WHO: Walks led by Local Environmentalist Joyce Stevens, Noted “Birder” Bill Hill and Melanie Billig, President, Flanders Foundation.
WHAT: Nature and Cultural walks and talks about the history and biology of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the City’s largest park, and Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Flanders Mansion.
WHEN: Saturdays, July 24, August 21 and September 25, 2010, 10:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
WHERE: Walks begin at the entrance to Mission Trail Nature Preserve across from Carmel Mission Basilica on Rio Road and end at the Flanders Mansion.
NOTES: Please call (831) 626-3826 for reservations. Recommend walking shoes, sun hat and brown bag lunch or snack. Complimentary cold drinks provided.
ADDENDUM:
HISTORY OF MISSION TRAIL NATURE PRESERVE, FLANDERS MANSION AND THE LESTER ROWNTREE GARDEN
VISION STATEMENT OF FLANDERS FOUNDATION
MISSION STATEMENT OF FLANDERS FOUNDATION
Adopted 5/26/98
THE HISTORY OF FLANDERS FOUNDATION
Carmelites Form Flanders Foundation and Pursue Their Goals - A Short History
REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS AND LEGAL CHALLENGES TO SALE OF PARKLAND
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: (831) 626-3826
Email: info@flandersfoundation.org
Showing posts with label Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. Show all posts
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday, October 09, 2009
Significant New Information from Letters to the Editor Writers
ABSTRACT: In The Carmel Pine Cone, October 9, 2009 issue, three Letters to the Editor provide new information regarding Flanders Mansion, namely that a City Committee adopted “one overriding fact” that precluded the Committee from objectively analyzing and evaluating potential pubic uses, city officials have apparently violated the terms of an agreement between the City and CNPS and a group of “neighbors of the park, natives and enlightened newcomers” got the city’s “promise that they would not ever sell these treasures” in 1987. Comments are made on each Letter to the Editor.
• Letter to the Editor, The Carmel Pine Cone, by Pat Sippel:
In describing her “eight years on a city committee which studied possible uses for the Flanders house,” Pat Sippel wrote, as follows: “We worked with one overriding fact: The house is a single-family dwelling in a quiet residential neighborhood located on a winding road. The neighbors have always made it known to the city council that they do not want any public or commercial use of the residence. Do you blame them?”
Comment: Sippel’s statement betrays a mindset which precluded the committee from objectively analyzing and evaluating potential public uses for the Flanders Mansion; and that is, the committee’s assumption that no public use would be acceptable because of their beliefs about the opinions of some Hatton Fields residents. Moreover, since 2000, the City has not appointed members to a committee to study the issue and the mayor has not met and conferred with Flanders Foundation, which formally became a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization in 1999, or any other groups or individuals, to explore public use options for the Flanders Mansion.
• Letter to the Editor by Mary Ann Matthews, Past President of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society:
Mary Ann Matthews wrote that “city officials are known to have asked the Rowntree Garden Committee to agree to move it” (Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden) and “the Rowntree Garden Committee members voted unanimously to oppose moving the garden and so informed the city.” Moreover, “the terms of the agreement between the city and CNPS state that the garden is to remain a quiet natural retreat, encouraging walk-in visits from local residents and from visitors who park at the Mission.”
Comment: Ergo, city officials apparently have violated the terms of an agreement between the City and CNPS by making requests that the Rowntree Garden Committee agree to move the Native Plant Garden to another location.
• Letter to the Editor by Linda Lachmund Smith:
Linda Lachmund Smith wrote, as follows: “Back in 1987, when faced with another council’s intention to sell Flanders Mansion and adjacent Martin Meadow, a group of us, neighbors of the park, natives and enlightened newcomers, got together a petition and in a week garnered over 600 signatures to save the mansion and the meadow. It was an inspiring grassroots effort, and we got the city’s promise that they would not ever sell these treasures.”
Furthermore, one public use for Flanders Mansion “was to utilize the mansion as a library, heritage museum, natural history study center and small gathering place. It had the support of CSUMB and all the Monterey Peninsula’s living artistic luminaries. This is the use that cries out to be implemented.”
Comment: The Mayor and City Council should honor the “promise” made by the City in 1987 to the group of neighbors of the park that the City would not ever sell Flanders Mansion, et cetera.
