Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

Equity Office announces the first commercial project in Marin County to be Certified Bay Friendly - Drakes Landing Office Park. This project was also awarded an - “Outstanding Achievement” CLCA 2009 Trophy Award.

The renovation team included design by Susie Dowd Markarian and installation by Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors.

Click image to see Bay Friendly results

The sustainable design creates environmental solutions by nurturing the soil, protecting water and air, preventing landfill waste, redeveloping natural habitat, and reducing energy use. These Bay Friendly strategies create landscapes that bring beauty to the community, healing to the planet, and value to the property.

Susie Dowd Markarian Design Elements:

The design incorporates a plant palette that blends naturally within the setting; one that flows and undulates with the elements. The native landscaping builds community through more inviting courtyard spaces, with the use of water-features, labyrinths, and places to gather.
Tenants and visitors are able to connect with the natural ecosystem through the innovative landscape that surrounds them.
The plant selection creates a visually calming landscape, enhanced by the winds from the Bay, while adding year round interest with seasonal change.
Sheet mulching and organic amendments develops the Soil Food Web which reduces water use and neutralizes toxins, while providing more nutrients and disease resistance for plants and trees.
Bay Friendly principles and techniques have been used throughout the design to create a sustainable landscape.

Bay Friendly Principles used in Design, Installation and Community Outreach

Nurture the Soil

Sheet mulching with organic amendments regenerates the soil without toxic chemicals
All of the planting areas amended with local organic compost and beneficial soil organisms that ensure the health of the new landscape ecosystem

Conserve Water

The irrigation design and technologies use water most efficiently for the variety of plantings and seasons
Replacing turf grass with native meadow plants greatly reduces water needs
Native plants, once established, need a fraction of the water of most non-natives

Landscape Locally

Using native plants reduces waste material from trimming and allows healthy growth in the local micro-climates
Purchasing materials locally, helps support the local economies
Extra materials from demolition donated to local organizations
Community outreach for education takes place before, during, and after installation to empower others to create sustainable solutions in their landscapes

Conserve Energy

The construction process includes carbon reduction strategies with the transportation of people and materials
Native plants can be left to grow to full height, thus reducing hedging and transport of waste materials
Using organic, local materials reduces energy consumption from production and shipping

Protect Water & Air Quality

Sustainable soil strategies allow water to infiltrate without running off into the Bay
Using organic products eliminates toxins from entering the Bay and groundwater
Reducing the amount of turf grass and using native plants reduces the air pollution from mowing and trimming with power equipment

Create Wildlife Habitat

Native plantings provide food and shelter for beneficial insects and birds that keep pests in balance
Water features provide water for pollinators and birds that keep the landscape healthy
Native plants and habitat in the landscape allows the site to integrate and grow with the surrounding ecosystem

Less to the Landfill

Prior landscape's plant material was chipped and used as mulch
Prior landscape's pavers were reused for pathways, repairs, and donations
Most waste materials from construction was be recycled
Prior landscape's planters were donated to a local community organization

Bay Friendly Landscaping Team:
Aaron Majors & Jacob Voit

June 18, 2009

Bay Friendly Landscaping Project - Drakes Landing Renovation