One Year Later...(Happy Birthday Remember)

It has been exactly one year since I posted my first "park log". At the time, I had no intention whatsoever about writing a blog about city parks. I knew little of ecology. I was a completely different person.

What a difference a year has made.

I'm going to keep this one short today folks. I thought about this post for a long time, trying to decide what to say, what story to tell. What I have decided on is you.

Thank you for taking this journey with me and it is a journey that is very far from being over.

Funny thing is, I am more excited about Remember's birthday, than my own. Ha.

Thank you for reading.

Another year ahead: Let's go exploring

The Epic Pledge: Bucky Boyle Park

You'll have to watch the whole video to hear the pledge!

What's up with the Riparian Buffer at The Parkway?

Today, I am going to talk about something I stumbled upon over the weekend at The Lehigh Parkway, that is appalling.  Last week, I wrote about the spring situation on the other side of the pedestrian bridge and the need for proper vegetation to take hold and for mowing to cease, etc…

The problem I want to discuss today involves the “grow zone” and riparian buffer area near the Robin Hood bridge.  Let me begin by showing you a picture that I have featured before on here, but in seemingly altered circumstances.

Behind, and all around this sign in full bloom is an invasive species called Garlic Mustard.  Like all invasives, it is a fast colonizer that destroys native vegetation and by doing so weakens stream banks and eliminates the food needed by native animals to survive.

The people represented on that sign as the caretakers and developers of that area need to get on these issues as soon as possible. 

(Realize that the reality of this situation is the complete contrast of what is written on that sign. Click on it for a close up.)

This entire area is at risk of being overrun, not only by Garlic Mustard but by invasive honeysuckle, invasive ground ivy, and invasive multiflora rose. 

Walking through the vegetated area, the difference (even from just last year) is appalling.  Invasives are running rampant, creek banks are still eroded, and if you take a look in the Little Lehigh itself, you will see little save a few sucker fish, algae growth and sediment.



It is time to put the wheels in motion to see these issues resolved.  Again, having covered two sites now, I have just touched the tip of this ecological iceberg.  Still, despite these problems, nature persists.

I am sure the oriole was pissed.  We messed his home up.  How would you feel if someone came into your house, removed all the furniture, and emptied your pantry? 

Original Commenta:

Anonymous said...

This is not just a city issue, but a regional issue. The townships and their failing septic systems put sewage into the streams and rivers when it rains. Rampant over development of the region's farmland into suburban housing has degraded our rivers and our drinking water.

Anonymous said...

The City should address these serious issues before it begins any new programs like the trails plan. No blacktop should be placed in any of the parks. The asphalt at Cedar Creek has changed the nature and scale of that park, and the Rose Garden, from its original intent. The health of the creeks themselves must come first. This is not happening now.

Anonymous said...

Last week someone asked if there are any natural trout left in the Lehigh Valley. We asked a long-time woodsman the same question. His answer, sadly, "no". He mentioned one very large Pennsylvania tributary where fresh trout grow no more than two to three inches because of pollution. That's why the fish hatchery above the Parkway is thriving. It iterally "stocks" the Little Lehigh prior to popular fishing contests.

Responses to Recent Comments

Anon Said:
“What the heck are those tire tracks doing there? Did someone actually drive through that wet ground? Other questions, can you plant a rain garden at that spot without mechanical loosing of that pounded down soil? How will volunteers remove invasives without access to powerful, appropriate herbicides or specialized equipment? Stream side removal of invasives is not a job for amateurs. It is specialized, difficult work. With 17 jobs lost how will the union feel about using volunteers on such a scale? Buying plants or seed for an area that large will require money, where will that come from? You are doing all this work, where the heck is Friends of the Parks, on spring break?”

First, I cannot speak for Friends of the Allentown Parks but at the moment I know they are working hard to facilitate volunteer/educational programs in the parks and without their work I would not be able to run my litter pickups etc..   I know a lot of my readers would like to see Friends become a powerhouse of advocacy and become more of a Watchdog of the Allentown Parks, perhaps they will.  I don’t know.  I am glad they are able to coordinate and facilitate volunteer programs considering how hard it has been to do volunteer programs the last few years.