(Source: The Carmel Pine Cone, Letters to the Editor, October 9, 2009, 22A and 15IYD)
• Letter to the Editor, The Carmel Pine Cone, by Pat Sippel:
In describing her “eight years on a city committee which studied possible uses for the Flanders house,” Pat Sippel wrote, as follows: “We worked with one overriding fact: The house is a single-family dwelling in a quiet residential neighborhood located on a winding road. The neighbors have always made it known to the city council that they do not want any public or commercial use of the residence. Do you blame them?”
Comment: Sippel’s statement betrays a mindset which precluded the committee from objectively analyzing and evaluating potential public uses for the Flanders Mansion; and that is, the committee’s assumption that no public use would be acceptable because of their beliefs about the opinions of some Hatton Fields residents. Moreover, since 2000, the City has not appointed members to a committee to study the issue and the mayor has not met and conferred with Flanders Foundation, which formally became a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization in 1999, or any other groups or individuals, to explore public use options for the Flanders Mansion.
• Letter to the Editor by Mary Ann Matthews, Past President of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society:
Mary Ann Matthews wrote that “city officials are known to have asked the Rowntree Garden Committee to agree to move it” (Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden) and “the Rowntree Garden Committee members voted unanimously to oppose moving the garden and so informed the city.” Moreover, “the terms of the agreement between the city and CNPS state that the garden is to remain a quiet natural retreat, encouraging walk-in visits from local residents and from visitors who park at the Mission.”
Comment: Ergo, city officials apparently have violated the terms of an agreement between the City and CNPS by making requests that the Rowntree Garden Committee agree to move the Native Plant Garden to another location.
• Letter to the Editor by Linda Lachmund Smith:
Linda Lachmund Smith wrote, as follows: “Back in 1987, when faced with another council’s intention to sell Flanders Mansion and adjacent Martin Meadow, a group of us, neighbors of the park, natives and enlightened newcomers, got together a petition and in a week garnered over 600 signatures to save the mansion and the meadow. It was an inspiring grassroots effort, and we got the city’s promise that they would not ever sell these treasures.”
Furthermore, one public use for Flanders Mansion “was to utilize the mansion as a library, heritage museum, natural history study center and small gathering place. It had the support of CSUMB and all the Monterey Peninsula’s living artistic luminaries. This is the use that cries out to be implemented.”
Comment: The Mayor and City Council should honor the “promise” made by the City in 1987 to the group of neighbors of the park that the City would not ever sell Flanders Mansion, et cetera.
(Source: The Carmel Pine Cone, Letters to the Editor, October 9, 2009, 22A and 15IYD)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Random Reportings
ABSTRACT: Random Reportings on the City’s Workshop on the proposed Fire Protection Services Contract with the City of Monterey, the Status of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Rigoulette, LLC (Villas de Carmelo) Project and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s Grant to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden Volunteer Group are presented.
• Workshop: City’s Fire Protection Services Contract with the City of Monterey
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 4:30 P.M.
Place: City Hall/Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Note: Prior to the release of the actual agenda and staff report for the Workshop, it is expected that City of Monterey Assistant City Manager Fred Cohn and/or Fire Chief Sam L. Mazza will make a presentation. Q & A will follow. No action will be taken by the City Council at this Workshop.
(Sources: Molly Laughlin, Deputy City Clerk, Carmel-by-the-Sea; City of Monterey Assistant City Manager Fred Cohn)
• Status of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Rigoulette, LLC (Villas de Carmelo) Project (DEIR)
The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Rigoulette, LLC (Villas de Carmelo) Project is expected to be completed by Denise Duffy & Associates and transmitted to County of Monterey Resource Management Agency - Planning Department by the end of March 2009, according to Brice Ternet of Denise Duffy & Associates. Soon thereafter, the County will load the DEIR onto the County’s web site under “Recent Environmental Documents.” A Table with the Project Title (click to view), File Number, Type of Document, Public Review Begins and Public Review Ends will be displayed with a link to the DEIR document.
