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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 05 12 EXEMPTION Other Handout MAY 12,1999 HANDOUT. Code Enforcement CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434 WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708-2799 Telephone (407) 327-1800 Fax (407)327-6695 Memorandum To: BOWS Committee From: Ray Jarrett Date: 01/13/99 Re: Green Plan 1999 The Green Plan is underway. I began my evaluation this past month focusing on our city parks. Please read through and let me know if any questions arise. The Green Plan will be re-evaluated every year. I am open to suggestions and encourage your input. If I have missed or left something out please let me know. Sincerely, Ray Jarrett " \ ' .\fo .. ., Sec. 5-4 Official green plan for public property. (a) Initial plan. The city forester under the guidance of the director of, community development ,shall develop an official Winter Springs Green Plan which provides to the city commission the following information: (1) Documentation on the current nature of the city forest consisting of parks, rights-of-way, easements and public facilities. Each area of concern will be assessed on their current nature based on the age of the trees and plants, canopy coverage, exotic and native species, and aesthetic value. Trees that have been planted by the city will be assessed as to their growth pattern as set forth by the Florida grades and standards for nurseries by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The following rating system will be used to assess the current nature of public lands: (1) Excellent- (4) Poor- Full canopy, no exotics, high diversity of species, healthy, and has high aesthetic value. Semi-full canopy, few to no exotics, many species of plants, good health and good aesthetic value. Some canopy, exotics present, little diversity of species, fair health, aesthetic value could be increased. No canopy, exotics present, little or no diversity of species, aesthetically unacceptable. (2) Good- (3) Fair- 1. Parks and recreation areas. A. Central Winds Park - 68 acres Central Winds Park is situated on the south side of Lake Jessup. The natural habitat is hydric to mesic and many native species thrive making up a hardwood or black hammock community. lllere are little or no exotic plants visible. Cypress (Ta:codillm distichium), Hickories (~ spp.), Sweetgums (Liallidambar stvraciflua), and Water oaks (OllerClls lIi$!fU) make up most of the canopy alongside the shoreline of Lake Jessup. Some evidence of poaching of cypress knees is visible. TIle entrance to the park and medians separating parking are lined with oaks (0. laurifolia. O. vil1!illiana) and Chinese elms (Ulmus varvillora) and they are in excellent condition. All trees planted in the park have maintained a Florida grade of I or better. The overall assessment of the park is excellent. B. Trotwood Park - 40 acres Trotwood Park is located in the eastern part of the Tuscawilla development. TIus is a large, multi-recreational facility. The northern side of the park, adjacent to Trotwood Boulevard, is lined with young, healthy oaks planted in the right-of-way. All are Florida grade I or better and will not reach their full canopy for many years. The southeast side of the park is a picnic area that is covered with a beautiful canopy of oaks and Sabal Palms. All seem to be in great health. About a dozen Sabal Palms and four young Bald Cypress (Ta:codium distichium) are also planted around the small retention pond on the north side and are in great health. TIle park is situated alongside a portion of Lake Tuscawilla where many native species of plants can be found. Evening and Weedy Primroses (Ludwi$!ia spp.), Elderberry (Sambllcus canadensis), Wax Myrtle (Alyrica cerifera) and Cattails (Tvpha spp.) are found growing near the water. TIle only pest pllmts present are the Cattails growing in Lake Tuscawilla. 