As for my planting; first, the area I will be planting will be done so with donated plants.  I am currently working with Edge of the Woods Nursery and other local native plant dealers to secure needed plants.  I will be announcing all the details next week. Stay tuned.  Regarding the soil compaction: I will find out when I attempt the planting.  Of the plants we put in last October, without significant soil aeration, most have survived.  It is my hope to install plants with the sort of root system that helps fight such compaction.  I have been working with botanists, soil scientists, and other people who are highly qualified for such a project to create an informed plant list.

As for the “grow zone” I suggested;  yes, invasive species removal is a very difficult and specialized task.  That said, I know for a fact, there are qualified individuals who would volunteer to do such a thing as well as teach others (Including the short staffed parks employees) how to do what needs to be done.  After the proper education has been given, and a summer (as in this summer) of tours and demonstrations given, I believe that such a task would not be so impossible.  Thing is, what is the alternative?  Attempt a “grow zone” with volunteer instruction and maintenance or continue to keep things as they are?  Of course, I would like to see the Parks Department on a whole reprioritize and make such an issue priority but for as many people out there who feel like me, I am sure even more don’t want to see anything but mowed lawns in parks.  This is a very difficult environment in which ecological restoration that needs to take place is oftentimes ridiculed and considered a waste of time and a violation of park aesthetics.   

Bottom Line:  Begin the work.  Spread information. 

Anon Said:
Why isn't your EAC working on these issues? I don't get it

I cannot, and will not comment on EAC matters here on Remember. 

Cedar Beach Suggestion/Rain Garden Update

In the past year, as we all know very well, there have been countless ideas and projections regarding future development at Cedar Beach Parkway.  Today, I offer one more.

This idea is different considering the project at the park is nearly completed now.  The future of Muhlenberg Lake has begun to loom on the horizon and the paths are all paved. 

So, What’s next?

First, a Rain Garden update.  By the time you have read this I will have met a botanist at Cedar Beach to review a plant list I have complied based on stormwater management recommendations by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  Below are pictures of the site following heavy rain, but not a flood of Cedar Creek.  In all  likelihood, this water will be standing here for days, maybe a week or two.  Our Rain Garden will change this situation.

Now, for those unfamiliar with Rain Gardens, the picture below is an example:

Now, for my Cedar Beach suggestion.

The area of mowed grass behind the mirror ponds between the edge of the paved walkway and the silt fence needs addressing.  Take a look at this pictures that I took yesterday afternoon in the rain.

It is quite apparent that this area of grass is flat out begging to be the wetland it is meant to be.  I hear often of this area being a floodplain, and it undoubtedly is; however, this floodplain suggests that given the opportunity of growth, a wetland will develop.

Let’s give it that opportunity.  It would serve to enhance the visual contrast so often spoken highly of around here regarding the aesthetics of our parks.  It would not limit the open expanses of grass so highly valued in our parks.  This area cannot be used frequently for grassy recreation because of how frequently it is either underwater or is a great mass of mud. 

Let’s see it grow.  Let’s see what plants develop and next year, let’s have a team of volunteers ready to remove invasives and keep up maintenance on this area.  This is an awesome place to start a program of environmental education, community involvement and most importantly, a place to facilitate compromise.

Let it grow!

Earth Day Event Reminders!

In addition to the upcoming Remember Events:

Save The Parks: Old Fairgrounds Clean Up
Save The Parks: Bucky Boyle Litter Pick Up

I wanted to share another event that will be happening Saturday morning at the Parkway, hosted by Molovinsky:

Wagon Trail Clean Up

And, in addition a huge clean up in Bethlehem:

Northside Clean Up!

All kinds of events with Wildlands:

Wildlands Conservancy Earth Day Celebration

and for good measure, a big event from Bike Allentown:

Ice Cream Ride

Field Trip to the Lehigh Gap: Life as a Muhlenberg Student (2)

Monday afternoon my Environmental Science class jammed in our white van and headed up 145 to meet Dan Kunkle at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

I had been meaning to visit this location for a long time and I was excited to finally be going.  Dan has led an environmental restoration without precedent anywhere in America, right here in the Lehigh Valley.  In 1983 the EPA declared parts of Palmerton including the “defoliated side of Blue Mountain” a superfund site for severe zinc pollution.  For years, residents of the Lehigh Valley recognized the moonscape these formerly lush deciduous forest hillsides had become for miles around.  

The moonscapes are changing.  Through an ecological experiment of primary succession using prairie grasses, birch trees, and the few remaining sassafras trees, Dan Kunkle has managed to begin to turn the tide and start the slow restoration of these barren mountainsides, even decomposers are rebounding. 

