Showing posts with label Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project. Show all posts

Monday, December 03, 2007

FOREST THEATRE: The Least Maintained & Most Neglected "Improved Parkland" Property In The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea

ABSTRACT: Recent photos of the Forest Theatre property illustrtate the current condition of Forest Theatre, including rampant oxalis (an invasive species) and weeds in the Native Drought-Tolerate Plant area, trees in need of pruning and dead trees. Comments and a Question are presented. Relevant References from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code and General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan are reproduced.

Oxalis Obscuring Native Drought-Tolerant Plants
"The genus name Oxalis is derived from Greek meaning sour, referring to the sour-tasting oxalic acid present throughout the plant."
(Source:The Global Invasive Species Team, Weed Alert!, http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/alert/alrtoxal.html

Weeds,including Oxalis, Obscuring Native Drought-Tolerant Plants

Monterey Pine Trunk, Dead
Representative of other Dead and Dying Trees

Coast Live Oak in need of Pruning

Plaque Honoring GUNNAR NORBERG, “A Friend of the Arts”

Plaque & Sculpture Honoring COLE WESTON, “THE LIFE FORCE OF THE FOREST THEATER FOR HALF A CENTURY"

COMMENTS & QUESTION:
• Presently, of the eight “Improved Parkland” (P-2) properties, including Carmel Beach, Forest Hill Park, Devendorf Park, Piccadilly Park, First Murphy Park, Vista Lobos Park, Outlands (Flanders Mansion) and Forest Theatre, Forest Theatre is the least maintained and most neglected property in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Oxalis is an “extremely aggressive” garden weed. “It can form dense mats on the ground, outcompeting native plant species for light and space, and also works to inhibit the germination of native species (Brooks 2001).”
(Source:The Global Invasive Species Team, Weed Alert!, http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/alert/alrtoxal.html
For more information about Oxalis and other Weeds, Click on Post title above.

• Is the City’s long-term neglect of Forest Theatre any way to honor the legacies of Gunnar Norberg and Cole Weston?

REFERENCES:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Municipal Code
Chapter 17.18
PUBLIC AND QUASI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS
Article I. Park and Recreation Districts – P-1 and P-2

17.18.010 Purpose.
B. Improved Parklands (P-2). The purpose of the improved parklands district is to provide appropriately located areas for recreation and recreational facilities needed by the residents of the City and the surrounding area. Uses permitted shall be limited to those that are permitted in the P-1 district, in addition to facilities and structures devoted to public recreation, public use, governmental buildings and nonprofit buildings and uses. (Ord. 2004-02 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-01 § 1, 2004).

17.18.020 Districts Identified.
Properties zoned P-1 and P-2 shall be designated by the official zoning map of the City and adopted by ordinance by the City Council.
Park Zone
Mission Trails Nature Preserve P-1
Pescadero Park P-1
Carmel Beach P-2
Forest Hill ParkP-2
Devendorf Park P-2
Picadilly Park P-2
First Murphy ParkP-2
Vista Lobos ParkP-2
Outlands P-2
(Ord. 2004-02 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-01 § 1, 2004).
(Source: http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/carmel.html)

General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Open Space, Conservation & Scenic Highways Element
Carmel-by-the-Sea Page 7-6


Table 7.1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Recreation Facilities/Open Space
Facility---------Acreage--------Facilities/Use---------Zoning Designation
1. Carmel Beach 21.5 Swimming, picnicking, other beach related activities P-1

2. Mission Trail Park/Arboretum 35.0 Nature walks, jogging, picnicking, bicycling P-1

3. Devendorf Park .6 Picnic P-2

4. Forest Hill Park 2.4 Natural area, shuffleboard, clubhouse, horseshoe pits, par course physical fitness trail, children’s playground, tennis courts, restrooms P-2

5. Forest Theatre Theatre and park P-2

6. Piccadilly Park .09 Open space, benches CC

7. Landscaping and Mini Parks 66.9 33% of all streets All Zones

8. Vista Lobos 1.24 Meeting room, observation deck, mini-park, public parking R-4

9. Rio Park 6.24 Open space, trails, ball field MDR (County Zoning)

Notes:
P-1 = To preserve publicly owned park and beach lands for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, and to prevent the destruction of natural open spaces.

P-2 = To provide appropriately located areas for recreation and recreational facilities.
Source: Carmel LCP, 1981 Table 8; “Guide to Management of Carmel’s Forests, Parks and Beaches”, 1981, pp iv 25-36.

