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!).

All Warwick Parks Closed, Including Salter Grove

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Public parks, beaches, and recreational facilities in Warwick—including Salter Grove—will be closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Barricades have been installed at the entrance to prevent vehicular entry. Mayor Solomon said Warwick police will continue to monitor parks and beaches for compliance.

“If people are blatantly ignoring the new rules – if they choose to congregate in groups at parks and beaches, or if they are not complying with physical distancing rules – they may be cited if actions and behavior are not corrected,” Mayor Solomon said.

Please see here for more details.

Playground Closed as Coronavirus Precaution

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FoSG blog post (3-25-20)

The playground has been closed until further notice.

Warwick’s Director of Parks & Recreation, James Scott, said that “We are trying to keep kids off of playgrounds as the virus can live on surfaces for prolonged periods of time.”

Thank you for your patience while we attempt to keep our neighbors safe and healthy during this challenging time.

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

Special Thanks For Weekly Cleanup

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FoSG blog post (2-13-20)Mary Newton (right) goes to Salter Grove at least once a week to rake and sweep butts from around the parking lot either with her granddaughter Ava or most recently with her sister Katy Eppley (with bag). A little boy caught them in the act and was moved to call out “Good job!” Indeed!

Litter such as styrofoam food and drink containers has gone down at Salter Grove probably because of the cold weather. On the other hand, smokers enjoying the park from within their cars continue to throw cigarette butts out the window. Not cool.

New Bird Species Recorded for the Park

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Photo courtesy of Kathy Schnabel

In January, two new bird species were observed at opposite ends of the park. An American Kestrel was first seen on Jan. 2, 2020 and then photographed the next day by Kathy Schnabel in the area of the parking lot.

Adopting a sit-and-wait approach, Art Jacques bird-watched from the bench on Audubon field on Jan. 23 and counted 15 species within 30 minutes and added the Field Sparrow to the list of birds observed at Salter Grove.

Salter Grove is a great place to sit and watch the wildlife!

In case you didn’t know, Salter Grove is considered a birding hotspot by eBird, a website where members submit their birdwatching results. Based on checklists on eBird since 2006 and field notes from other observers, the Salter Grove bird list now stands at 124 species—not too shabby for a 12-acre park!