Researchers' attempts to provide an objective, analytical basis for understanding observers perceptual preferences for landscapes is the basis of the field of landscape perception research. Within this field a series of paradigms have evolved around which the majority of research has been centered. One of these, the experiential paradigm focuses on the multi-sensory nature of mars relationship with the landscape. This study seeks to define a scope of dynamic variables effecting landscape perception and their impact on landscape preference.A study site in rural Indiana was selected and a loop trail was laid out to provide access to the site. Sixteen sites along the trail were defined as experiential test sites and were field marked and photographed. A test group was guided through the study area and was asked to give a preference rating for each site on a five point scale as well as in an open ended verbal response. Two weeks following the on site testing the same group was asked to provide preference ratings in the laboratory for slides of the same 16 sites experienced in the field.The resulting data was analyzed to determine to what extent dynamic variables were impacting preference for landscape experiences. Multisensory elements of the environment were found to have a direct impact on preference. This was reflected in both verbal and scaled preference data. In addition to this, experiential preference wwas also determined to be associated with the sequence in which experiences occurred. The linkage provided by transitional landscapes encountered as respondents progressed between test sites proved to be an important element of experiential preference. This 'clustering' effect was evident in the laboratory as well as in the field.T he results of this, research illustrate the importance of dynamic variables as essential components of landscape preference. This study further supports the use of verbal response formats as a method for determining the true scope of perceptual variables attributing to preference. In conjunction with this, the importance of transition landscapes and experiential sequencing identified in this research merits additional study in order to more precisely define the structure of the human / landscape interaction. / Department of Landscape Architecture

There is an increasing awareness among landscape architects and other designers that although it is axiomatic that environmental concerns play a major role in design, it is also necessary to identify and address the issues of place that form a vital part of the well-being of the whole person. One major issue is that of genius loci. the spirit of place. The object of this project is to describe some of the elements that go to make up the spirit of place that is unique to Indiana. "The stage we're at in Indiana, I don't think we have a real 'Indiana' landscape that has sifted out, I think we're still stretching our wings and discovering what we have here." (Eric Ernstberger, Indiana Landscape Architect.)The project consists of four sections:1. Investigation into the history of and writings on contextualism and regionalism both in general and in relation to the Midwest of the USA in particular.2. A. Preference survey of Indiana residents taken from an opportunity sample of 180 residents in three areas of the State, administered by interview. B.Interviews with two practising Indiana Landscape Architects, expressing their thoughts on designing for Indiana.3. Visual catalog of artworks, photographs and excerpts from the writings of Christian Norburg-Schulz on Genius Loci and Rachel Peden on Indiana.4. Color slide presentation to class of students on the above. / Department of Landscape Architecture

Forest fragmentation poses a serious danger to population diversity in plants and animals by increasing species isolation, thus reducing the population size and genetic diversity. However, little information is available concerning how fragmentation impacts plant diversity. AFLP fingerprinting was used to assess genetic diversity within and between populations of Asarum canadense L. (Canadian Wild Ginger) across 11 different populations in East-Central Indiana. AFLP fingerprints using two primer pairs generated 51 distinct bands with an average of 25.5 bands per primer. Forty-eight low molecular weight distinct polymorphic bands were observed (50-200 bp range). The percentage of polymorphism was low (0-25%) indicating low levels of genetic diversity within each population studied. NTSYSpc Numerical Taxonomy Analysis Software generated aphenogram that revealed high levels of homologies within populations (75-100%), with individuals from the same population typically clustered. The genetic diversity between populations ranged from 10-50%. The populations from Jay, Randolph and Henry Counties clustered together exhibiting -54% homology, while populations from Mien, Madison, and Huntington counties shared approximately 64% homology. The populations from Adams, Blackford, Delaware, and Grant counties shared approximately 66% homology. However, within this last group Blackford and Delaware counties shared 90% homology. There were no apparent effects of the size of the forest fragments on the observed diversity measures. A possible relationship between genetic diversity and spatial distance was observed between populations moving from east to west. Possible reasons for this observation may be due to forest types, age of forests, climatic factors, soil types, and/or anthropogenic activities. Overall, the low level of average diversity within the populations strongly suggests that the individuals inhabiting isolated forests primarily propagate by asexual means.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306 / Department of Biology

This final creative project involved preparation of a cultural landscape report for the properties that were previously known as The Lightcroft Estate. This study has determined the historical significance of The Lightcroft Estate as a designed historic landscape and presents preservation guidelines for future improvement at the site. Historical evidence indicates that the Lightcroft Estate was developed over a period of forty-three years under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Teetor with the services of an architect Charles E. Werking and the possible collaboration of an engineer, John W. Mueller. Existing features in the landscape surrounding the home suggest an extensive landscape that included a Japanese Garden, two fishing lakes, a formal garden with tea house, pergola, fountains and basins, a power house/roller wheel with adjacent water works and water features throughout the landscape. The home and the grounds are found to be significant for its association with the Country Place Era in landscape architecture and the role the Teetor family served in bringing prosperity to their family and community during the industrial revolution and early automotive industry. A cultural landscape report is presented which follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Treatment recommendations are presented which focus on the preservation of existing features, reconstruction of the formal garden. / Department of Landscape Architecture