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Nature Red in Tooth and Claw

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Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk with freshly-captured squirrel 

While working on the nature trails on Tuesday, November 17th, a hawk flew right toward us, struggling to keep hold of a squirrel in its talons. It graciously posed for some photos, and then flew to a limb tangle where it was better able to pin the squirrel down for a feast. It must have been very hungry because it even stripped the fur off the squirrel’s tail, presumably to access the tidbits there.

An hour later, a large raccoon was spotted sleeping 35 feet up on a black oak bough, not far from the hawk’s feeding perch.

Then an immature bald eagle soared by over South Cove.

Finally, the same hawk was seen close up, feeding on another bird, but unfortunately the camera battery had died.

Salter Grove—who needs a documentary when you can see it live? 

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself

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FoSG blog post (5-1-20)(1

Trail distance marker, hanging plant tag, and tree stake (left to right).

We have installed all of the permanent distance markers, and have started on the first batch of permanent plant labels along the trails in Salter Grove.

The distance markers are spaced 100 feet apart and serve to locate plants and animal sightings, past, present, and future.

Hanging plant tags identify shrubs and vines while 3″ x 5″ signs identify tree species. Not shown in the photo above are 2″ x 4″ labels for smaller herbaceous plants.

This is the second step of a multi-phase process to develop a smartphone-accessible website for visitors to access ecological, geological, and cultural information while they are at the park. This project has the support and approval of Warwick’s Parks and Recreation Department and RIDEM.

Obviously these permanent tags look much nicer than the white plastic tags and stakes which were placeholders during the identification process. Please respect this effort to provide a multi-generational educational experience by looking, but not touching (dogs too!).

Salter Grove Inspires

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Erin Spencer1Local artist Erin Spencer found inspiration for her oil paintings at Salter Grove while enjoying walks with her children.

Above is titled “Through the Trees”; below “Secret Trail.” Can you find these views?

Erin Spencer2

Playground RFP Published

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The City of Warwick has published its request for proposals for playground renovations at Salter Grove. Click here to view the RFP.

Installation of equipment should be completed by mid-year.

New Playground Design Gels

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The proposed new playground will encourage active play in an attractive gathering space. View is facing south.

On December 5th, Mayor Joseph J. Solomon announced that bids will be solicited this winter in preparation for extensive upgrades to the forty-year-old playground at Salter Grove. Work is slated to begin in April next year.

The project will be partially funded through a $100,000 RIDEM Recreation grant. City workers will provide the required grant match with in-kind labor, to include all site clearing, grading, and finish site work.

“The improvements at Salter Grove will ensure that our children have a safe, fun place to play,” Solomon said. “A community is only as strong as its neighborhoods, and a modern, attractive new playground will be a terrific enhancement in that area.”

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