Natural Resource Management Project

The Nature center at Shaker Lakes is engaged in an ambitious Natural Resources management project to combat erosion and invasive species. This ongoing project is designed to restore the parkland to its original beauty. Included in the project is the removal of myrtle from the perimeter, where it may have been planted by well-intended lovers of nature, many years ago. With the myrtle gone, other woodland plants will return on their own. also targeted is the garlic mustard, whose beautiful yellow bloom was enjoyed by all by the plants that were being choked out by its presence.

Long-term documentation is an important part of this project. Volunteers are needed to commit to the on-going photography of designated spots to record the impact of the project's efforts. Members are asked to sign up to adopt one (or more) of the twenty locations, and to visit them each month to record the progress within five management areas:

  • Blue - Perimeter
    • 1. Prairie, West Park -- Bob Ault
    • 2. Pawpaw Tree Area, north western ridge -- Available
    • 3. Upland invasives/Native Replacements - Southeastern ridge -- Bob Ault
    • 4. Wildflower transition areas - South Park -- Available
  • Green - Interior
    • 1. Mini-marsh -- Phil Hart
    • 2. Vernal Pool -- Lauren Pacini
    • 3. Open canopy area by 2 tree square  -- Lauren Pacini
    • 4. Entrance to Sterns Trail/invasives and natives -- Lauren Pacini
  • Orange - Landscaped Areas
    • 1. Wildflower Garden -- Ted Woodbridge
    • 2. Butterfly Garden -- Ted Woodbridge
    • 3. Entrance Garden -- Ted Woodbridge
    • 4. Restoration Area, west of pavilion -- Lori Molesky
    • 5. Restoration Area, East of pavilion -- Lori Molesky
  •  Red - Marsh and APT Flood Plain
    • 1. North end of marsh from woodland Bridge: purple loosestrife -- Dave Hall
    • 2. Eastern perimeter, Japanese Knotweed and Buckthorn -- Dave Hall
    • 3. South end of marsh from lower marsh deck, general view of marsh -- Dave Hall
    • 4. West spur of APT -- Dave Hall
  • Aqua - Doan Brook
    • 1. Bank Erosion across from fire pit -- Sheldon Auerbach
    • 2. Stream bed from 1st bridge east and west view -- Sheldon Auerbach
    • 3. stream bed from 2nd bridge, north and south view -- Sheldon Auerbach

Click here to view a map of the project area.

To adopt a location, please complete and submit the following:

Name:
Email Address
Telephone Number
Desired Location(s)