Enhance - Emphasize - Energize

This project addresses the toxic algal blooms that have flourished in Grand Lake St. Marys and how to creatively slow the progression of these blooms through landscape architecture.  Grand Lake St. Marys is a man made lake built for the Miami/Erie canal system in the early 1800's and has since transformed into a recreational destination.The primary causes of the toxic algae are due to the shallow depth of the lake, lack of movement in the water, and the large agricultural community increasing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous entering the lake through runoff.

My specific visionary plan focuses on emphasizing the culture of the surrounding area, dredging and enhancing infrastructures, as well as energy production through water flow.  Culture is emphasized through creating more trails and pathways connecting regional sites, as well as updating the lighthouses around the lake to provide for additional recreational activities.  Dredging will allow for the proper depth to support healthy ecosystems, decreasing the algal blooms as well as provide material for improving shoreline conditions.  Energy will be collected at the existing spillway by adding turbines and generators to provide lighting for the promenade.