Led by Indiana Jones, er, Dr. Jason Kelsey,

We began our walk alongside the exposed Tuscarora sandstone of the Blue Mountain. 
 
Farther along, restoration sites were visible on both sides of the path
 
Along the way Dan and Dr. Kelsey explained the ecological creation story that was taking place on this mountainside and it is truly incredible to see it taking place.  Dan’s success is paralleled by similar restorative efforts by the National Park Service across the river on the other side of the gap which have been far less successful.

Ancient Roman road building techniques are used to keep the old railroad bed from travelling down the mountainside.

As we rounded the corner, more hiking paths that lead to the top of the mountain above Devil’s pulpit lay enticingly across the moonscape.  Unfortunately, on limited time we did not have the chance for further exploration.  I will return to the Gap in the coming weeks for more hiking and documentation.

I joined my classmates Mike and Kit on a golf cart for the ride back.  Both of them have been on crutches for awhile and needed alternative transportation.  Appearances aside, Kit was a reasonably good golf cart driver.

Being able to see the primary succession taking full affect between the leaves of birch trees, the yellow flowers of sassafras and the old exposed centuries of stone is awe inspiring.  This area is a must see for any person living in the Valley, if you haven’t yet been there, go!

Dan’s story should serve as the template for future Superfund revitalization as well as any ecological restoration of pollution destroyed environments.  I was glad to be there with classmates who over the course of a year of study have become good friends; a great professor and a wonderful guide in Dan. 

Suggestions: The Future of Lehigh Parkway (Part 2)

Let me begin by offering what I consider to be a great potential future compromise.  The three issues I believe are considered most important by the city in the planning process of park renovations are:

1. Ability for use and access
2. Scenery
3. Ecological Concerns

Having said that, I am going to call the following area Site 1 and I am going to offer a plan of development that I would think fulfills all three of those considerations. Site One is located to the left of the new pedestrian bridge by the Road Runners House:

This site is a long strip of mowed grass, buffeted by an asphalt road on the right and a stream-side path of compressed gravel on the left.  This site is heavily used both by walkers and fishermen.

My first idea regarding the future of this site is the complete elimination of the stream-side path from the edge of the pedestrian bridge to the parking lot.  Now, I realize by saying this that I am running the risk of violating the interests of people who are concerned with issues 1 and 2.  The compromise goes as follows.
The asphalt road maintains access and usability. It also provides stream vistas and given the availability of said vistas throughout the park, the loss would not be cataclysmic.

Now, onto part 2.  That area of grass is home to at least one active and running stream.  The water has been running across the gravel pathway for so long that it has eroded itself a channel. 

Areas of standing water have expanded around two active electrical units.

Cattails, an invasive wetland species have begun to grow here as have other plant species considered wetland species such as watercress.  The grass here is strikingly different and full of vetch and invasive ground ivy.  There are very little places in this stretch where one can step without sinking into water.

The ducks know what is up.

This area should become an official “grow zone” immediately.  Without the lower path, a real wetland can develop here that, properly maintained would not be a bed of weeds but a beautiful area of vegetative growth analogous to the wetlands in Trexler Park and the area by The Fly Fisherman store on the other end of The Parkway.

I realize this provides an issue of access to the stream.  Where the water table remains below the surface of the ground, mowed access points should be created to preserve not only access but the contrasting views of vegetation that are spoken of so highly in regard to the parks. 

Assuming, at this point, that my suggestions have been implemented, I believe that what people will find would surprise them.  First, not only would access still exist but an entire new beauty would be developed in the Parkway.  This new area would serve as a great jumping off point for environmental education and I would go so far as to say it could be a learning lab.

This project would not change the Park in ways that would leave it unrecognizable.  It would serve to enhance beauty, create habitat and most importantly, serve to end severe ecological problems.

What would you think of such a plan? 

The Future of The Lehigh Parkway: Part 1 (And a New Video!)

There are many competing ideas that go into the public debate regarding future construction projects in the city of Allentown.  Around here, parks are personal.  We all know our favorite parks, we know what park we grew up in, we know what park to visit on a first date.  Being a citizen of this city makes you an immediate denizen of the park system. 

It is because of this, that such fervor develops over specific ideas and implementations.  Environmental advocates, like me, want to see specific ecological standards met.  Recreationalists want to see the parks open in a way that serves their need for outdoor activity.  Bicyclists want places to go to ride openly, joggers places to run.  Some folks want to go to the park to see the scenery that has been there to see for as long as they have lived in Allentown.

