VA Birders,
Spring migration has begun and it won't be long before many birders in
Northern Virginia will be visiting Monticello Park again to see
warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other songbirds bath in the stream.
Last year on April 30, birders were alarmed to see city workers
beginning an invasive plant removal project at the very peak of
migration. Many expressed their concern to city politicians about the
timing of this program and potential erosion of the stream bank. Also,
some wanted to know whether there were plans to replace invasives with
native plants. The work was quickly halted, although it was said there
were plans to resume the work in the fall. That did not happen, and so
last week I wrote the Director of the city's Department of Recreation,
Parks, and Cultural Activities and asked if and when the city might be
planning to pick up where it left off. I received this reply from Aimee
Vosper, Landscape Architect Supervisor and I thought many of you would
be interested in her response.
At this time, we do not have any plans for removing invasives from
Monticello Park. With spring approaching fast, we are focusing on
various
planting initiatives around the City.
We will definitely keep everyone informed, and will go out to the
community
prior to any invasive removal plan is formulated.