Project Title: RIGOULETTE LLC (Villas de Carmelo Project)
File No.: PLN070497
Location: HWY 1 & VALLEY WAY CARMEL
Application Date: 12/26/2007
Description:
COMBINED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO INCLUDE AN LOCAL COASTAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND A REZONING FROM MDR/2 TO HDR/12.5 IN THE COASTAL ZONE; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND STANDARD SUBDIVISION TO CONVERT A 10,350 SQUARE FOOT CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL INTO NINE CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND CREATE 37 ADDITIONAL CONDOMINIUM UNITS; COMMON SPACE WILL INCLUDE UNDERGROUND PARKING, RECREATION ROOM, STORAGE AND GYM; A COASTAL ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT TO DEMOLISH ONE EXISTING STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCT 12 BUILDINGS FOR A TOTAL OF 46 CONDOMINIUM UNITS; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT ON SLOPES OF 30% OR GREATER; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW THE REMOVAL OF 97 TREES (21 COAST LIVE OAK AND 76 MONTEREY PINES); AND DESIGN APPROVAL. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED BETWEEN HIGHWAY ONE AND VALLEY WAY, CARMEL (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS 009-061-002-000, 009-061-003-000 AND 009-061-005-000), COASTAL ZONE.
• Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District Grant to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden Volunteer Group
A grant of $13,500 from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) was awarded to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden Volunteer Group on December 3, 2007 for the installation of a drip irrigation system and a new potting shed at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. As of this date, $3,719.54 has been reimbursed for these projects. The grant expires November 20, 2010, unless an extension is requested, according to Shuran J. Britton, PHR, Administrative Services Coordinator/Board Clerk, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.
The Volunteer Group is working with high school students in the Regional Occupation Program to accomplish four phases. The first phase, now completed, consisted of drip irrigation installation and planting of nearly 100 plants in the upper section of the Garden. The second phase is now in progress. The construction of the new potting shed has yet to be approved by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea; it is anticipated that an application will be submitted to the City for Planning Commission consideration in April 2009, according to Volunteer Group Member Greg D’Ambrosio.
• Workshop: City’s Fire Protection Services Contract with the City of Monterey
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 4:30 P.M.
Place: City Hall/Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Note: Prior to the release of the actual agenda and staff report for the Workshop, it is expected that City of Monterey Assistant City Manager Fred Cohn and/or Fire Chief Sam L. Mazza will make a presentation. Q & A will follow. No action will be taken by the City Council at this Workshop.
(Sources: Molly Laughlin, Deputy City Clerk, Carmel-by-the-Sea; City of Monterey Assistant City Manager Fred Cohn)
• Status of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Rigoulette, LLC (Villas de Carmelo) Project (DEIR)
The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Rigoulette, LLC (Villas de Carmelo) Project is expected to be completed by Denise Duffy & Associates and transmitted to County of Monterey Resource Management Agency - Planning Department by the end of March 2009, according to Brice Ternet of Denise Duffy & Associates. Soon thereafter, the County will load the DEIR onto the County’s web site under “Recent Environmental Documents.” A Table with the Project Title (click to view), File Number, Type of Document, Public Review Begins and Public Review Ends will be displayed with a link to the DEIR document.
Project Title: RIGOULETTE LLC (Villas de Carmelo Project)
File No.: PLN070497
Location: HWY 1 & VALLEY WAY CARMEL
Application Date: 12/26/2007
Description:
COMBINED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO INCLUDE AN LOCAL COASTAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND A REZONING FROM MDR/2 TO HDR/12.5 IN THE COASTAL ZONE; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND STANDARD SUBDIVISION TO CONVERT A 10,350 SQUARE FOOT CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL INTO NINE CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND CREATE 37 ADDITIONAL CONDOMINIUM UNITS; COMMON SPACE WILL INCLUDE UNDERGROUND PARKING, RECREATION ROOM, STORAGE AND GYM; A COASTAL ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT TO DEMOLISH ONE EXISTING STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCT 12 BUILDINGS FOR A TOTAL OF 46 CONDOMINIUM UNITS; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT ON SLOPES OF 30% OR GREATER; A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO ALLOW THE REMOVAL OF 97 TREES (21 COAST LIVE OAK AND 76 MONTEREY PINES); AND DESIGN APPROVAL. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED BETWEEN HIGHWAY ONE AND VALLEY WAY, CARMEL (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS 009-061-002-000, 009-061-003-000 AND 009-061-005-000), COASTAL ZONE.
• Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District Grant to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden Volunteer Group
A grant of $13,500 from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) was awarded to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden Volunteer Group on December 3, 2007 for the installation of a drip irrigation system and a new potting shed at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. As of this date, $3,719.54 has been reimbursed for these projects. The grant expires November 20, 2010, unless an extension is requested, according to Shuran J. Britton, PHR, Administrative Services Coordinator/Board Clerk, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.