All of these issues are in some way valid and in many ways backed up by a field of scientific research.  Obesity, carbon emissions, watershed health. stress relief; purpose after purpose our parks exist to serve us and the ones that use them the most want to see them cared for.

These competing ideals can be met in a great compromise and over a series of posts for the next few weeks I intend to describe how such a compromise could work.  I have chosen to do so in the Lehigh Parkway because, with no master plan on the table and major work needed to be done, a real conversation can begin to make sure that when the time comes, an informed citizenry can make a stand and hopefully, make a difference.

The first post will come in the next few days.

Today, readers I am asking you to leave a comment (and tell your friends to get on here and leave one too) about what you feel the future should hold for the Lehigh Parkway.  Consider this post, in essence, to be an open mike of sorts.  Don’t hold back, if you read and never comment, today is the day.

Whether you like what has happened at Cedar beach or not, the project has surely taught the city many lessons.  Tell me what you think about the Parkway and in a few days, I’ll begin my official discussion right here.

In the meantime, here is a video of Spring in true fruition at South Mountain, The Lehigh Parkway and Cedar Beach, Please, watch and enjoy.  I look forward to seeing some good comments.

Cedar Beach Construction 2010: Part 2- Playground, Paved Paths, Buffers and The Great Blue Heron

The easiest idea missing from the Master Plan for Phase One of Cedar Beach renovations is the common sense environmental decision.  That is, don’t pave with impermeable surfaces next to water bodies.  Don’t mow grass to creek edges.  Don’t do, pretty much everything that is currently being done at Cedar Beach.

Let’s start with the addition of rocky soil and hay on top of the paved area of buffer planted last October. This is not a common sense environmental decision.  This will exacerbate ecological degradation and lead to more maintenance cost in the future.

The widening holes near the large mirror pond have been filled.  

A curious mixture of grass seed has been placed haphazardly on top of soil fill in the spaces cleared to make room for the paving of paths near the mirror ponds.  This seed mixture has, in places, left a trail as it flows into Cedar Creek.  I am pleased to see the spaces filled, but I have reservations about what they have sprayed. 


The gouging of the land and paving of the paths continue.  New mounds of loose soil and grass stand on one side of asphalt paths while the same new cliffs developed on the other side of Cedar Creek
have appeared here.

What looks to be a new access point into Cedar Beach has been dug up and chalk outlines indicate where the new paving will connect Ott Street to the new asphalt path.

Despite this, there is beauty. Spring is still in season at Cedar Beach; they haven’t yet paved it under.

The red maples, the winterberry and many of the other plants we introduced to Cedar Beach last October have begun growing alongside Cedar Creek.

A Great Blue Heron found refuge in the developing buffer.

An easy beauty, but beauty nonetheless and in such contrast to the recreational bent the new construction at Cedar Beach has taken.  Still, despite the fact that this project is now beyond changing, serious environmental questions remain.  In addition to what I have documented thus far, I found the red flags which mark the beginnings of the “grow zones” quite curious.

Next to the foot of the pedestrian bridge an area remains designated for mowing despite limiting a buffer zone to an ineffective scant amount of feet.  Here, from the base of a nearby tree to the pedestrian bridge, the entire area should be a “grow zone”.  The large lawn would remain, the view of the creek would not change dramatically.  It is this type of simple environmentally conscious decision that is so sorely lacking from the new construction at Cedar Beach.  For instance, why not expand a buffer at the location shown in the picture below at least to the distance of the “silt fence”.  It seems common sense to me.

On the other side of Ott Street, the playground’s construction has begun.

I couldn’t help but wonder as I wandered in Cedar Beach this weekend, about how small the park felt.  The unnatural black asphalt that now snakes through the grass feels disconcertingly out of place and truly unnatural.  If the invitation to the openness of Nature ends up being completely removed by this construction, what exactly are we attempting to get more people to visit?

The issues at Cedar Beach feel endless to me at this moment as do the problems in the Parkway, at Jordan Creek, in Trout Creek Parkway, down at Canal Park, at the East Side Reservoir, on South Mountain, in Trexler Park and so on.  Some days, these issues feel insurmountable.  Some days the presence of The Great Blue Heron, or a Red Maple leaf serve as reminders as to why they’re worth addressing.

We can’t live without them.