa.gov/grants_fundi
ng/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfm
HUD Sustainable Communities
Regional Planning Grants
(202) 708-1112
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/H
UD?src=/program_offices/econo
mic_resilience/sustainable_com
munities_regional_planning_gra
nts
Section 9: Conclusion
The initial goal of our research was to assess and take an inventory of green infrastructure
within the TOB to determine whether or not the town would meet the criteria for achieving a
STAR rating. Based on our findings and assessments of green infrastructure sites throughout
Blacksburg, we are confident we have demonstrated that Blacksburg has achieved this goal.
However, if given the opportunity to explore this problem again, an expansion of the targeted lands
would expand our research and enhance the quality of the assessment. In addition to the assessment of
publicly owned, lands expanding the research area to include government-owned lands, which
are not in the public domain, provides a viable method to increase the inventory of GI. This
would also provide the opportunity to make additional recommendations for the future based on
our findings in these areas.
In summation, our findings demonstrate the TOB is successfully fulfilling the STAR
guide criteria for green infrastructure. Specifically, 35% of the total land area performs the
functions required of green infrastructure and 85% of the population is within a ½ mile walking
distance of areas deemed as green infrastructure features. The achievement of these criteria
should give Blacksburg all of the points needed in the green infrastructure category of the STAR
guide, which is an important component in the overall process of obtaining STAR certification in
the TOB.

26. 25
Outcomes
Objective
Result
Evidence
STAR
Points
Achieved
Outcome 1
Representthat85%of
TOBresidentslivewith
½mileof GI
96%
Mapping
with ArcMap
8.4
Outcome 2
Representthat35%of
TOBlandareaisGI
15%
(without
tree
canopy
analysis)
36%
(with tree
canopy
analysis)
Mapping
with
ArcMap, VA
Forest
Service
N/A
LocalActions(LA)
LA 1
Createacommunity-wide
greeninfrastructureplan
andintegratedwith
relevantlocalplans
Recommended Action
No Mention of
GI in
Blacksburg
Comprehensive
Plan
Not
assessed
LA 2
Adopt local design criteria
andassociatedcodesthat
requireproactivegreen
infrastructurepracticesfor
new
developments
Recommended Action
GI not included
in Blacksburg
Environmental
Management
Plan
Not
assessed
LA 3
Adopt a policy requiring
relevantdepartmentsbe
engagedduringearly
reviewsof proposed
developmentsto
ensurethatprojectsites
areevaluatedforgreen
infrastructurepotential
andenvironmental
protectionsareputin
placepriortoconstruction
Recommended Action
Information not
available
Not
assessed
LA 4
Partner with key
communitygroupsand
otherstakeholdersto
ensurethatgreen
infrastructurepracticesare
used
Recommended Action
Information not
available
Not
assessed

27. 26
inappropriatesettings
LA 5
Createincentive
programstoencourage
landownerstoadopt
greeninfrastructure
practicesthatlinkto
broader
greeninfrastructure
systems
Recommended Action
Information not
available
Not
assessed
LA6
Establishagreen
infrastructuremonitoring
programandregularly
reportonstatusof desired
outcomes
Recommended Action
GI not included
in Blacksburg
Environmental
Management
Plan
Not
assessed
LA 7
Increasethepercentageof
fundinginvestedingreen
infrastructure
Recommended Action
See Funding
Opportunities
Table
Not
assessed
LA 8
Upgrade public spaces
andpublicbuildings
baseduponlocally
adoptedorrecognized
bestpracticesingreen
infrastructure.Where
possible,create
demonstrationprojectsto
enhancepublicsupport
Recommended Action
Information not
available
Not
assessed
LA 9
Provide for ongoing
maintenanceof green
infrastructureatlevels
requiredtomaintain
evapotranspiring
functions
Recommended Action
GI not included
in Blacksburg
Environmental
Management
Plan
Not
assessed

28. 27
Appendix A – Maps
Map 1.1: Parks within the TOB

29. 28
Map 1.2: Identified Green Infrastructure in Blacksburg

30. 29
Map 1.3

31. 30
Map 1.4

32. 31
Map 1.5:

33. 32
Urban Tree Canopy Analysis - Blacksburg, VA
Source: “A Report on the Town of Blacksburg’s Existing and Potential Urban Tree Canop

34. 33
Appendix B - Parks Identified as Green Infrastructure
The following is list of the parks that have met our criteria for GI and have been included
in Map 1.3: Identified Green Infrastructure in the TOB. All other parks in the TOB that were not
included did not meet our criteria for defining GI. Other areas that were evaluated and did not
meet our criteria include the Blacksburg Cemetery (Appendix B).
Appendix C - Blacksburg Cemetery
According to Julie Rugg, a member of the Cemetery Research Group at the University of
York, cemeteries are demarcated sites of burial with an explicit interior blueprint advantageous
to perform what the local community has deemed as an appropriate funeral ritual. Cemeteries are
socially important structures for countless societies offering the possibility of, and a context for,
memorializing a loved one at a final resting place. Many cultures picture burial grounds as sacred
spaces and take steps to protect the sacredness of the grounds from disturbances and
disrespectful activities. During the initial field assessment, the team concluded cemeteries failed
to qualify as Green Infrastructure based on meeting only one requirement, which is water
filtration. Additionally, current burial practices, chemical embalming and burying caskets harm
the environment and pose health risks consequences (Harker). Given the impact of both, many in
the industry advocate ecologically sound practices classified as conservation burials, which are
less energy intensive and more environmentally sound as well as conserving land, creating open
space and restoring natural habitats (Harker). Harker maintains conservation burial potential
includes reducing burial’s impact on the environment and reconnecting people with nature.
During the assessment, concerns arose regarding what qualifies as recreation. While
visiting a cemetery is not a traditional form of recreation, many cultures considered a visit as a
leisure or recreational activity. Cemeteries differ widely in the kinds of activities they allow.
Arlington National Cemetery permits only walking and bus tours of its famous graves while the
Congressional Cemetery in DC permits a wide variety of activities from picnics to sledding
(Harnik and Meroll). Ultimately, after further research, The Blacksburg Cemetery design, like
many municipal cemeteries, does not function as a recreational area according to our criteria, and
has been identified as a non-Green Infrastructure project. Although the graveyards are
uncluttered spaces with a profound affinity for water filtration, they lack the characteristics to
achieve one of the remaining requirements. The sacredness of the land and expectation to

35. 34
demonstrate reverence when inside the boundaries of cemeteries does not create an area fit for
human recreation or at least not the conventional forms of recreation. Trees and animals,
especially subterranean species like moles, are aggressively discouraged by the majority of
cemeteries management practices to include measures to cut down trees to avoid root
interferences and eliminate pests to inhibit their movements from disturbing those laid to rest six
feet beneath the ground. Cemeteries are not designed as Green Infrastructure and will not be as
long as communities continue to place more importance on providing a tranquil, undisturbed
finally resting place for loved ones.

36. 35
Section 10: References
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37. 36
Harnik, Peter and Merolli, Eric. “Cemeteries Alive: Graveyards are Resurging as Green Spaces
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Venuti, Michael. "Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center Porous Pavement." New York State
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