The Volunteer Group is working with high school students in the Regional Occupation Program to accomplish four phases. The first phase, now completed, consisted of drip irrigation installation and planting of nearly 100 plants in the upper section of the Garden. The second phase is now in progress. The construction of the new potting shed has yet to be approved by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea; it is anticipated that an application will be submitted to the City for Planning Commission consideration in April 2009, according to Volunteer Group Member Greg D’Ambrosio.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Occurrences at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Flanders Mansion
ABSTRACT: Recently, there have been some improvements accomplished at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Flanders Mansion. Photos depicting these improvements are presented. And supplemental information is presented. COMMENTS are made with regard to the entities responsible for the maintenance and improvements.
New “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN” Sign at an Entrance to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, 25800 Hatton Rd., Carmel, CA.
A “WELCOME” Sign denoting “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN”
Close-Up of “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN” Sign
Portion of recently installed Drip Irrigation System, Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY:
Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society
Rowntree Garden
email: cnps@montereybaycnps.org
View October 2008 Newsletter
COMMENT:
• Credit is due to the dedicated volunteers of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. For the past 25 years, the dedicated volunteers of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society have maintained and tended the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. Members are always welcome. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the residence of Connie Stroud, 26407 Carmelo St., Carmel, CA. Garden workdays are held on the second Saturday of each month at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden at 28500 Hatton Rd, Carmel, CA.
New Pipe & Faucet at Dog Station
Flanders Mansion Driveway
Close-Up of Flanders "Storage Rooms Rebuild"
Note: 115911 7/29/08 MC ELDOWNEY & SONS, INC $ 16,500.00 FLANDERS REPAIRS - STORAGE ROOMS REBUILD (Source:
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, August 2008 Check Register)
COMMENT:
• Credit is due to City Building Services employees and Outside Contractor McEldowney & Sons, Inc.
Background:
In 2007, Judge Robert O’Farrell, Monterey County Superior Court, ruled in Flanders Foundation v. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea et al., (M76728) that the City violated the Municipal Code with regard to the maintenance of a historic resource, namely the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion. Accordingly, the City is under court order to maintain the Flanders Mansion property per Municipal Code Section 17.32.210 Maintenance and Upkeep. Specifically, after weeks of a leaking faucet, City Building Services employees replaced the pipe and faucet, et cetera, at the Dog Water Station and outside contractor McEldowney & Sons, Inc. rebuilt the storage shed next to the garage.
Relocated Fire Hydrant on Hatton Rd, across from the Entrance to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden & Flanders Mansion
NOTE: As Fire Chief Andrew Miller reported at the September 9, 2008 City Council Meeting, as of that date, the City’s fire hydrants and water mains are fully operational. At a cost of over $1 million, California American Water Company completed the City’s fire hydrant/water main replacement project, including the removal of 5,680 feet of “severely corroded 8-inch pipeline originally installed in the 1930s” and replacement with PVC water mains.
New “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN” Sign at an Entrance to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, 25800 Hatton Rd., Carmel, CA. 
A “WELCOME” Sign denoting “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN” 
Close-Up of “WELCOME ROWNTREE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN” Sign 
Portion of recently installed Drip Irrigation System, Lester Rowntree Native Plant GardenFOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER OF THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY:
Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society
Rowntree Garden
email: cnps@montereybaycnps.org
View October 2008 Newsletter
COMMENT:
• Credit is due to the dedicated volunteers of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. For the past 25 years, the dedicated volunteers of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society have maintained and tended the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. Members are always welcome. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the residence of Connie Stroud, 26407 Carmelo St., Carmel, CA. Garden workdays are held on the second Saturday of each month at the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden at 28500 Hatton Rd, Carmel, CA.
New Pipe & Faucet at Dog StationFlanders Mansion Driveway
Close-Up of Flanders "Storage Rooms Rebuild"
Note: 115911 7/29/08 MC ELDOWNEY & SONS, INC $ 16,500.00 FLANDERS REPAIRS - STORAGE ROOMS REBUILD (Source:City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, August 2008 Check Register)
COMMENT:
• Credit is due to City Building Services employees and Outside Contractor McEldowney & Sons, Inc.
