Saturday, December 5, 2009
OMNI Center for Peace Justice and Ecology well represented by Steve Skattebo at workday on World Peace Wetland Prairie with UA biology students on December 5, 2009
Please click on image to go to Flick site and enlarge photo and navigate to see 15 more photos of volunteers working on the entry garden of World Peace Wetland Prairie on December 5, 2009. Check the several sets of photos represented by thumbnail photos at right side of Flickr page to see World Peace Wetland Prairie at various times of the year.
Red Oak Park's condition illustrates how not to plan subdivisions: Let it be a case study and protect what's good about it
Ward 4 meeting from Nov. 30 running again on City 16. Sounds like there may be a move to put the money in a new nearby park. If people would agree to leave the "critical recharge area" alone and enjoy the trees and wildlife, then they could go enjoy "park amenities" less than a mile to the east.
There was confusion in the minds of many when Sarah Lewis spoke about using raingardens in yards to keep the water from rushing into the park in such huge amounts. No one really has worked with owners of land upstream to convince them to make some of the inexpensive changes in the management of land on their property to catch some of the water.
To summarize: Nothing but catching the majority of water upstream will fully protect the park. No tree-removal or streambed work will stop the problems downstream. It makes more sense to keep the beautiful wildlife and wildflower area. It costs little to bring in more native plants to embellish the natural experience there. Kids need to experience a natural area as much as they need ball fields and playground gadgets.
The reason we have developers building such environmentally unsound subdivisions as the ones that created the problem of erosion in the Red Oak Park is that far too many people grow up without learning how water flows and plants and trees grow and how wildlife can coexist with human beings.
The city can't put the builders of such areas on trial, but it is possible to educate current and future builders to create only low-impact projects. And the park's situation is strong evidence to support developing stronger ordinances to REQUIRE adequate stormwater controls and eliminate curb and street gutters that route water rapidly downstream. The only reason retrofitting the neighborhoods to hold their own water is that red dirt was used to raise and fill so many of the lots. It would not be expensive to find out how much absorbent (pervious) soil remains in those areas.
Red Oak Park's situation is another study site on how NOT TO plan a subdivision.
There was confusion in the minds of many when Sarah Lewis spoke about using raingardens in yards to keep the water from rushing into the park in such huge amounts. No one really has worked with owners of land upstream to convince them to make some of the inexpensive changes in the management of land on their property to catch some of the water.
To summarize: Nothing but catching the majority of water upstream will fully protect the park. No tree-removal or streambed work will stop the problems downstream. It makes more sense to keep the beautiful wildlife and wildflower area. It costs little to bring in more native plants to embellish the natural experience there. Kids need to experience a natural area as much as they need ball fields and playground gadgets.
The reason we have developers building such environmentally unsound subdivisions as the ones that created the problem of erosion in the Red Oak Park is that far too many people grow up without learning how water flows and plants and trees grow and how wildlife can coexist with human beings.
The city can't put the builders of such areas on trial, but it is possible to educate current and future builders to create only low-impact projects. And the park's situation is strong evidence to support developing stronger ordinances to REQUIRE adequate stormwater controls and eliminate curb and street gutters that route water rapidly downstream. The only reason retrofitting the neighborhoods to hold their own water is that red dirt was used to raise and fill so many of the lots. It would not be expensive to find out how much absorbent (pervious) soil remains in those areas.
Red Oak Park's situation is another study site on how NOT TO plan a subdivision.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Fayetteville City Council member, Sarah Lewis, to DISCUSS proposed riparian buffer ordinance with public and Tree and Landscape Committee at 4 p.m. November 9
Sarah Lewis wrote:
"I'm going to be sharing the process we've been going through to get there and the variables that still have to be considered. There isn't specific ordinance language at this time. I'll share what Geosyntec recommended and what some of the research recommends. Please inform people that we are in the education and data-gathering stage right now.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION
Tree & Landscape Advisory Committee
Cynthia Cope, Forestry, Landscaping, or Horticulture (Chair)
Wade Colwell, Business
John Crone, University Representative
Chris Wilson, Environmental
J.P. Peters, Community/Citizen-at-Large
Gayle Howard, Service Organization
David Reynolds, Land Development
Vacant, Utility Representative
Vacant, Community/Citizen-at-Large
Greg Howe, Urban Forester
MEETING AGENDA – Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
4:00pm Room 326 City Administration Building (City Hall)
Call to Order
Accept or Revise the November 10th meeting minutes.
Motion to move to hear New Business first
Old Business
1) Comments on proposed changes to the Landscape Manual concerning new installed tree quality and assorted smaller updates
2) Discussion possible changes to the Landscape Manual concerning pruning.
3) Discussion possible changes to the Landscape Manual concerning Structural soil, silva cells and other underground support technologies.
New Business
1) Councilwoman Sarah Lewis addresses committee on behalf of the Environmental Action Committee to discuss the riparian buffer ordinance
2) Committee vacancies and TLAC members with terms expiring 12/30/09.
3) TLAC applications received by Nov. 30th deadline
4) Municipal Forestry Institute training opportunity available
5) Tree Escrow 2010 Location Plantings
6) Discuss 2010 meeting days and times
Open Forum
1) Member’s discussions on other areas of concern, ideas or suggestions outside of agenda.
2) Guests and visitors opportunity to address the committee on non-agenda items.