(Source: http://www.ci.carmel.ca.us/)

Friday, August 10, 2007

WHY? Why can’t the City et al. cooperate with Carmel Middle School Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat for the Benefit of Forest Theater?

ABSTRACT: Monetary grants are awarded by the City to youth services organizations for "recycling projects, special projects and ongoing recycling programs." Last year, Carmel Middle School Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat was awarded a grant for the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project to be accomplished in three phases between Spring 2007-Spring 2009. This year, however, the second (2008) and third phases (2009) of the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project were abruptly terminated because of a new development project proposal to be reviewed by the City this fall.

City Council Agenda
Regular Meeting
August 7, 2007


VII. Consent Calendar
These matters include routine financial and administrative actions, which are usually approved by a single majority vote. Individual items may be removed from Consent by a member of the Council or the public for discussion and action.

I. Consideration of a Resolution awarding recycling grants totaling $26,450 to youth service organizations.

COMMENTS:
“The City’s contract with Carmel Marina Corporation requires the City to donate annually at least $18,000 to youth service organizations for programs or projects that expand the City’s recycling efforts.” The City awards grants to youth organizations that support recycling efforts.

Last year, Carmel Middle School Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat was awarded a grant for the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project. As originally envisioned, the project was to encompass three phases over three years; that is, the first phase completed in the Spring of 2007, the second phase completed in the Spring of 2008 and the third and final phase completed in the Spring of 2009. By Spring 2009, the entire Forest Theatre grounds were to be landscaped with native drought-tolerant plants, scrubs and trees.

This year, however, the City granted the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School two grants; one grant of $12,200 for “Forest Hill Park Landscape Improvements” and another grant of $6,000 for “Beach Bluff Pathway Restoration.” Note: “The grant requests were reviewed by the Assistant City Administrator, the City’s Administrative Services Director, and a representatives from Waste Management. In addition, the projects proposed by the Carmel Middle School Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat were reviewed and approved by City Forester, Mike Branson, as the projects benefit the City’s Beach Bluff Pathway and Forest Hill Park.”

Apparently, the second and third phases of the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project were abruptly terminated because of a new development project proposal to be reviewed by the City this fall.

(Reference: City Council Agenda Item Summary, Joyce Giuffre, August 7, 2007.)

QUESTION: Why can’t the City, Forest Theater Guild and PacRep cooperate with Carmel Middle School Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat and work together for the benefit of the Forest Theatre?

ADDENDUM:
The Carmel-by-the-Sea WATCHDOG!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project (Phase One): Carmel High School Ornamental Horticulture Class

REFERENCE:
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Summary of Youth Recycling Grant Applications
FY 2007-08
Amount Completion Organization Project Requested Date

Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School Forest Hill Park Landscape Improvements $12,200 June 2008
Provides organic gardening, composting and recycling activities, native plant propagation and habitat restoration activities and education to over 1000 Carmel Unified School District students.

Students will create a design and management plan for Forest Hill Park to submit to the City Forester for approval. The students will replace dead and dying native plants with seedlings grown at the Carmel Middle School Habitat. The students will also set up a main water line to the planting areas.

Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School Beach Bluff Pathway Restoration $6,000 June 2008
Provides organic gardening, composting and recycling activities, native plant propagation and habitat restoration activities and education to over 1000 Carmel Unified School District students.

Students will collect seeds, propagate and grow 2500 plants and plant the native site-specific seedlings to restore the beach bluff pathway. This project is a continuation of last year's Beach Bluff Pathway Restoration project which also supplied the City with approximately 2,500 plants.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project (Phase One): Carmel High School Ornamental Horticulture Class

Carmel High School Ornamental Horticulture Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Class
Carmel High School Ornamental Horticulture Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Class at the site of the completion of Phase One of the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project, June 8, 2007.

Ornamental Horticulture (ROP)
Teacher: Craig Hohenberger, Director of the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Carmel Middle School.

