More opportunities to volunteer
Contributed by John Yancey, TLIA Grounds
This is the first of a series of articles providing news and information from the TLIA Grounds Committee. We will be keeping you up to date on projects and programs involving our parks and open space. Additionally, look for useful information on the care of your trees, lawns, and botanicals found in our shared TLIA urban forest and parkland.
The new “Stewards of the Parks” program has been well received. The program was initiated to continue the great work of the Parks Committee in the form of stewardship. Many residents have stepped up to help monitor our parks and boat landings for safety and to keep these areas well maintained for years to come.
Although the majority of our parks now have stewards, we still need volunteers to cover the remainder of the parks and boat landings.
If you are interested in learning more about this program and becoming a park steward, please contact the TLIA Grounds Committee.
We are pleased to announce two projects planned for this spring and early summer involving the restoration of two of our parks. The Grounds Committee will be sponsoring three Tower Lakes residents as they work toward their Eagle rank in Boy Scouts. Stuart Todd Middleditch will be working to restore the landscape and plant native shoreline plants at the Gorden Lewis Park (Cypress Pond) and Stephen Yancey and Tate Fisher will be working on the restoration of the Lindy Lewis Park (the Gazebo).
Stephen will be removing invasive species and planting native shoreline plants on the slope while Tate will be working on restoring the Gazebo structure itself.
These young men will be contacting TLIA membership to ask for assistance on selected work days this spring and early summer. Please look for emails informing you of the specific dates. This is a great way to help out in the community and assist these Scouts in their quest to attain the highest Scouting rank while improving these beautiful park locations.
Boy Scout Eagle Projects Co-Op with TLIA Grounds
As soon as the weather breaks, two other grounds projects will be started and completed this spring.
The lake access ramp on the west side shoreline of North Lake Shore Dr will be installed to provide easy and safe access for commercial boats to launch. The west side path to the east/west bridge will be improved and the areas of erosion repaired for safer travel. Residents adjacent to these areas will be contacted as to start dates.
The TLIA Spring Volunteer Work Day will concentrate on the North Lake boat landing. The area will be cleared of invasive species and the shoreline restored. Check your email as to the specific date in April/May to be announced.
Also, abandoned boats at all our boat landings without TLIA tags will be removed. Please check your boats now to be sure they have current stickers.
The Grounds Committee is looking forward to providing the TLIA membership with valuable information concerning projects and volunteer opportunities in our community and useful outdoor information to protect our lake while keeping trees and grounds healthy.
Next month we will focus on early tree and lawn care. See you outside.