Month: September 2019

Smartphone-Enhanced Outdoor Classroom

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Multigenerational scout outing to identify plants and botanize on the causeway

Now that the new playground and causeway repair are nearly completed, FoSG will focus on conservation of Salter Grove by increasing its educational value.

After hundreds of hours of fieldwork and data analysis, we are well along with the identification of birds (116 species) and flowering plants (114 species), and know when and where they appear in the park. We have also mapped out several nature trails to showcase the variety of habitats at Salter Grove.

People who visit the park regularly are excited about the labeled plants resulting from the fieldwork and are amazed when shown how to use their smartphones on site to get images and songs of breeding birds. Continue reading →

Logjam Freed

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FoSG blog post (9-5-19)Thanks to Councilman Rick Corley’s intercession, work on the new playground has restarted in earnest. DPW Director Mathew Solitro has indicated to the Councilman that the playground will be completed by the end of the month.

Early September 5th, City Planner Luke Murray (above background, left) and DPW foreman Rick discussed next steps while the ADA path edge was loamed to blend with the existing grade.

Repaired Causeway Provides Easier and Safer Access to Breakwater

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IMG_4550A newly-resurfaced, rock lined gravel path now provides secure and even footing from the mainland to the breakwater.

Two large culverts have replaced the damaged and displaced footbridge near the breakwater.

During very hight tides, as occurred in late morning on September 2nd, most of
the causeway is inundated with 12 or more inches of water covering the low-lying area over the culvert nearest the mainland.

FoSG blog post (9-2-19) 4Therefore, caution must still be exercised, especially when crossing with small
children. Check the tide chart and plan accordingly.