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| High School Park Restoration Manager Kevin (bearded, far left) with students |
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| Stairs leading from former athletic fields to the hilltop location of the old school |
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| Along a mid-slope forest trail |
I'll withhold judgement until I get a chance to see the work.
8 comments:
Being something of a cynic myself I'm grateful for people like Kevin, and I marvel at their upbeat outlook. I'm certain that much of what's accomplished in this world is because of Kevin and his kind.
I too often wonder at the dedication of conservation workers, particularly those who work in urban environments where they are under constant attack from all sides and who have to accommodate the needs of both nature and those who use the area - not only those who wander in peaceful contemplation but also those who drop litter, light fires and go there only to take illegal drugs. However, particularly in a small and crowded island like Britain it is that balance between man and nature which must somehow be resolved.
It will be interesting to see how it all works out.
Natural or at least semi-natural areas close to a major city can be such a great thing, if only they are properly preserved. Our own town of Rome has been trying to turn a recreational and semi-natural riverside area right next to downtown into some kind of commercial development for a long time now. Rome is not a big city, but once that kind of area ner the city is gone, it's gone forever. There doesn't seem to be a real commitment to preservation in some circles.
Packrat: Honestly (though I know Kevin because he works for me at my preserve as a contractor), I was surprised at how upbeat and positive he was. It took me aback. I think I'd get beaten down pretty quickly.
John: As my students and I toured the park, nearly every member of the public we saw enjoying the land was accompanied by a dog (which is permitted in the park). While all of the dogs we saw were on a leash, Kevin explained that often, dogs are not leashed and dig up his restoration work. I'd be apoplectic. I don't think I could work in an environment like that for long.
I've passed along to Kevin several local private land management positions of which I have become aware, but he remains dedicated to High School Park. Good for the park!
Mark: Except for the wooded (and heavily invaded) hillside between the location of the school and the creek floodplain, this land was completely urbanized. The Friends are bringing it back, which makes it all the more precious--even if it is a "pocket park" in an otherwise completely developed neighborhood. When remaining natural areas are cleared, it's all the more distressing, as you note.
Robin Andrea: I'll keep you posted occasionally for the 3+ years that I intend to remain in my job. I'm sure that I'll be taking students there regularly because the park is a good example of the challenges faced by urban restorationists, and it's close-by and accessible.
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