'l1le remainder of the park is open soccer IInd baseball fields. One dying pine WIIS fOllnd on the rear field and was scheduled for removal. The overall assessment of the park is Good. . ' ." .. C. Bear Creek Nature Trail. - Y4 mile nature trail Bear Creek nature trail is located ofT of Winter Springs Boulevard in the Tuscawilla development community. The natural habitat is a mesic hardwood forest with a small creek flowing through. This trail supports a wide variety of native species. Hickories (Carm spp), Sweetgum (Liclllidambar stvracifllla), Cypress (Taxodium distichium), and Oaks (Ouercus spp.) make up most of the canopy. There are no signs of invasive plant material. In contrast, protected native orchids (Eoidelldrum callooseum) can be seen growing with ferns and bromeliads in the canopy. This piece of public property is intended to be left in its natural state and has an overall assessment of excellent. D. Sunshine Park - 10 acres Sunshine Park is a multi-{'ecreational facility found on North Edgemon. The Senior Citizen Center and Civic Center are located here. Along the entranceway there are some cedars (Jullioerus spp.) planted between the driveway and the baseball field. TIlese cedars do not seem to be doing very well and should be replaced in the next year or so. They are a Florida grade 2 and have not reached their full canopy. In between parking are some elms (Ulmus spp.) and one oak (Quercus spp.). These trees are fairly young and have not reached their full canopy. They are a Florida grade 2 or better and one is dead and will be replaced. Next to the Senior Center are an elm and a Sweetgum (LiQuidambar stvraciflua) that are young and doing very well. Behind the Senior Center is a wooded area that sits on a retention pond. This wooded area is natural occurring and has formed a healthy, complete canopy made'up of Sweetbay Magnolias (Mof!llolia vinrillialla), Cypress (T axodium distichium), Red Maple (Acerrubrum), Laurel Oaks (Quercus laurifolia), and some Bay trees (Per sea spp.) TIle only invasive plant material is some cattails (Tvpha spp.) growing at the water's edge of the retention pond. TIle overall assessment of the park is good. E. Moss Park - 1 acre Moss Park has a tennis and basketball court alongside a small creek at Dolphin and Moss Roads. A few Sweetgums ( LiQUidambar stvracifllla ) are located alongside the creek. TIlere are no other plants or trees within the park. Grass within the park is sparse and in need of fill dirt and sod. The overall assessment of the park is poor. Moss Park has been placed on a list as a projected site for tree plantings for 'Tree City USA' re-certification by the National Arbor Day Foundation. F. Ranchlands Park - 1 acre Ranchlands Park sets at the end of Hayes Road alongside a retention pond. The park is not heavily wooded and used to be a Turkey Oak (Ouercus laevis) scrub habitat. There are three young oaks (Ouercus spp.) planted in the park that are young and healthy. There is one elm (Ulmus spp.) that was planted and seems to have a disease and will be replaced. Alongside the borders of the park are several Slash Pines (Pill us elLiotii), Camphor trees (CilUlamomum camohora) and a few more Laurel Oaks (Quercus laurifolia). All of the trees are in good health. They have not reached maturity and have not filled out a complete canopy. The trees planted by public works have maintained a Florida grade I with the exception of the diseased elm. TIle overall a'isessment of the park is good. G. Sam Smith Park - 5 acres Sam Smith Park is located in the Tuscawilla development on Winter Springs Boulevard and was once a Sand Pine scrub habitat. The park has a nice full canopy made up of Sand Pines (Pill us clausa), Sweetbay Magnolias (Maf!llolia vindlliana), Sweetgums (Liallidambar stvraciflua) and a few Turkey Oaks (Quercus laevis). The understory is made up mostly of Saw Plamelto (Serelloa reoells), Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and Elderberry (Sambucus canadellsis). All of the trees and paInts are naturally occurring and are in excellent health. There are no signs of invasive plant material. The overall assessment of the park is excellent. H. Fruitwood Park - 1/2 acre ,Ii" Fruitwood Park is lacated at Panama Raad and Fruitwaad Avenue within a develaped canununity. 111is is a children's' park with twa swing sets alangside a retentian pond. TIlere are faur, yaung .oaks ( Ouercus spp. ) in excellent canditian. All faur trees have maintained a Flarida grade I .or better since their planting. Grass is healthy Bahia (PasDall/m notalum). There are na ather plants .or trees within the park. llle .overall assessment .of the park is fair. 2. Right-af-ways. A. Edgemon islands B. 434 medians State road 434 is currently being landscaped and will cantinue ta be as the roadway is being widened aver the next year .or sa. TIle landscaping portian .of state raad 434 is funded by a grant received from tlte Flarida Department .of Transportatian far their Highway Beautificatian Praject Native wildflawers alang willi Crape Myrtles (lAf!erstroemia spp.) can be seen daing extremely well in tlte median in front .of city hall. The .overall assessment on tlte completed portian .of tlte 434 medians is excellent C. Moss Rd medians D. Pearl Road medians These three