St. Croix Falls Public Library

Summary: St. Croix Falls Library Landscape Hilscher Design and Ecology was excited to work on the landscape for St. Croix Falls Public Library, which allowed us to explore what we can create by combining two elementsa functional space with the surroundings of nature. St. Croix River Valley is a beautiful part of the world, and the landscape within the library property was intended to draw patrons out to enjoy their outdoor public library space. The design reflects a combination of native species and materials that can be reused or sustainably sourced from the area, such as stone pathways sourced from local quarries that lead patrons through an intentionally designed garden space. Drought-tolerant plant materials have been carefully chosen to support ecological stewardship while also ensuring lots of color throughout the seasons, while reducing the care and upkeep by library staff. Seating areas have been custom built of reclaimed wood for a more inviting library experiences to relax, read, and contemplate. Additionally, seating areas also provide opportunities for community engagement. One of the initial challenges with the library landscape was managing the slopes of the area. Our strategic design incorporated terracing to create accessible seats, paths, and flow from the front entry of the library to the landscape garden space. Terracing facilitated the natural slope of the landscape to ensure its formality and flow to the location. The final result enhances the library in order to have outdoor space for teaching and which recognizes the value and space for community gathering. The library now boasts a beautiful garden space where patrons can connect with the surroundings, while there is the added benefit of signage or educational information the local flora and fauna that visitors can enjoy as part of the learning process or resources in utilizing the grounds for sustainable learning. The landscape has improved both the aesthetics and functional opportunities for events and programming to build community. Our library landscape for St. Croix Falls Public Library demonstrates Hilscher Design and Ecology’s promise to quality construction and innovative design while creating a positive impression to library administrators and community members.