Friends of County Grounds Park October 2023 Updates |
|
|
Eagle Project Buckthorn Removal and Tree Planting |
|
|
Endangered Species Protection and Buckthorn Removal Eagle Project Saturday October 14 at 9am Help the Scouts and Hoppe Tree Service protect endangered owl nests within County Grounds Park and strengthen the old growth forest by killing buckthorn. With lots of tasks to do, any level of skill or experience can help. Assist Professional Arborists from Hoppe Tree Service as they slice buckthorn, pull buckthorn sprouts, drag branches to be chipped, help block false trails, or chop buckthorn. This is a fantastic way to give to your community, strengthens the forest, and protect its inhabitants. Equipment, training, and supervision will be provided. Only with YOU can we continue to fight the buckthorn and prevent future growth. This Project is led and organized by Life Scout Alex Broeckert from Troop 21 in Wauwatosa. He goes to Wauwatosa East High School and is on the Soccer and Tennis Team. Here is the registration link for Saturday October 14th at 9am You could also/alternately register for our last buckthorn removal on Saturday October 28th at 9am Registration is always appreciated for coordination purposes. |
|
|
Habitat Restoration - Fall 2023 Tree Planting Saturday November 4th at 9am Join other volunteers for planting 60 trees at the southern edge of Sanctuary Woods. This project is a carry-over from the 2022 project - which was co-funded by the Watertown Apartments, the Ronald McDonald House, the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, and individual donors. In 2022 we were unable to secure the full diversity of trees, and are using some carryover funds, along with additional individual contributions for this the 2023 tree planting. There are tasks for any skill level, no experience needed, equipment, training and supervision will be provided. Appropriate for all ages. Gloves and safety glasses will be provided - bring your own if you have favorites. Consider bringing your own water container, we will have additional water onsite. Last year this was our most popular event - with 80 volunteers! Registration requested for coordination purposes. |
|
|
Habitat Restoration - Buckthorn Slaying We've already had 6 buckthorn removal events in 2023. During each one we've been tackling an area where mature buckthorn was removed in 2019. Despite the removal, there were years of buckthorn seeds in the ground, ready to sprout. As shown above, our dedicated teams have been removing the "2nd growth" buckthorn from that same area, and making AMAZING progress. There is almost always the need for a second removal, but we are optimistic that we are systematically arresting the buckthorn growth in this area, and restoring the native forest so it can continue to thrive. Already we are seeing many maples, and even some oak seedling re-asserting themselves JUST THIS YEAR as the buckthorn has been incrementally removed. Thanks to all our dedicated volunteers, including our Youth Friends of County Grounds Park! Thanks also to our licensed herbicide applicator, Caitlin Reinartz! Below is another image from a buckthorn removal this fall, courtesy of Sara Stanislawski |
|
|
2023 Tosa Green Summit Friends of County Grounds Park appreciated being able to participate in the Tosa Green Summit in early September - and meet so many like-minded neighbors. Nancy Welch (pictured) and Jonathan Piel staffed our table and enjoyed engaging the 200 attendees, building awareness about County Grounds Park. We were proud to share how we live out our mission: To protect and improve the natural areas and wildlife habitat of the County Grounds and to continue the tradition of using this land to promote community health and wellness. |
|
|
Friends of County Grounds Park (FOCGP) Monthly Meetings We meet monthly Topics include park improvement, communications, wildlife, outdoor classroom, youth friends, health/wellness, park signage, and tree planting For more information on times/locations to join the monthly meeting, email friendsofcountygroundspark@gmail.com
|
|
|
Reporting Suspicious Activity - The Milwaukee County Grounds is patrolled and enforced by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department
- Please be part of the solution and directly report any suspicious activity:
- Sheriff: 414-278-4788
- Fire or medical emergency: 911
- Thanks for helping take clear ownership for our shared space
|
|
|
Sincere appreciation for a community that has been such good stewards for this precious space. We have a lot to be proud of, the ability to make a difference, and hope for the future. Thank you!! |
|
|
|
|