Background:
In 2007, Judge Robert O’Farrell, Monterey County Superior Court, ruled in Flanders Foundation v. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea et al., (M76728) that the City violated the Municipal Code with regard to the maintenance of a historic resource, namely the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion. Accordingly, the City is under court order to maintain the Flanders Mansion property per Municipal Code Section 17.32.210 Maintenance and Upkeep. Specifically, after weeks of a leaking faucet, City Building Services employees replaced the pipe and faucet, et cetera, at the Dog Water Station and outside contractor McEldowney & Sons, Inc. rebuilt the storage shed next to the garage.
Relocated Fire Hydrant on Hatton Rd, across from the Entrance to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden & Flanders MansionNOTE: As Fire Chief Andrew Miller reported at the September 9, 2008 City Council Meeting, as of that date, the City’s fire hydrants and water mains are fully operational. At a cost of over $1 million, California American Water Company completed the City’s fire hydrant/water main replacement project, including the removal of 5,680 feet of “severely corroded 8-inch pipeline originally installed in the 1930s” and replacement with PVC water mains.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden: In a State of Benign Neglect
ABSTRACT: While there has recently been a flurry of maintenance activities at the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion and along the trails of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden remains in a state of benign neglect. Supporting REFERENCES from the City's General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan are reproduced. A COMMENT is made regarding the respective roles of the City and the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society in maintaining the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
REFERENCES:
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element
O5-33 Maintain the Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve as an area where the general public can view and study native California plants and trees. The goal is that the knowledge gained will lead to an expanded use of California native plants in private landscapes. (LUP)
P5-144 Create and maintain a demonstration garden for native flowers in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
P5-145 Label native plants and areas in the garden at Mission Trail Nature Preserve with identifying and explanatory information. (LUP)
O5-34 Consider establishing a Volunteer Committee to assist the City Forester and staff in responsibility for the garden at Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
P5-146 Maintain communication between Forest and Beach Commission and Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. (LUP)
P5-147 Recruit and train volunteers to plant, weed, water and care for the garden in Mission Trail Nature Preserve under the direction of the Forest, Parks and Beach Department staff. (LUP)
P5-148 Schedule and advertise volunteer workdays as needed to maintain the garden in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
Mission Trail Nature Preserve lies along much of the City's eastern boundary and is the largest ESHA in the City. It contains a wide variety of habitat types. To describe this area the Preserve is divided into four planning units: Martin Road Parcel, Park Proper, Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Outlet Meadow. The Preserve supports a vegetation mosaic consisting of Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock and oldest dunes, central coast arroyo willow riparian forest, wetland drainage, wet meadow, coast live oak woodland, coastal terrace prairie and horticultural plantings.
(LUP)
Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden supports Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock with horticultural plantings.
COMMENT:
• While there has recently been a flurry of maintenance activities at the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion and along the trails of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden remains in a state of benign neglect even though the Local Coastal Program mandates the maintenance of the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea (see REFERENCE). Moreover, while city employees are often seen along the Carmel Beach Bluff Pathway and Devendorf Park, they are rarely, if ever, seen in the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. And while the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society has a long history of working in the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, the City has not assumed a primary role in satisfactorily maintaining the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve for residents and visitors alike over many years.
REFERENCES:
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element
O5-33 Maintain the Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve as an area where the general public can view and study native California plants and trees. The goal is that the knowledge gained will lead to an expanded use of California native plants in private landscapes. (LUP)
P5-144 Create and maintain a demonstration garden for native flowers in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
P5-145 Label native plants and areas in the garden at Mission Trail Nature Preserve with identifying and explanatory information. (LUP)
O5-34 Consider establishing a Volunteer Committee to assist the City Forester and staff in responsibility for the garden at Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
P5-146 Maintain communication between Forest and Beach Commission and Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. (LUP)
P5-147 Recruit and train volunteers to plant, weed, water and care for the garden in Mission Trail Nature Preserve under the direction of the Forest, Parks and Beach Department staff. (LUP)
P5-148 Schedule and advertise volunteer workdays as needed to maintain the garden in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)
Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
Mission Trail Nature Preserve lies along much of the City's eastern boundary and is the largest ESHA in the City. It contains a wide variety of habitat types. To describe this area the Preserve is divided into four planning units: Martin Road Parcel, Park Proper, Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Outlet Meadow. The Preserve supports a vegetation mosaic consisting of Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock and oldest dunes, central coast arroyo willow riparian forest, wetland drainage, wet meadow, coast live oak woodland, coastal terrace prairie and horticultural plantings.
