Throughout the city of Portland, ME, the esplanade, or median, the space between the street and the sidewalk, is often an overlooked, and underutilized side-effect of public/private right-of ways that populate most street typologies. Their care and maintenance depend on the adjacent owner’s purview, but access is open to city intervention and regulation. Also known as the hellstrip, varying in size from 12” to as large as 3’ – these unforgiving spaces collect garbage bags, dog poop, cigarette butts, political signs, and needles, but also flowers, edibles, pollinators, and rain gardens. Currently there are no formal guidelines, but the City is in the process of developing formal recommendations for esplanade plantings along city streets. This is an opportune time to observe and document these rogue miniature ecosystems.

LOCATION: Meet at Speedwell projects, 630 Forest Ave, Portland

REGISTRATION: Not required for this walk.

For over 15 years, Addy Smith-Reiman has successfully engaged people with projects that celebrate local identity, shared histories and future use. She integrates research, design, civic engagement and long-term stewardship planning for successful projects that activate PLACE. She holds Master’s Degrees in Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. She is a certified planner, accredited organic land care professional, and Master Gardener, and is currently the Executive Director of the Portland Society for Architecture.