Matthews | DCCM joined PQH Group to provide services for the federally funded project for landside and waterside infrastructure improvements to the St. Johns River Ferry. Our team provided comprehensive landscape architectural services, including the design of landscape, irrigation, and tree mitigation plans to meet both JTA requirements and the City of Jacksonville (COJ) code. Throughout the design process, we adapted plans to accommodate necessary changes to roads, walkways, and ponds while ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.

Given the proximity to the ocean, a coastal landscape palette was essential. Native Sabal Palms, Live Oaks, Pink Muhly grass, and Dwarf Yaupon holly were strategically incorporated into the design to provide shade, traffic calming, an inviting entry effect, foundation plantings, and screening. These Florida-sourced plants were chosen for their adaptability to the coastal environment, which will reduce long-term maintenance and watering requirements once established.

Irrigation design featured a low-volume drip irrigation system to optimize water efficiency and minimize waste. Additionally, tree mitigation efforts ensured compliance with local requirements by replacing removed Live Oaks and Sabal Palms with an equal number of new trees of the same species, further enhancing the sustainable and native landscape.