LOW IMPACT DESIGN (LID)
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
When Mane Cultivation began studying the watershed that our property lies within, we quickly realized why the area is called the Big Sandy. This region is an extensional basin, shaped by large washes and carrying significant sand deposits. Our property covers 50 acres (outlined as two red squares), and we are beginning development on the smaller 10-acre parcel first.
From this vantage point, the topography is clear: the site is deeply shaped by large waterway channels. These landforms present both opportunities and constraints for development.
Because water can move rapidly through the site while sand absorbs much of it, we will apply Low Impact Design (LID) strategies to manage stormwater. Our goal is to let most water flow naturally across the land, while capturing and infiltrating enough to replenish groundwater reserves.
WHAT IS LOW IMPACT DESIGN (LID)?
Low Impact Design (LID) is an ecological, sustainable approach to site planning, stormwater management, and landscape development. It aims to:
Mimic natural hydrological processes
Minimize environmental disturbance
Create resilient, multifunctional spaces that integrate the built and natural environments
By following these principles, we can improve ecological health, design cost-effective systems, and make the most of our site’s natural conditions.
KEY LID PRINCIPLES
Minimize Land Disturbance
Protect natural topography, vegetation, and waterways.
Water-Sensitive Design
Capture, infiltrate, and reuse stormwater at its source.
Use permeable paving, bioswales, and basins to reduce runoff.
Integration with Natural Systems
Increase biodiversity by incorporating native plants.
Soil and Vegetation Management
Improve soil quality for infiltration and plant growth.
Use vegetation to stabilize sandy soils and retain water.
Multifunctional Landscapes
Design landscapes that are ecological, recreational, and culturally meaningful.
SITE DESIGN
SITE-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
When evaluating our site, we needed to account for:
County easements – limiting where development can occur
Topography – the land slopes steeply from west to east
Soil type – sandy soils require amendment to support planting
These conditions encourage us to focus on smaller, interconnected microclimates that form part of a larger system. This strategy keeps costs lower while ensuring the land is used effectively.
These following are the most common Low Impact Designs used. We will go through each in more detail in the next few weeks.
10 Acre | Overlay
COMMON LID STRATEGIES
We will explore the following strategies in more detail over the coming weeks:
Green Roofs – absorb rainfall, reduce heat, provide habitat
Permeable Pavements – allow water infiltration
Rain Gardens & Bioretention Cells – filter and slow runoff
Bioswales – vegetated channels for stormwater conveyance
Constructed Wetlands – treat water and provide habitat
Tree Canopy – provide shade, cooling, and water interception
Detention & Retention Basins – store water temporarily or permanently with ecological benefits
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What are the benefits of Low Impact Design (LID)?
Reduces flooding and erosion
Improves water quality through natural filtration
Supports biodiversity and ecosystem health
Enhances human well-being through integration of green space
Can anyone use LID?
Yes. Every site is different, and not all strategies will apply everywhere. Each design is tailored to the land’s unique conditions.
Are these the only water management strategies available?
No. LID provides a strong foundation, but it can be integrated with other methods depending on site-specific needs.
10 Acres | Land : Water
10 Acres | Land : Water + Topography Change