New Water Edge along Maurice River

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, has seen a dramatic reduction in farmland—only half remains compared to the 1950s. While efforts to protect these agricultural lands have been significant, the benefits of preservation often lack a clear, integrated focus.
In my design, I emphasize enhancing farmland’s stormwater management and tourism potential. My selected site along the Maurice River, where farmland is concentrated upstream, faces recurrent flooding and erosion challenges during hurricanes. When upstream lands release excess water, downstream communities suffer greater flooding and infrastructure damage. This presents a unique opportunity for upstream farmlands to act as natural "sponges," mitigating storm impacts.
In the rural areas, I propose a network of ponds and ditches to capture and hold stormwater. Closer to urban areas, a new water edge with a gradient of ecosystems—from wetlands and food forests to crops, pasture, and food hubs—creates an engaging, layered landscape. Visitors can learn about the agricultural cycle and value while enjoying a functional floodplain that absorbs and filters stormwater. These strategies form a scalable model that integrates ecological, educational, and resilience benefits across regional landscapes.