Olmsted Parks - Restore. Enhance. Preserve.

 

October 2008

Progress in Glen Lily

Before GLA

Glen Lily is a 17-acre area in Cherokee Park oriented in a north/south direction adjacent to Beargrass Creek. The area, from Sackett-Speed bridge to the magnificent Belknap bridge, is characterized by steep, rocky limestone slopes leading down to Beargrass Creek. This topography prevented development and therefore harbors some of the best remnant native plant communities. Unfortunately, invasive plants are pervasive in this area as a result of tree canopy loss from natural disturbances and a large proportion of edge habitat.

Over the last several months, the staff of Olmsted Parks Conservancy and volunteers has been eradicating bush honeysuckle and many other invasive plants as part of the Woodlands Restoration Project. This multi-year project is giving Cherokee and Seneca Parks new life. With the onslaught of invasive plants, the native trees, shrubs and wildflowers have had a difficult time growing. After expending 500 labor hours on invasive plant removal, we are approximately 50% complete but much work is still ahead.

After GLA

It is our hope, with the manual removal of the majority of the invasive plants and the early detection of further reestablishment (maintenance), the remnant native seed bank will be released and flourish. The removal of exotic invasive plants has also exposed beautiful limestone masonry that supports Park Boundary Road.

Some of the beautiful native species seen since removal started include Blue Ash, Common Hop-tree, Chinquapin Oak, Native Cane, Green Dragon, and American Hornbeam. If you are interested in helping, please call our office 456-8125.

A Greener Conservancy

Olmsted Parks Conservancy is going even greener. Our everyday operations function to restore, enhance, and preserve our beloved parks and parkways. Invasive species removal, native plantings, education and outreach, volunteer programs, fundraising, trail maintenance and construction-- there's so many environmentally beneficial tasks on multiple fronts. Still, there is always more that can be done.

After consulting with Maria Koetter of BGreen2, we discovered the Conservancy's office had carbon dioxide emissions amounting to 25.08 tons each year. Koetter has built a green action plan for the office and is helping us create a culture of environmental responsibility in all we do.

In 2006, the Conservancy's office building was restored giving us a great starting point with efficient windows, heating and cooling systems and appliances. But there are many areas we are changing and improving to help reduce our emissions:

  • changed to compact florescent bulbs
  • installed two rain barrels to help rainwater run off as well as have water for the landscape around the building
  • added additional recycling bins in each office
  • switched from paper towels to fabric towels in the restrooms
  • switching lights off when room are not in use or when sunlight is sufficient
  • powering down equipment including computers and thermostats each evening
  • ordering supplies made with recycled products, reusing scrap paper, and telecommuting when possible

Liz Mortenson volunteered to be the staff leader helping to direct the efforts in the office. Each week she checks our efforts and has already seen improvement. Part of Liz's responsibility will be to measure and report the progress. We will post our first report on the website, check back for results.

Another way our staff helps reduce emissions is commuting by bicycle. Compact florescent bulbs, low flow faucets, efficient windows and doors, of course these help, but what else can you do? Here are a few ideas:

  • Plant native trees and plants, or help an organization to do so. The Forest Services estimates over a 50-year life span, a single tree contributes:
    • $31,250 worth of oxygen
    • $62,900 worth of air pollution control
    • $37,500 worth of water
    • $31,250 worth of soil erosion control
  • Ride your bike to work or to the grocery when you need a gallon of milk. You'll feel better, look better, and know you are helping the environment.

Volunteer Groups Help Conservancy Efforts

For September we had an outstanding number of volunteer groups help in our Olmsted parks-- TEN! These groups ranged in size from 5 to 20 hard working individuals and their work included building trails, removing invasive plants, planting and mulching trees, cleaning up creeks and much more.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy relies heavily on the hard work of individuals to support the park needs. We strive to keep these parks looking their best for each person in this community. And we thank each and every person who gives their time to improve Louisville's greatest natural resource...the Olmsted parks.

Thank you to our September volunteer groups.

U of L Golden Key Society
Earth Scouts
Assumption High School
Meyzeek Beta Club
Summit Energy
E.ON
Coast Guard
St. Francis High School
Fairdale High School Environmental Club
J.G. Brown School