(LUP)
Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden supports Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock with horticultural plantings.
COMMENT:
• While there has recently been a flurry of maintenance activities at the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion and along the trails of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden remains in a state of benign neglect even though the Local Coastal Program mandates the maintenance of the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea (see REFERENCE). Moreover, while city employees are often seen along the Carmel Beach Bluff Pathway and Devendorf Park, they are rarely, if ever, seen in the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. And while the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society has a long history of working in the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, the City has not assumed a primary role in satisfactorily maintaining the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve for residents and visitors alike over many years.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Visit & Volunteer: Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
ABSTRACT: Welcome to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden adjacent to the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden brochure is transcribed, including the following sections; Lester Rowntree (1878-1978), The Garden, Be a Volunteeer/Donor and Directions to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. MORE INFORMATION, including information from the California Native Plant Society Monterey Bay Chapter and a hyperlink to the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Website, is provided.
Gate to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Clope-Up View of Gate
Birdbath Garden, Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
25800 Hatton Road
Carmel, California
Lester Rowntree 1879-1979
Gertrude Ellen Lester Rowntree, a long-time Carmel resident, was a renowned lecturer, naturalist, and gardener. She fell in love with the native plants when she immigrated to southern California from Penrith England in 1887 with her Quaker family, the Edward Lesters. Her extensive writings, field notes, and photographs are in the archives of the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and in the Bancroft Library in Berkeley. Her two books published in the 1930’s are classics.
Lester’s famous Carmel Highlands garden was a testing ground for the seeds and cuttings of natives that she collected throughout California. She traveled by burro and jalopy, hiking and camping. Her success in propagating and adapting these plants have made a tremendous impact on the cultivated garden.
Lester’s son Cedric, with his wife Harriette, carried on the Rowntree passion for preserving the environment. In 1980, after Lester’s death at the age of 100, the California Native Plant Society, using funds given in Lester’s honor, created this small native plant garden.
Harriette and Cedric were instrumental in the funding and maintenance of the Garden and Harriette was particularly active, keeping her loyal volunteers jumping.
The Garden
The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden was created to display for public enjoyment California native trees, shrubs, and plants that are adaptable to cultivated gardens. This garden enhances the natural beauty of the area while maintaining its quiet woodland character.
The gate on your left as your enter from Hatton Road was forged by John Hudson and designed by Annette Corcoran, one of our talented volunteers. The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club generously donated funds for this project. The dedication of the gate was held in 1992. As you pass through the gate, on your right is a small birdbath garden attracting chickadees, juncos, hummingbirds, and many other birds. Elsa Uppman Knoll, a renowned horticulturist and editor at Sunset magazine, volunteered her time and expertise to help create this special area.
Although just over an acre, this garden contains a great variety of California native plants. Mature trees and shrubs are the backbone, with annuals, perennials, bulbs and succulents displaying in spring and early summer. A special bulb garden brightens the paths towards the house. Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus are well represented with many species and cultivars. Over 100 informative plant labels are in place throughout the garden.
In any season visitors can enjoy beautiful vistas towards the Carmel Mission and Point Lobos. Numerous benches and easy walking trails add to the pleasure of this tranquil garden.
Be a Volunteer/Donor
The 1+ acre Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden belongs to the city of Carmel, and is supported by the City in many ways. The Garden is also one of the activities of the Monterey Chapter of California Native Plant Society. Volunteers do the planning and planting.
New volunteers are very important to our small group of native plant enthusiasts. If you have one day a month to work and learn about California natives we would like to welcome you.
Please call and get acquainted:
Gary Girard (831) 625-1098
Marge Adams (831) 624-3386
Directions to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Flanders House is to the southwest of the Garden. It was built by Paul Flanders in 1924, and it is now on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The City of Carmel purchased the house and adjoining 14+ acres in 1972. Part of this property is now the Native Plant Garden.
The Garden is open dawn to dusk everyday.
Come visit!
Mailing Address:
Native Plant Garden
P.O. Box 221033
Carmel, CA. 93922
(Source: Native Plant Garden Brochure, available at the Garden)
MORE INFORMATION:
California Native Plant Society
Monterey Bay Chapter
Rowntree Garden
"We are a small, dedicated group that has tended an acre plus of land from the City of Carmel as a demonstration garden for California native plants for 25 years. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the home of Connie Stroud, 26407 Carmelo Street, Carmel. Our group is always glad to have new members!"
