ABSTRACT
Biodiversity is not a word that comes to mind when describing a desert. But in fact, some desert regions, even with their harsh environmental conditions, are amazingly diverse in flora and animal species. These species are endemic and uniquely adapted to the sun's harsh heat and low rainfall conditions found in deserts. Water Ranch Preserve located in Gilbert, a suburb of Phoenix, AZ is a little-known project that showcases a landscape design that follows precepts that follow in the nature-based design lineage of Olmsted and McHarg. The design is beautiful but more importantly addresses long-considered environmental issues such as current concerns regarding loss of biodiversity, water conservation, and the need for resilient, sustainable built environments. The project incorporates designed features that employ best practice design strategies and are readily accessible to all. And finally provides healthy and rewarding outdoor experiences for the visiting public and demonstrates an approach that respects regional context. The University of Texas-El Paso is the second project located in North America's Chihuahua desert, one of the most biodiverse deserts in the world. Christy Ten Eyck has had time to immerse herself in the landscape of her formative years and has come to appreciate its beauty and diversity. She has designed award-winning landscapes where low rainfall and dry, three-digit air temperatures are the norm, interspersed with sometimes raging and damaging Monsoon rains. Her plant selection focuses on native plants for design in the extreme climate and soil conditions of the desert. The central quad of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a recent expression of her design prowess for landscape architecture in desert regions.
