Ijams Hiker's Retreat
Professor Jennifer Akerman | Fall 2016
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Ijams nature preserve is home to many different species of wildlife. Many are obvious and are seen daily while some literally lurk just below the surface. The Berry Cave system extends below Ijams and several entrances to the cave can be seen on the site. One such entrance can be seen in Ross Marble Quarry, directly across from the keyhole which punctures the remaining rock bridge. This cave system has been mostly gated off from the public due to the fact that this is one of only five remaining cave systems suitable for the endangered Berry cave salamander.
The aquatic Berry cave salamander survives primarily in caves which contain an inflow of water and detritus, but not necessarily an outflow. They breed as juveniles, in their larval stage and later mature further into adulthood. They feed primarily on small isopods and other invertebrates in the water. They are currently very near extinction due to destruction of their habitats, primarily by people. Not much else is known about them yet as the research on them is still being conducted.
The concept of this project is to create a space where salamanders and humans can cohabitate without creating human interference in the cave salamander’s habitat. The idea is to create a cave-like experience for curious people to explore and enjoy within the quarry. This project should relate well to the quarry and also assist in the discovery of the excavation techniques used long ago within the quarry. The idea is to teach and satisfy curiosity.
The structure will also serve as a home away from home for a small team of researchers which may visit for periods of up to a year to study the cave salamander. There will be mingling of public and private spaces for visitors and researchers as well as for researchers and salamanders. The structure will serve as an extension of the cave system and a source of water and detritus to support the health and reproduction of the Berry Cave Salamander. Heat elements in the floor will produce mild warmth which will be shared between the salamanders and the people. The structure overall will allow humans and salamanders to live side by side with satisfaction on both sides.