Students will be introduced to basic horticulture techniques with emphasis on the technologies and biological relationships involved in soil management, pest management, greenhouse production, plant propagation, organic gardening (vegetables, herbs, flowers), managing soil fertility and structure, habitat restoration, plant identification, making and using compost, seed collecting, and plant and animal ecology. Course emphasizes conditions of the Monterey Bay area and involves hands-on experience with the facilities of the Carmel Middle School Habitat horticulture facility and nearby restoration sites. Students will work off campus at those locations.
(Source: http://www.carmelunified.org/chs/departments/rop.aspx)

Note: Ornamental Horticulture will be offered next year (the second year), again taught by Craig Hohenberger, Director of the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Carmel Middle School. Next years class will complete Phase Two of the Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project to the north of the lower parking lot. To learn more about Craig Hohenberger, the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Community Outreach and Community Restoration Projects, click on post title above or copy, paste and click http://www.carmelhabitat.org/

Images, Identifications and Descriptions of the Native Plants in the Forest Theatre, Phase One, near the Mt. View Av. entrance to Forest Theatre, as follows:

Arctostaphylos – Manzanita

Genus: Arctostaphylos Species: Cultivar: Emerald Carpet
Genus: Arctostaphylos Species: densiflora Cultivar: Howard McMinn Manzanita
Common name: Howard McMinn manzanita

In California, there are more than 40 species of Arctostaphylos, not including all of the subspecies and hybrids. Manzanitas are evergreen and have shiny mahogany colored bark; they have urn-shaped flowers that vary from pink to white. They attract wildlife, specifically butterflies, hummingbirds and native insects.

For description, species, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctostaphylos,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manzanita

Baccharis pilularis - Coyote Brush (or Bush)

Genus: Baccharis Species: pilularis
Common name: Dwarf Coyote Brush

Dwarf Coyote Brush's foliage type is evergreen; flower color is white. Grows into an approximately one foot tall by twelve foot wide dark-green groundcover.

For Description, et cetera, http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/114.htm

Carpenteria californica – Carpenteria

Genus: Carpenteria Species: californica
Common name: Bush Anemone

Carpenteria is an evergreen shrub; it grows to 6' by 3'. Flowers are glistening white, single anemone-shaped and scented, 2-3 inches across and bloom in June and July.

Carpenteria californica’s foliage color is silver; type is evergreen; flower color is white and has a fragrance.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpenteria, http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/bushanenome.html

Ceanothus griseus – Carmel Ceanothus

Genus: Ceanothus Species: griseus
Common name: Carmel Ceanothus

Carmel Ceanothus's foliage color is silver; type is evergreen; flower color is blue.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus

Eriogonum latifolium – Coast Buckwheat

Genus: Eriogonum Species: latifolium
Common name: Coast Buckwheat

A small buckwheat, a perennial; foliage type is stressdeciduous; flower color is white. Attracts butterflies as they are an excellent nectar source. Extremely drought tolerant.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriogonum, http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/3353.htm

Eschscholzia californica - California poppy

Genus: Eschscholzia Species: californica
Common name: California Poppy

California Poppy's foliage color is white; type is stressdeciduous; flower color is yellow.

For a description, et cetera,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Poppy, http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/californiapoppy.html

Fremontodendron – Flannelbush

Genus: Fremontodendron
Common name: Flannel Bush

An evergreen shrub, foliage type is evergreen; yellow flowers in spring, approximately 3 inches across.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flannelbush, http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/flannelbush.html

Mahonia aquifolium – Oregon grape

Genus: Mahonia Species: aquifolium
Common name: Oregon Grape

An evergreen shrub to 6’; foliage type is evergreen; flower color is yellow; and fruit is edible. Drought tolerant.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_grape

Pinus radiata -Monterey Pine

Genus: Pinus Species: radiata:
Common name: Monterey Pine

Native along the coast of Monterey. Conifer to over 100 feet; foliage type is evergreen. Fast growing and wind tolerant. The "signature" and "dominant" tree of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

For description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monterey_pine

Prunus ilicifoli- Hollyleaf Cherry

Genus: Prunus Species: ilicifolia
Common name: Hollyleaf Cherry

Hollyleaf Cherry is an evergreen shrub to tree, has holly-like leaves and very slow growth to 25 feet. Clusters of white flowers appear in spikes in March that cover the entire tree.

Hollyleaf Cherry's foliage type is evergreen; flower color is white; fruit is edible. Attracts birds.

For Description, et cetera, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_ilicifolia, http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/541.htm

Trichostema lanatum - Woolly Blue Curls

Genus: Trichostema Species: lanatum
Common name: Woolly Blue Curls

Woolly Blue Curls is a three to four foot evergreen shrub; foliage type is evergreen and has fragrance. Flower color is violet with flowers in fuzzy spikes in May-August; attracts birds.