medians are grass and Sabal palms and are samewhat unattractive. They have been place an a list as prajected tree planting sites far re-certificatian as a 'Tree City USA' cammunity by the Natianal Arbar Day Faundatian. E. Tuscawilla PUD I. Winter Springs Blvd II. Northern - South III. Northern - North 3. Easements. A. Stormwater and retention ponds 4. Public Facilities. A. Fire Station # 1 B. Fire Station #2 C. Police Station D. City Hall- E. Public Works 1. Water Plant - Northern Rd - This plant has been place an a list as a projected tree planting sites far re-certificatian as a 'Tree City USA' cammunity by the Natianal Arbar Day Faundatian. Trees will be planted in the right-af-way alang Narthern Raad. II. Water Reclamation Facility - Winter Springs Blvd. (2) Proposals for the care, preservation, replacement, and planting of new trees and plants on city land; To ensure quality landscape design and enhance the natural beauty of Winter Springs the following guideline provides for the care, preservation, and replacement of trees and foliage on public property. 1. Restricted plants. 2. Suggested trees and other foliage recommendations. 3. Replacement guidelines. 4. Care and Presen'ation. 1. Restricted plants. The following is a list of noxious weeds and invasive plants that have the highest priority as listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. The purpose of this list is to focus the attention on: A. The impacts exotic pest plants have on native biodiversity in Florida's ecosystem. B. The impact of exotic pest plants on the integrity of native plant community functions. C. Habitat loses due to exotic pest plant infestations. D. The need to prevent such loses by comprehensive management of exotic pests. These listed here have the highest priority because of their invasive impact on natural vegetation. The cultivation or landscape use of these plants are prohibited within the City of Winter Springs. A complete list of pest plants is available at (www.fleppc.org/97Iist.htm). INVASIVE I PEST PLANT LIST Common Genus Soecies Notes TREES/SHRUBS Australian Pine Melaleuca Casurina all sPP. All species are on the list. Schinus terebinthifolius Invasive ornamental, member of Poison Ivy family. Melia azederach Sapium sebiferum Highly invasive. Melaleuca auinauinervia Central Florida is northern range. Mimosa piqra Brazilian pepper Chinaberry Chinese Tallow Catclaw Mimosa SHRUBS/SMALL PLANTS Elephant Ear (sm) Xanthosoma saaittifolium Clogs drainage ditches VINES / llANAS Air Potato Dioscorea bu/bifera Covers entire canopy killing trees. CoralVine Antiaonon /eotoous AQUATIC PLANTS Water hyacinth Eichhomia crassioes Clogs waterways Hydrilla Hvdril/a verticil/ata Water Spinach /oomoea aauatica Alligator weed A/temanthera ohi/oxeroides Highly invasive, clogging waterways. 2.Suggested trees and other foliage recommendations. The following is a list of recommended trees and plants that are to be used in plantings on public property. Others may be used with approval of the City Forester. ACCEPTABLE NATIVE I COMMON TREES Common Genus Species Notes Chapman Oak Q. chaomanii E Laurel Oak Q. laurifolia E Live Oak Quercus virqiniana E Myrtle Oak Q. mvrtifolia E ScrubOak Q. aeminafa E Turkey Oak ~ laevis 0 Water Oak Q. niara E Willow Oak ~ ohellos 0 Shumard (red) Q. shumardii 0 Longleaf pine P. oalusfris E Pond pine P. serafina E Sand Pine P. cia usa E Slash pine Pinus elliottii E Loblolly Pine P. taeda E Red Maple Acer rub rum 0 Sweet Gum Uauidambar styraciflua 0 Loblolly Bay Gordonia lasianthus E, Showy white flowers Yellow poplar (Tulip Tree) Uriodendron tulipifera Southern Magnolia Maanolia arandiflora E Sweetbay Magnolia M. virainiana E Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum deciduous Pond Cypress T. ascendens deciduous Pignut Hickory Carva alabra Water Hickory Carva aauatica Red Bay Persea borbonia Swamp Bay P. palustris Sycamore Platanus occidentalis deciduous Cherry laurel Prunus caroliniana Loquat, (Japanese Plum) Eriobotrva iaponica E American Elm Ulmus amencana 0 Chinese Elm (Drake) Ulmus parvif/ora 0 Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 0 Water Ash F. caroliniana 0 Hercules Club (roothacheTree) Zanthoxylum clava-herculis 0 Elderberry Sambucus canadensis E Oevil's Waliking Stick Aralia soinosa 0, Araliaceae (ginseng family) Persimmon Diosovros virainiana 0 Ironwood, Blue or waler beech Carpinus caroliniana 0, wet habitat Flowering Dogwood Comus f/orida 0, showy white flowers Swamp Black Gum Nyssa svlvatica vBrfforidBnB o I wet areas Florida Elm Ulmus americanavar noridana Dahoon Holly /lex cassine E, wet