Call Gary Girard at (831) 625-1098 with questions. Garden workdays on the Saturday following the monthly meeting at the garden.
The garden is located at 28500 Hatton Road, Carmel.
June-August Newsletter
Field Trips of the Monterey Bay Chapter of CNPS
Membership Information
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Website
Gate to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Clope-Up View of Gate
Birdbath Garden, Lester Rowntree Native Plant GardenLester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
25800 Hatton Road
Carmel, California
Lester Rowntree 1879-1979
Gertrude Ellen Lester Rowntree, a long-time Carmel resident, was a renowned lecturer, naturalist, and gardener. She fell in love with the native plants when she immigrated to southern California from Penrith England in 1887 with her Quaker family, the Edward Lesters. Her extensive writings, field notes, and photographs are in the archives of the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and in the Bancroft Library in Berkeley. Her two books published in the 1930’s are classics.
Lester’s famous Carmel Highlands garden was a testing ground for the seeds and cuttings of natives that she collected throughout California. She traveled by burro and jalopy, hiking and camping. Her success in propagating and adapting these plants have made a tremendous impact on the cultivated garden.
Lester’s son Cedric, with his wife Harriette, carried on the Rowntree passion for preserving the environment. In 1980, after Lester’s death at the age of 100, the California Native Plant Society, using funds given in Lester’s honor, created this small native plant garden.
Harriette and Cedric were instrumental in the funding and maintenance of the Garden and Harriette was particularly active, keeping her loyal volunteers jumping.
The Garden
The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden was created to display for public enjoyment California native trees, shrubs, and plants that are adaptable to cultivated gardens. This garden enhances the natural beauty of the area while maintaining its quiet woodland character.
The gate on your left as your enter from Hatton Road was forged by John Hudson and designed by Annette Corcoran, one of our talented volunteers. The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club generously donated funds for this project. The dedication of the gate was held in 1992. As you pass through the gate, on your right is a small birdbath garden attracting chickadees, juncos, hummingbirds, and many other birds. Elsa Uppman Knoll, a renowned horticulturist and editor at Sunset magazine, volunteered her time and expertise to help create this special area.
Although just over an acre, this garden contains a great variety of California native plants. Mature trees and shrubs are the backbone, with annuals, perennials, bulbs and succulents displaying in spring and early summer. A special bulb garden brightens the paths towards the house. Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus are well represented with many species and cultivars. Over 100 informative plant labels are in place throughout the garden.
In any season visitors can enjoy beautiful vistas towards the Carmel Mission and Point Lobos. Numerous benches and easy walking trails add to the pleasure of this tranquil garden.
Be a Volunteer/Donor
The 1+ acre Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden belongs to the city of Carmel, and is supported by the City in many ways. The Garden is also one of the activities of the Monterey Chapter of California Native Plant Society. Volunteers do the planning and planting.
New volunteers are very important to our small group of native plant enthusiasts. If you have one day a month to work and learn about California natives we would like to welcome you.
Please call and get acquainted:
Gary Girard (831) 625-1098
Marge Adams (831) 624-3386
Directions to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Flanders House is to the southwest of the Garden. It was built by Paul Flanders in 1924, and it is now on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The City of Carmel purchased the house and adjoining 14+ acres in 1972. Part of this property is now the Native Plant Garden.
The Garden is open dawn to dusk everyday.
Come visit!
Mailing Address:
Native Plant Garden
P.O. Box 221033
Carmel, CA. 93922
(Source: Native Plant Garden Brochure, available at the Garden)
MORE INFORMATION:
California Native Plant Society
Monterey Bay Chapter
Rowntree Garden
"We are a small, dedicated group that has tended an acre plus of land from the City of Carmel as a demonstration garden for California native plants for 25 years. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the home of Connie Stroud, 26407 Carmelo Street, Carmel. Our group is always glad to have new members!"
Call Gary Girard at (831) 625-1098 with questions. Garden workdays on the Saturday following the monthly meeting at the garden.
The garden is located at 28500 Hatton Road, Carmel.
June-August Newsletter
Field Trips of the Monterey Bay Chapter of CNPS
Membership Information
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Website
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