For more information, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichostema_lanatum, http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/woollybluecurls.html

Saturday, April 28, 2007

FOREST THEATRE NATIVE PLANTS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT: The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Carmel Middle School & Carmel High School


Forest Theater
Mt. View Av. between Santa Rita St. & Guadalupe St.
Irrigation Tubing Installed by the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Ornamental Horticultural Class of Carmel High School
Date: Thursday, 26 April 2007

Forest Theatre Landscape Restoration Project & The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat

“The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School is one of the most unique environmental education centers in the nation.”

“Our mission is to inspire students to understand, appreciate and protect the natural environment.”

Craig Hohenberger, Director
Jane Atkins, Habitat Restoration Coordinator and Nursery Manager
Ellen Fondiler, Habitat Manager & Director of Development

Community Restoration Projects include the Carmel River Lagoon, Carmel Beach and Lester Rowntree Arboretum.
For more information about the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, click on the post title above, or copy, paste and click, http://www.carmelhabitat.org/


The Forest Theatre Landscape Restoration Project is made possible principally by the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Director Craig Hohenberger, Habitat Restoration Coordinator and Nursery Manager Jane Atkins and Habitat Manager & Director of Development Ellen Fondiler, Carmel Middle School students and the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Ornamental Horticultural Carmel High School class students. The students designed the project, planned the work and got involved and participated in local government seeking grants, preparing presentations to commissions and working with the city to launch and accomplish this ambitious 3 year project.

UPDATE: On Thursday, 26 April 2007, Carmel High School students laid the irrigation tubing down into the mini-trenches. This irrigation will provide water by drip irrigation to the soon-to-be planted native trees and scrubs.

BACKGROUND: The Landscape Restoration Project is comprised of 3 phases, A, B and C; one phase is to be accomplished each year over 3 years. Phase A is being accomplished and completed now. The restoration of the Forest Theatre grounds, that is, the planting of native trees and shrubs that grew there historically, will at long last achieve a goal of the Forest Theatre Master Plan of the City’s Local Coastal Program.

NOTE: Anticipate the completion of Phase A, with the planting of native, drought-tolerant plants, in the near future.

Friday, March 30, 2007

FOREST THEATRE NATIVE PLANTS LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT: The Regional Occupational Program Ornamental Horticultural Class of Carmel Middle School


Forest Theater
Mt. View Av. between Santa Rita St. & Guadalupe St.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Close-Up View: Shallow continuous trench for drip irrigation lines and holes for native drought-tolerant plants
Project made possible by Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Carmel Middle School & Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Ornamental Horticultural Class of Carmel High School.

The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, Carmel Middle School & Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Ornamental Horticultural Class of Carmel High School Forest Theatre Native Plants Landscape Restoration Project

The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat
Craig Hohenberger, Director

“The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School is one of the most unique environmental education centers in the nation.”

“Our mission is to inspire students to understand, appreciate and protect the natural environment.”

Community Restoration Projects include the Carmel River Lagoon, Carmel Beach and Lester Rowntree Arboretum.
For more information about the Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat, click on the post title above, or copy, paste and click, http://www.carmelhabitat.org/


The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Ornamental Horticultural class is landscaping an area of the Forest Theatre courtesy of a grant from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the assistance of Gary Girard and Greg D’Ambrosio. The class is tentatively scheduled to give a presentation at the 5 April 2007 Forest and Beach Commission meeting.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION
AGENDA
Regular Meeting

1 March 2007
1:30 p.m. – Tour of Inspection
2:00 p.m. - Regular Agenda

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Peggy Miller, Chairperson
Tad Pritchett
Bob Tierney
Nancy John
Kathleen Coss

VII. ORDERS OF BUSINESS

Receive presentation from Carmel Middle School regarding the Forest Theatre Landscape Restoration Project and provide recommendations on future site improvements. CONTINUED TO 5 APRIL 2007 MEETING


Note: As preparation, Assured Landscape installed water mains and valves as described in the post, February 13, 2007, "Forest Theatre: Outsourced Preparatory Work for Future Landscaping."

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Forest Theatre: Outsourced Preparatory Work for Future Landscaping



WHO: Assured Landscape

WHAT: Installation of water lines and valves

WHEN: Week of Februrary 5 - 9, 2007

WHERE: Forest Theatre
Mt. View Av. between Santa Rita St. & Guadalupe St.

WHY: Installation of water lines and valves required prior to the installation of a drip system to water plants to be planted at a future date.