The Ecological Problems Facing Stafford Lake:
The stream leading into the lake is moving too fast causing the sides of the stream to become increasingly steep and then collapse (erosion). The sediment is then deposited into the lake. Also the banks of the river are being choked by invasive species such as milk nettle and mallow.
How We Addressed These Problems (And What We Worked On):
We did not address the sides of the river problem it had already been dealt with by placing rocks along the sides and planting native plants to hold the banks in place. The park also created artificial meanders to slow the stream. We helped deal with the invasive plants. We sheet mulched, basically we put down hay and then cardboard then more hay and mulch to create a barrier against evil invasive species. Our work was part of an integrated management approach where many people do small parts.
My Thoughts:
Volunteer work is is important to parks because the park often need work but cannot pay for it so volunteer work is need to keep parks in shape. I enjoyed working with the staff of Stafford Lake and helping the environment. If only I had not missed my other classes and not been able to collect service hours that would have made the trip more worth my time.
The stream leading into the lake is moving too fast causing the sides of the stream to become increasingly steep and then collapse (erosion). The sediment is then deposited into the lake. Also the banks of the river are being choked by invasive species such as milk nettle and mallow.
How We Addressed These Problems (And What We Worked On):
We did not address the sides of the river problem it had already been dealt with by placing rocks along the sides and planting native plants to hold the banks in place. The park also created artificial meanders to slow the stream. We helped deal with the invasive plants. We sheet mulched, basically we put down hay and then cardboard then more hay and mulch to create a barrier against evil invasive species. Our work was part of an integrated management approach where many people do small parts.
My Thoughts:
Volunteer work is is important to parks because the park often need work but cannot pay for it so volunteer work is need to keep parks in shape. I enjoyed working with the staff of Stafford Lake and helping the environment. If only I had not missed my other classes and not been able to collect service hours that would have made the trip more worth my time.