New Search
2 <br /> We also propose that a five- to ten - foot -wide "Good Neighbor Strip" be mowed (by the City) around <br /> these zones' edges to make it clear that the areas are purposely being left unmowed, and also to help <br /> reduce the possibility of a wild fire spreading onto neighboring properties. <br /> Our group watered new trees at the park weekly the first summer, and every other week last summer, <br /> using hoses, bucket brigades, and water supplied by nearby homeowners. We propose that the young <br /> trees continue to be watered monthly in the summer of 2000, and that new shrubs be watered <br /> weekly. Our volunteers are happy to continue doing this watering, though we are interested to know <br /> if City watering trucks and personnel might be able to access parts of the site (e.g., those nearest the <br /> bike path) to assist with this watering. We are also interested in knowing whether the City might <br /> consider installing a water line and faucet in the park. Having a public and always accessible water <br /> supply on the site could greatly simplify our watering job, and reduce the need to rely on the good <br /> will of neighbors to provide water and access to their spigots. The water lines and faucet could be <br /> removed when no longer needed. <br /> Interpretive Signs <br /> We propose to work with the City to design and help find funding, as necessary, for the following <br /> interpretive signs to be placed in the park: <br /> 1. signs along the bike path and River Road identifying the site as Rasor Park <br /> 2. small native plant identification signs <br /> 3. larger interpretive signs [topics might include, for example, the Willamette Greenway and <br /> local native animals and plants (including endangered species) and their habitat require- <br /> ments; and the water quality /water conservation/pollution prevention value of natural <br /> landscaping techniques.] <br /> Timeline for Plantings, Maintenance, and Signs <br /> Most of the herbaceous perennials are best planted as divisions during the winter; shrubs are best <br /> planted in late winter; milkweed is best sown in late spring. Our proposed timeline and tentative list <br /> of seasonal tasks follows, for the year 2000: <br /> Winter: Work with City to refine next steps in site restoration, and order plants as needed <br /> Plant and mark new herbaceous plants and shrubs <br /> Begin to design park name signs, plant identification signs, and larger interpretive <br /> signs <br /> Spring: Delineate Meadow Zones (where grass will not be mowed until fall) <br /> Mow rest of site and "Good Neighbor Strips" around perimeter of Meadow Zones <br /> Seed milkweed <br /> Install park name signs and small plant identification signs <br /> Continue to work on development of larger interpretive signs <br /> Summer: Continue to mow most of site, except Meadow Zones <br /> With weed - whacker, keep grasses cut in 3 foot radius around all new trees /shrubs <br /> Water new shrubs weekly (herbaceous plants should need no supplemental water) <br /> Water young trees monthly <br /> Monitor all new plants, both herbs and shrubs, on a monthly basis to verify successful <br /> establishment <br /> Fall: Mow Meadow Zones in early October <br /> Finalize and place interpretive panels <br /> 12/99 <br />