areas Southern Red Cedar Junioerus virgin ia navar slicicola E ACCEPTABLE SHRUBS Salt Myrtle Baccharis halimifolia American Beautyberry Callicama americana Inkberry, Galberry /lex ala bra Rusty Lyonia Lvonia ferruainea Shiny Lyonia L. lucida Wild Olive Osmanthus americana Elderberry Sambucus amencana Saw Palmetto Serenoa reoens Adam's Needle, BearGrass Yucca filamentosa Azalea Rhododendron ~ Boxwood, Japanese Buxus microohv/la Crape Myrtrle Laaerstroemia indica American Holly /lex ooaca Yaupon Holly L. vomitoria Juniper Junioerus WL Saw Palmeto Serenoa reoens Photinia, Red-tip Ph o tin ia q/abra Photinia, Red-leaf P. (raserii Pittosporum Pitlosoorum tobira ., Podocarpus, Nagi Podocarous naai Podocarpus, Yew P. macrophvllus Privet, Chinese Liaustrum sinense Privet, Florida Forestiera seareaata Privet, Japanese Liaustrum iaponicum Silverthorn Elaeaanus punaens Viburnum, Sandanka Viburnum suspensum Viburnum, Sweet V. odoratissimum Wax Myrtle Mvrica cerifera Indian hawthorn Rapheolepis indica ACCEPTABLE ORNAMENTALS Aspargus Fern Asparaaus densiflorus Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior Coontie Zamia pumila Threatened native, beautiful foliage plant Crinum Lilly Crinum a siaticum Crown of Thorns Euphorbia milli Day Lily Hemerocallis ~ Garlic, Society Tulbaahia violacea Jasmine, Confederate Trachelospermum iasminoides Jasmine, small -leaf Trachelosoermum asiaticum Lily Turf (creeping) Liriope spicata Liriope Liriooe muscari Mondo Grass Ophioooqon iaoonicus Palm, Sago Cycas ~ , . Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana Sunflower, Beach Helianthus debilis ACCEPTABLE GRASSES Bahia Pasoalum notatum Bermuda Cynodon dactYlon Centipede Eremochloa oohiuroides St Augustine Stenotaohrum secundatum Zoysia Zoysia mm.:. 3. Replacement Guidelines. The city arborist and the public works administration, on an individual case basis, will assess replacement of foliage on public property. Guidance from the BOWS committee (Beautification of Winter Springs) and the city commission board hearings will aid in the design and budget allocation. A work plan is submitted each year to the National Arbor Day Foundation for re-certification for the 'Tree City USA' award. This work plan outlines public properties that are in need of new or replacement trees. This yearly work plan and other properties of interest will become priority projects for reforestation of public property. These properties will then be re-evaluated the following year as outlined in the Green Plan, city code Sec.5-4 (1). 4. Care and Presen1ation. Routine care, maintenance, and preservation will be carried out by the city arborist and public works administration on an individual case basis based on the species of plant and habitat. Close care will be carried out as given in Your Florida Landscape: A Complete Guide to Planting and Maintenance and other publications printed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The city forester and selected public works staffwill also participate in continuing education opportunities, when available. (3) Projected budgetary data for at least the subsequent five- (5) years. ~~~-L~n~3~apc~?13~t3 ior ~ubtFoQic~l Cliillates- 3.D8~J3n S24.95 ~~I;.,~- tloArF1uoJ. \nl,1f~0\1i'2r.3 .J.n.ta.f.!1fc Natural Communiti:.;,_oo,r ?aylor $24.95 o -,6J NN 1997-98 Nallve Plant & Service Ulrec ory ~ ~ ... Eml Florida Oriented Titles lED OYER 200 Titles of Rare and Unusual Books! New, Used and Out-of.:Print; Many of Which Are NOT AVAILABLE at LG\cal Bookstores. 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S& H 53.00 for I 5t book + 51.00 e:lch addition:l!. 24-Hour Message Make checks MIKE MINGEA payable to: ! INVASION They are guiet, patient, deadl}!, and insatiable. Alien weeds are stealing our land and killing our native plants. BY S T EVE M IRS K Y 700 million acres of public land are seriously infested." In 1985 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) did a sur- vey of public lands in western states and found aliens on about 2.5 million acres. In 1995 that amount had increased to 8 million acres. Fortunately, some folks in Washing- ton, D.C., occupied themselves with activities other than making Al Gore president before 2001. This past Febru- ary President Clinton signed an execu- tive order that commits the United States to fighting the scourge of invad- ing species, both animals and plants. The order sets in motion federal efforts to intercept fresh troops of invaders at the border and to snuff out any infestations that are already here. Visit the Alien Plant Working Group's web site to learn more <www.nps.gov/plants/alien/>. Being aware of nonnative species can make anyone an eeo-hero: If you spot an outbreak, snip a cutting and call the cooperative-extension service of your county, the weed specialist of your state's department of agriculture, or Westbrooks (910-648-6762). On the following pages are in- depth looks at a few of the worst offenders among alien weeds. Think of them as MOST WANTED posters. I. j; 'I I I ! T HEY'RE OUT THERE. They have traveled far to do their damage. Some are quite beautiful, which only adds to their threat. Preposterous though it may be to think of plants as a pestilence, several hundred species truly are. These interlopers have already swept through millions of acres across the United States. Fortunately, we're fighting back. Often simply called weeds, invasive plants are destructive species alien to an area. Aliens serve as staples of science fiction, and one movie's vegetative invading force comes. to mind when thinking of true alien plants: the plant-people of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, who grow in pods and wipe out the human population. In the real-life incursion now under way, the invaders snatch land. Finally free of whatever ate them back in the old country, these killer plants reduce biodiversity, destroy wetlands and streams, and decrease forage for animals. In other words, they're bad. Historically, alien plants have invaded in various and devious ways. Some showed up in grain shipments or ship ballast. Others were purposefully brought here to prettify lawns or to control erosion. Between 3,500 and 4,000 species have made themselves at home; of these, at least 400 are considered truly dangerous. In fact, alien plants threaten two-thirds of all endangered native plants. Animals that depend on specific plants for food and shelter suffer, too. Last year the extent of the damage led Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to call the spread "an explosion in slow motion." He summed up the problem thus: "The invasion of noxious alien species wreaks a level of havoc on America's envi- ronment and economy that is matched only by the damage caused by floods, earthquakes, mud slides, hurricanes, and wildfire." Randy "Weeds Have Been My Life For 20 Years" Westbrooks, the invasive-plant specialist who serves as a liaison between the U.S. depart- ments of Agriculture and the Interior, believes that "about 5 percent of the ILLUSTRATIONS BY JASON HOLLEY May-June 1999 AUDUBON 71 1. Brazilian Pepper Once sold as a landscape ornamental, it now infests more than 700,000 acres in central and south Florida. 2. Australian Melaleuca Tree Introduced to south Florida in 1906 and planted as windbreaks, it has invaded 1.5 million acres and is taking over an additional 50 acres every day. It produces little of use to wildlife. 3. Skunk Vine A pernicious, pesky, smelly plant now in 18 counties. It smothers underbrush and strangles trees. 4. Tropical Soda Apple Covers 500,000 acres of Florida pastures, roadsides, ditchbanks, cultivated and natural areas. 5. Cogon Grass Found in sandhills, f1atwoods, grass- lands, swamps and river margins throughout the state. Its rough edges will slice the skin. Cogon grass produces chemicals that inhibit growth of other plants. 6. Australian Pine Grows in pinelands, sandy shores and dunes, where its dense shade and chemicals from leaf litter displace native vegetation. Sea turtles become entangled and trapped in the trees' exposed roots. 7. Water Hyacinth and Hydrilla Hydrilla has invaded about 40 percent of the state's rivers and lakes. DEP estimates it will spend $100 million in a decade to control hydrilla and water hyacinths. 8. Chinese Tallow Sometimes called the popcorn tree, it first arrived in Florida in the late 1700s, Ben Franklin was a fan. It thrives in undisturbed areas such as canopy forests, bottomland hardwood forests, lake shores and floating islands. 9. Air Potato Climbs high into tree canopies and engulfs surrounding vegetation. 