A BIRDER’S PARADISE
This time last year, Stable View had one resident Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Today, we have ten (six adults and four juveniles)! Additionally, by increasing our number of nest boxes we have helped many of our feathered friends thrive: this year, we have fledged 200+ Eastern Bluebirds (an increase of 50% compared to last year); a pair of Eastern Screech Owls fledged two young; and the American Kestrels fledged all five nestlings from the same nest box as in previous years.
According to our expert, Mark Pavlosky of MPJ Wildlife, we expect to observe many migrant species working their way South early this fall.
We look forward to hosting bird watchers who wish to view native, rare, or endangered species on their lists!
FREE TO BEE
Having started in early spring with five nucleus colonies (also known as “nucs”) from a local bee supplier, Stable View’s bees have grown to eleven, almost twelve, hives with healthy queens. Over the summer, we have supported the bees’ efforts to build up and prepare for winter. Our goal is to contribute to healthy pollinators in our area, and share the sweet fruits of their labor!
HISTORICALLY, “A GATHERING PLACE”
Set out afoot–or ahoof–on our 15 miles of marked trails, each named in honor of local Native American tribes, where you may see evidence of our prescribed fires, which increase plant diversity, perpetuate endangered species, allow wildlife easier access to food sources, restore nutrients back into the soil, and reduce the risk of wildfires.
LAND STEWARDSHIP AWARD
These projects and others have earned Stable View the inaugural Land Stewardship Award from the Southeast Regional Land Conservancy for caring landowners who go above and beyond to protect their land. Stable View is currently conducting a variety of plant and wildlife surveys to identify and quantify as many species as possible, and have identified over 350 plants (including several rare and endangered plants) and 75 bird species.
THE PAVILION AT STABLE VIEW
Stable View is the first equestrian facility to have a Pavilion with LEED (Gold) certification. The 8,775 square foot observation pavilion was designed with one goal in mind; give every visitor the best possible view of the equestrian arena and cross-country course. This one goal has created an abundance of natural light into all the interior spaces of the building and provided exceptional views of the property.
To achieve LEED (Gold) certification Stable View had to achieve some very high standards. These included protection and restoration of the project site. In order to reduce pollution from construction activities, the team developed and implemented an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan to minimize or eliminate soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust generation. Given that the site was previously undeveloped every effort was made to limit site disturbance in order to conserve the existing natural areas, to provide habitat and promote biodiversity. The team also chose to limit paving of the parking area, thereby increasing the vegetated open space, reducing the heat island effect, and eliminating pollution from storm water runoff.
In order to limit disruption of natural hydrology, increase on-site filtration, and eliminate storm water runoff, the project required the expansion of an existing retention pond capable of storing the runoff volume of a 25-year storm event. The implemented Storm water Management Plan ensures that the post-development runoff rate and quantity does not exceed the predevelopment site runoff rate while treating runoff by removing 100% of the average annual post-development total suspended solids (TSS). This plan effectively limits disruption and pollution of natural water flows.
Several strategies have been utilized in order to reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. Stable View provides secure bicycle racks and a shower/changing room for occupants who choose to ride their bikes to the facility. They have also limited the number of parking spaces to meet but not exceed local zoning requirements and have incorporated preferred parking closest to the building for low-emitting vehicles and car/vanpools. Reducing private automobile use saves energy and avoids associated environmental problems, such as vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. There are two electric charging stations close to the building.
By selecting low-flow plumbing fixtures, Stable View is able to reduce water consumption by nearly 41% compared to a baseline. The project is also designed to not use any potable water for landscaping by selecting native and adaptive plants on the site. These strategies reduce the burden on the water supply and wastewater system.
Buildings consume approximately 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Stable View has reduced the energy consumption of the Pavilion by 23% through the selection of energy efficient HVAC and lighting systems. To verify that the project’s energy-related systems were installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents, the Owner elected to engage Merrick & Company to perform Enhanced Commissioning activities. The benefits of commissioning include reduced energy use, lower operating costs, reduced contractor callbacks, better building documentation, improved occupant productivity and verification that the systems perform in accordance with the owner’s project requirements.
Building operations generate a large amount of waste on a daily basis. By achieving several of the Materials and Resources credits, Stable View has reduced the quantity of waste while improving the building environment through responsible waste management and materials selection. During construction the project was able to divert over 98% of their waste from the landfill. There are also recycling areas located throughout the building. Materials with recycled content have been utilized as well as materials that have been sourced from within 500 miles of the project site. The project was also able to achieve an alternative compliance path for Certified Wood by selecting wood products that were legally logged. Legal Wood can be obtained from companies who practice “due care” to reduce the risk that they’re buying wood from the black market.
Finally, Stable View has proven their commitment to the health and wellness of their occupants by addressing several indoor environmental quality issues. The mechanical ventilation system has been designed to enhance indoor air quality, thus contributing to the comfort and well-being of the occupants. There is no smoking allowed inside the building or anywhere on the property. During construction an Indoor Air Quality management plan was implemented to protect absorptive materials from moisture damage and to protect the HVAC system from contamination from dust and odors. Prior to occupancy an air quality test was performed to ensure contaminant maximum concentrations were not exceeded. To reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to occupants all adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring systems and composite wood products comply with LEED’s volatile organic compound (VOC) limits. Occupant comfort has been increased by providing a high level of thermal comfort system control, lighting system control, and designing the HVAC system and the building envelope to meet ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy.
LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. Through Stable View’s achievement of LEED Gold certification, they have demonstrated their commitment to their occupants and the environment.
- Cork floors in Viewing Area
- Wood and felt ceiling in Viewing Area
- Sliding windows in Viewing Area
- TREX floors on balcony and deck areas
- Seating for 200 in Viewing Area, 200 on Balcony and 200 on Deck areas
- Integrated, lighting, video, sound and TV systems.
- Full Conference facilities
