THE HIGHLANDS LANDSCAPE - FROM WORKING FARM TO VITAL COMMUNITY

Not so long ago the land that is now The Highlands neighborhood was a small farm that raised Highland cattle. Much of the surrounding area is still farmland. Keeping the rural character of this upland region of Langley intact requires some careful planning and plenty of foresight.

Langley was the first Washington city to officially adopt Low Impact Development as part of the process and to use the Low Impact Development Manual published by the Puget Sound Partnership, an organization of state agencies and tribal and local governments. The Highlands is proud to be the first development to be built under these guidelines which were created as a method to help safeguard the health of Puget Sound.

• The Highlands neighborhood will contribute no storm water to city storm drains, all water will be managed on site. Key methods of storm water management are native vegetation, pervious pathways and rain gardens.
• A significant percentage of original vegetation is being left on the site and will form the basis of the community landscaping.
• Landscaping will use primarily native plants.
• A raingarden to manage roof run off will be required for each home.
• The use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers will be prohibited. Likewise that of toxic cleaning products for exterior maintenance.

Streets will be pedestrian oriented and houses will have large useable porches. Garages are accessed from alleys. There are no driveway curb cuts off the street.

The existing forest edge along rural Al Anderson Ave. is preserved as a buffer to the neighborhood and as a space for meandering paths. The intent is to create a modest sense of scale and preserve the rural character. At the Northeast corner of the property will be an open space park of large trees and meadow. From here trails will connect downhill toward the center of Langley.