10. Kudzu Introduced in Florida in the 1920s, it can grow 60 feet annually. It infests 7 million acres throughout the southeast- ern United States. Kudzu forms a dense thicket of little use to wildlife and crowds out other plants, disrupting the ecosystem. !llIstraliall pillcs. f ~ j i I 2. I [ "0 I g -- Cogoll grass (.1'11011'11 left o.f lI'ater). M<Jy-Junc IY9Y I FLORIDA WILDLIFE 7 , ... Grcenplan 1999 Sec. 5-4 Official green plan for public property. (a) Initial plan. The city forester under the guidance of the director of, community development ,shall develop an official Winter Springs Green Plan which provides to the city commission the following information: Each area of concern will be assessed on their current nature based on the age of the trees and plants, canopy coverage, exotic and native species, and aesthetic value. Trees that have been planted by the city will be assessed as to their growth pattern as set forth by the Florida grades and standards for nurseries by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The following rating system will be used to assess the current nature of public lands: (1) Excellent - Full canopy, no exotics, high diversity of species, healthy, and has high aesthetic value. (2) Good - Semi-full canopy, few to no exotics, many species of plants, good health and good aesthetic value. (3) Fair - Some canopy, exotics present, little diversity of species, fair health, aesthetic value could be increased. (4) Poor - No canopy, exotics present, little or no diversity of species, aesthetically unacceptable. 1. Rq!i!f~q!t.4;t~€r4q!,q,~:qr~q;~J A. Central Winds Park - 68 acres Central Winds Park is situated on the south side of Lake Jessup. TIle natural habitat is hydric to mesic and many native species thrive making up a hardwood or black hammock community. There are little or no exotic plants visible. Cypress (Taxodium distichillm), Hickories (~ spp.), Sweetgums (Liauidambar stvraciflua), and Water oaks (Ollercus lIiJ?lU) make up most of the canopy alongside the shoreline of Lake Jessup. Some evidence of poaching of cypress knees is visible. The entrance to the park and medians sepamting parking are lined with oaks (O./aurifolia. O. viIYilIialIa) and Chinese elms (U/mlls pan/iflora) and they are in excellent condition. All trees planted in the park have maintained a Florida grade of 1 or better. TIle overall assessment of the park is excellent. B. Trotwood Park - 40 acres Trotwood Park is located in the eastern part of the Tuscawilla development. Tllis is a large, multi-recreational facility. The northern side of the park, adjacent to Trotwood Boulevard, is lined with young, healthy oaks planted in the right-of-way. All are Florida grade 1 or better and will not reach their full canopy for many years. 11le southeast side of the park is a picnic area that is covered WiUl a beautiful canopy of oaks and Sabal Palms. All seem to be in great health. About a dozen Sabal Palms and four young Bald Cypress (Taxodium dislichillm) are also planted around the small retention pond on the north side and are in great health. TIle park is situated alongside a portion of Lake Tuscawilla where many native species ofpl1Ults can be found. Evening and Weedy Primroses (Llldwi$!ia spp.), Elderberry (Sambucus calladellsis), Wax Myrtle (Mvrica cerifera) and Cattails (Tvpha spp.) are found growing near the water. 11le only pest plants present arc the Cattails growing in Lake Tuscawilla. The remainder of the grccnplanl999.doc 02/1 0/99 5: IJ PM ~ Greenplan 1999 park is open soccer and baseball fields. One dying pine was found on the rear field and was schcduled for removal. The overall assessment of the park is Good. C. Bear Creek Nature Trail. - Y4 mile nature trail Bear Creek nature trail is located off of Winter Springs Boulevard in the Tuscawilla development conununity. The natural habitat is a mesic hardwood forest with a small creek flowing through. This trail supports a wide variety of native species. Hickories (~spp), Sweetgum (LiQuidambar stvraci([ua), Cypress (Taxodium distichium), and Oaks (Ouercus spp.) make up most of the canopy. There are no signs of invasive plant material. In contrast, protected native orchids (Epidendrom canopseum) can be seen growing with ferns and bromeliads in the canopy. This piece of public property is intended to be left in its natural state and has an overall assessment of excellent. D. Sunshine Park - 10 acres Sunshine Park is a multi-recreational facility found on North Edgemon. The Senior Citizen Center and Civic Center are located here. Along the entranceway there are some cedars (Jrllliperos spp.) planted between the driveway and the baseball field. These cedars do not seem to be doing very well and should be replaced in the next year or so. TIley are a Florida grade 2 and have not reached their full canopy. In between parking are some elms (Ulmus spp.) and one oak (Ouercus spp.). These trees are fairly young and have not reached their full canopy. They are a Florida grade 2 or better and one is dead and will be replaced. Next to the Senior Center are an elm and a Sweetgum (LiQuidambar stvraciflua) that are young and doing very well. Behind the Senior Center is a wooded area that sits on a retention