Announcement: Next meeting is January 13th
Meeting adjourns
"I'm going to be sharing the process we've been going through to get there and the variables that still have to be considered. There isn't specific ordinance language at this time. I'll share what Geosyntec recommended and what some of the research recommends. Please inform people that we are in the education and data-gathering stage right now.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION
Tree & Landscape Advisory Committee
Cynthia Cope, Forestry, Landscaping, or Horticulture (Chair)
Wade Colwell, Business
John Crone, University Representative
Chris Wilson, Environmental
J.P. Peters, Community/Citizen-at-Large
Gayle Howard, Service Organization
David Reynolds, Land Development
Vacant, Utility Representative
Vacant, Community/Citizen-at-Large
Greg Howe, Urban Forester
MEETING AGENDA – Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
4:00pm Room 326 City Administration Building (City Hall)
Call to Order
Accept or Revise the November 10th meeting minutes.
Motion to move to hear New Business first
Old Business
1) Comments on proposed changes to the Landscape Manual concerning new installed tree quality and assorted smaller updates
2) Discussion possible changes to the Landscape Manual concerning pruning.
3) Discussion possible changes to the Landscape Manual concerning Structural soil, silva cells and other underground support technologies.
New Business
1) Councilwoman Sarah Lewis addresses committee on behalf of the Environmental Action Committee to discuss the riparian buffer ordinance
3) TLAC applications received by Nov. 30th deadline
4) Municipal Forestry Institute training opportunity available
5) Tree Escrow 2010 Location Plantings
6) Discuss 2010 meeting days and times
Open Forum
1) Member’s discussions on other areas of concern, ideas or suggestions outside of agenda.
2) Guests and visitors opportunity to address the committee on non-agenda items.
Announcement: Next meeting is January 13th
Meeting adjourns
Alternative Gifts: Feeding Indonesian children and solar-powered computers for rural kids in Honduras
Alternative Gift Market
Type:
Causes - Fundraiser
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time:
8:00am - 2:00pm
Location:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Description
Shop the Alternative Gift Market. Find the perfect gift for family, friends, teachers, co-workers and the person “who has everything.”
At the market, purchase therapeutic feeding for Indonesian children or a solar-powered computer for a rural school in Honduras in honor of someone you love. Your loved one will receive an attractive gift card telling them about this unique present given in their honor.
Choose from more than 50 local and international charitable organizations. All humanitarian projects focused on saving lives and preserving our planet including but not limited to these international charities: The Heifer Project, Haiti Healthcare Partners, Beyond Borders, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI). Local charities: Community Clinic, Community Meals, Seven Hills Homeless Shelter, Humane Society of the Ozarks, Fayetteville Schools Homeless Program, Ozark Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity.
Type:
Causes - Fundraiser
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time:
8:00am - 2:00pm
Location:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Description
Shop the Alternative Gift Market. Find the perfect gift for family, friends, teachers, co-workers and the person “who has everything.”
At the market, purchase therapeutic feeding for Indonesian children or a solar-powered computer for a rural school in Honduras in honor of someone you love. Your loved one will receive an attractive gift card telling them about this unique present given in their honor.
Choose from more than 50 local and international charitable organizations. All humanitarian projects focused on saving lives and preserving our planet including but not limited to these international charities: The Heifer Project, Haiti Healthcare Partners, Beyond Borders, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI). Local charities: Community Clinic, Community Meals, Seven Hills Homeless Shelter, Humane Society of the Ozarks, Fayetteville Schools Homeless Program, Ozark Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity.
Verbesina virginica among several species that serve in winter as ice plants! Find it early mornings in a variety of places in addition to World Peace Wetland Prairie
Please click on images to ENLARGE photo. Ice-plant displays are like snowflakes. No two are alike. Drive along roads with ditches that have not been mowed back all the way and spot Verbesina virginica with ice around its base on cold, clear mornings. ANOTHER REASON NOT to mow roadsides and old prairie areas. Sometimes, if the mowers haven't cut close to the ground but have taken off the tops of the often 6-foot-tall plants, the ice formations may be spotted by carefully watching for short stem remains.
Northwest Arkansas Times reports food drive continues for homeless students in Fayetteville School District
Food Drive To Benefit Homeless Students, Families
By STAFF REPORT
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Print item
FAYETTEVILLE — Residents are asked to participate in a food drive to help fill holiday baskets and the food pantry for homeless children in the Fayetteville School District. The food drive, which began Tuesday, is sponsored by Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at Chick-fil-A locations in Fayetteville, at 4180 N. College Ave. or on Martin Luther King Boulevard. The drive ends Dec. 12.
By STAFF REPORT
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Print item
FAYETTEVILLE — Residents are asked to participate in a food drive to help fill holiday baskets and the food pantry for homeless children in the Fayetteville School District. The food drive, which began Tuesday, is sponsored by Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at Chick-fil-A locations in Fayetteville, at 4180 N. College Ave. or on Martin Luther King Boulevard. The drive ends Dec. 12.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
If you have been drinking, please get a sober driver to take you to Fayetteville HIgh School to donate: This is important. A new school building is not! Please show that you have your priorities straight!
Fayetteville High School Homeless Vigil
You may make a pledge to the Vigil by sending an email to Alan Wilbourn, Public Information Officer for Fayetteville Public Schools at alan.wilbourn@fayar.net .
Homeless Vigil begins at 5 p.m. today in front of Fayetteville High School: Stop and donate!
Fayetteville High School Homeless Vigil
You may make a pledge to the Vigil by sending an email to Alan Wilbourn, Public Information Officer for Fayetteville Public Schools at alan.wilbourn@fayar.net .
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