Concerning all proposals: These are great! I'm delighted to see that all incorporate an easing from the more cultivated/structured environment to the more natural. This is exactly the way to bring people out into nature who might otherwise feel uncomfortable. Please keep in mind our riparian birds' needs for a variety of layers in their vegetation--from shrubs to mid-canopy to upper-canopy. With that, also be sure to utilize plants native to the Jordan R. corridor as these will result in healthier wildlife and better water quality. These will also be the plants that will succeed with the least amount of necessary care. They may even be considered for the more cultivated areas represented in the plan. Let's get people excited about and comfortable with native plants! On the flipside, plans should allow time for noxious weed removal before planting begins. A thorough removal process will reduce headaches later. Finally, I did not read about any plans for continued maintenance of the various portions of the site. Forgive me if this is simply not being addressed yet. Bravo for fabulous ideas that will benefit all our living communities!
Two more thoughts: 1. A plan that results in increased positive use of the space will result in less vandalism and other undesirable uses. Vigilance on the part of whomever will be responsible for the site--calling in graffiti, picking up trash, and greeting passers-through and users will result in a positive change. It does take a little time, but it works! 2. Budget-wise I wonder if all plans shoot too low. Initial weed control can be cheap if the weeds can be mechanically removed by volunteers, but many noxious weeds have root systems such that chemical applications become necessary (unfortunately) and this gets costly when choosing the most responsible chemical to use. If seeding plants, perhaps in a field, the cost will stay relatively low; however, planting decent-sized plants can become quite costly depending on the size and the plant. Thus, planting costs may not be just $1 per sq. ft., but something more on the order of $5 to $25 or even more.
2 comments:
Concerning all proposals:
These are great! I'm delighted to see that all incorporate an easing from the more cultivated/structured environment to the more natural. This is exactly the way to bring people out into nature who might otherwise feel uncomfortable. Please keep in mind our riparian birds' needs for a variety of layers in their vegetation--from shrubs to mid-canopy to upper-canopy.
With that, also be sure to utilize plants native to the Jordan R. corridor as these will result in healthier wildlife and better water quality. These will also be the plants that will succeed with the least amount of necessary care. They may even be considered for the more cultivated areas represented in the plan. Let's get people excited about and comfortable with native plants!
On the flipside, plans should allow time for noxious weed removal before planting begins. A thorough removal process will reduce headaches later. Finally, I did not read about any plans for continued maintenance of the various portions of the site. Forgive me if this is simply not being addressed yet.
Bravo for fabulous ideas that will benefit all our living communities!
Two more thoughts:
1. A plan that results in increased positive use of the space will result in less vandalism and other undesirable uses. Vigilance on the part of whomever will be responsible for the site--calling in graffiti, picking up trash, and greeting passers-through and users will result in a positive change. It does take a little time, but it works!
2. Budget-wise I wonder if all plans shoot too low. Initial weed control can be cheap if the weeds can be mechanically removed by volunteers, but many noxious weeds have root systems such that chemical applications become necessary (unfortunately) and this gets costly when choosing the most responsible chemical to use. If seeding plants, perhaps in a field, the cost will stay relatively low; however, planting decent-sized plants can become quite costly depending on the size and the plant. Thus, planting costs may not be just $1 per sq. ft., but something more on the order of $5 to $25 or even more.
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