News

Gotong Royong Gets It Done

/ Jason Major / 2 Comments

Gotong royong is an Indonesian phrase that invokes the spirit of volunteerism, and refers to working together for the benefit of the community. That’s what happened during the past week as FoSG members and other civic-minded volunteers who can’t stand keeping still spread 35 yards of hardwood chips over the plantings around the playground.

Some of those plantings had to be replaced, following this summer’s drought. The thick mulch should help to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed emergence.

A light barrier reminds guardians to encourage their children to stay clear of the plantings, which are vulnerable to damage while their roots establish. With some help, they’ll look great in three years! 

FoSG members and other volunteers spread mulch on the playground plantings.

First Formal Cleanup in 2020

/ Jason Major / Leave a comment

Community volunteers organized by Save The Bay and informal volunteers committed to keeping Salter Grove clean joined forces on September 1st.

Two more cleanups are scheduled for 2020: Saturday, October 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Please sign up here and come enjoy the wonderful views while helping! No walk-ins please—due to Covid regulations, only signed up volunteers will be accepted.

Continue reading →

More Trees Added to the Roster

/ Jason Major / 1 Comment

FOSG blog Post (6-3-20)pages

American elm showing Y branching pattern and other diagnostic features.

Paul Dolan, forester and Area Director of Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, visited Salter Grove to verify tree identifications on Monday, June 1st.

Paul last visited in late December 2019 and confirmed the identification of most tree species in the park based on bark and winter bud characteristics. His recent visit verified the occurrence of additional species that came to light with their leaf emergence. Continue reading →

A Chip Off the Old Block

/ Jason Major / Leave a comment

FoSG blog post (5-28-20)T. F. Morra Tree Care was in the neighborhood recently to remove a residential pine tree, and kindly delivered a load of wood chips. These will suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture to get the shrubs behind the playground swing sets off to a good start.

FoSG blog post (5-28-20) 2

Special Thanks to Trail Volunteers

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Nancy and Carolyn

Nancy Sumrall (left) prepares the trail to Audubon Hill while Carolyn Hardie
records plants for the next batch of identification labels.

What better way to stave off cabin fever than some outdoor exercise? We are grateful to those who have pitched in to help develop the nature trails, which will allow children and their guardians to learn about the natural world of Salter Grove’s diverse habitats.

And the Breeding Season Begins!

/ Jason Major / Leave a comment

FoSG blog post (5-8-20) 2

First spotted as a nesting pair, these Canada Geese added four fledglings to the wildlife at Salter Grove in early May. Two fledgelings are well camouflaged in the vegetation.

Save the Bay’s efforts to improve water quality have really paid off!

FoSG blog post (5-8-20) 1