Although Tuesday morning was clear and cool, we warmed up quickly by raking 20+ years of Eucalyptus duff out of Fireplace Plaza. We thought our main task was simply to clean up after the eucs, but we quickly discovered a puzzle. First, we uncovered a cement faced stone bench clearly meant for seating by the fireplace. Then we noticed a tipped-over stone and cement drinking fountain and a cistern with a Doric pediment at one end. Then we noticed that the plaza itself was ringed by a stone wall, and finally we figured out that the entire hillside where the fireplace stands is crosscut by terraced rock walls. At this point it appears that the rock walls have to do with an old trail that ascends from Claremont Ave. up to a junction with the Lower Loop Trail near the Plaza. If that proves to be the case, we could consider improving the old trail and covering up the deer trails that meander too close to the adjacent houses on Evergreen Lane.
Meanwhile, Bob continued his assault on the Himalayan Blackberry thickets near the Lower Loop Bridge. A project first begun on Creek to Bay Day, Bob has continued clearing uphill and daylighting the creek. As we watched the creek meandering and bubbling down the hillside we became aware of several birds taking a drink from the creek, and flying in and out of the newly freed willows and trees. Following up the creek towards the Upper Loop Trail it appears that two springs are the source of Harwood Creek, which is beginning to emerge as the centerpiece of a significant wetland. For the time being, we are calling this whole area “The Springs”.
We walked back along the Lower Loop trail satisfied with another good day in Garber Park, and excited about continuing these projects at our
Next Stewardship Day: Saturday, January 15, from 10AM-Noon. We will meet, as usual, at the Evergreen Ln. entrance.
Directions: From Alvarado Rd, take Slater Lane, then turn right on Evergreen Ln. The entrance is at the end of the street. This is in easy walking distance from Alvarado Road. Directions to Garber Park can also be found at http://tinyurl.com/GarberPark.
Wear shoes with good traction and dress in layers for all weather.
Questions: Email: GarberParkStewards@gmail.com
We hope you can join us on January 15.
