Summer Stewardship a Success

Bob and Kathleen hauling away Himalayan Blackberry
canes from Bob's Place (Restoration Site #2) 

Thanks to all who came to Garber Park Saturday for our Summer Stewardship.  The Blackberry Bashers continued their work at Bob's Place near Harwood Creek.  It was almost a year ago at Creek to Bay Day, when volunteers first dove into the thicket of blackberry and day lighted the creek.  Almost every workday (regular and impromptu) since that time has seen this dedicated group returning to the blackberry thicket  with the ultimate goal of eradicating all the blackberry from the area to allow the native understory of ferns, willows, snowberry, thimbleberry, and other plants to emerge and thrive.  Each time they see a new fern or bee plant pop up this group has been inspired to continue their efforts.  Bob's place is now Restoration Site 2 - and the site where we are now dispersing the seeds we collect.  


We are thrilled to be moving forward with this project - and equally excited that this hard working crew that actually ENJOYS  removing the "difficult to get"  invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry wish to continue their labor intensive activities in other areas in Garber.  We are now targeting invasive plant removal along Harwood Creek just across the bridge from Bob's Place, and will working our way towards Claremont Ave - one small patch at a time.


What's ahead for Restoration Site 2?  For those of us who prefer less labor intensive activities but wish to contribute to the restoration of Garber Park to its natural beauty this just might be the "spot" for you. On Saturday, August 20 Lech Naumovich will conduct Seed Collection Workshop #2 in Garber.   We also are conducting "light weeding" around the many natives that are popping up where Himalayan blackberries used to be, and always searching the area for those non-invasives that we wish to encourage to grow.  An important step in any restoration project is monitoring the site - taking pictures and noting what new growth is occurring.  And, of course, we always find time to talk about the future. 


Do come visit the park and send us an email garberparkstewards@gmail.com.  We depend on your feedback to guide us in future activities in the park.