pond. TIus wooded area is natural occurring and has formed a healthy, complete canopy made up of Sweetbay Magnolias (Mal!nolia virstiniana), Cypress (Taxodium disticlrium), Red Maple (Acer robnmr), Laurel Oaks (Quercus laurifolia), and some Bay trees (Persea spp.) TIle only invasive plant material is some cattails (Tvpha spp.) growing at the water's edge of the retention pond. The overall assessment ofthe park is good. E. Moss Park - 1 acre Moss Park has a tennis and basketball court alongside a small creek at Dolplun and Moss Roads. A few Sweetgums ( LiQuidambar stvraci([ua ) are located alongside the creek. TIlere are no other plants or trees within the park. Grass within the park is sparse and in need of fill dirt and sod. The overall assessment of the park is poor. Moss Park has been placed on a list as a projected site for tree plantings for 'Tree City USA' re-certification by the National Arbor Day Foundation. F. Ranchlands Park - 1 acre Ranchlands Park sets at the end of Hayes Road alongside a retention pond. TIle park is not heavily wooded and used to be a Turkey Oak (Ouercus /aevis) scrub habitat. There are three young oaks (Ouercus spp.) planted in the park that are young and healthy. TIlere is one elm (Ulmus spp.) that was planted and seems to have a disease and will be replaced. Alongside the borders of the park are several Slash Pines (Pinus el/iotii), Camphor trees (Cillllamomrlnr camphara) and a few more Laurel Oaks (Quercus laurifolia). All of the trees are in good health. They have not reached maturity and have not filled out a complete canopy. TIle trees planted by public works have maintained a Florida grade I with the exception of the diseased elm. TIle overall assessment of the park is good. G. Sam Smith Park - 5 acres Sam Smith Park is located in the Tuscawilla development on Winter Springs Boulevard and was once a Sand Pine scrub habitat. llle park has a nice full canopy made up of Sand Pines (Pill us dausa), Sweetbay Magnolias (Mal!IIolia virl!illialla), Sweetgums (Liauidambar stvraci([ua) and a few Turkey Oaks (Quercus laevis). 'l1le lUlderstory is made up mostly of Saw Plametto (Serelloa repens), Wa'{ Myrtle (AIl'rica celifera), and Elderberry (Sambucus calladellsis). All of the trees and paints arc naturally occurring and arc in excellent health. There arc no signs of invasive plant material. '111e overall assessment of the park is excellent. 2 grccnplan 1999 .doc 02/ 10/99 5:13 PM Grccnplan 1999 H. Fruitwood Park - Ih acre Fruitwood Park is located at Panama Road and Fruitwood A venue within a developed community. This is a children's' park with two swing sets alongside a retention pond. There are four, young oaks ( Ouerclls spp. ) in excellent condition. All four trees have maintained a Florida grade I or better since their planting. Grass is healthy Bahia (Pasoall/m lIotatl/m). There are no other plants or trees within the park. TIle overall assessment of the park is fair. ................................... 2. mgytwJ%#y~. A. Edgemon islands B. 434 medians State road 434 is currently being landscaped and will continue as the roadway is being widened over the next year or so. The landscaping portion of state road 434 is funded by a grant received from the Florida Department of Transportation for their Highway Beautification Project. Native wildflowers along with Crape Myrtles (Laf!erstroemia spp.) can be seen doing extremely well in the median in front of city hall. The overall assessment on the completed portion of the 434 medians is excellent. C. Moss Rd medians D. Pearl Road medians These three medians are grass and Sabal palms and are somewhat unattractive. They have been place on a list as projected tree planting sites for re-certification as a 'Tree City USA' conuuunity by the National Arbor Day Foundation. E. Tuscawilla PUD An independent landscape company that has done an exceptional job of proper pruning and maintenance of the trees maintains the majority of Tuscawilla development. They currently maintain the rights-of-way on each side of Winter Springs Boulevard and Northem Drives with the exception of the center island medians on Winter Springs Boulevard. Several species of oaks, pines and other landscape plants are used throughout the development. The trees are in excellent condition and receive lots of attention. There are a few Slash Pines (Pill us elliotii) that should be replaced over the next few years and replaced with trees that have better stability and not prone to damage from weather and insects. TIle overall assessment of the trees in the rights-of-way is excellent. 1. Winter Springs Blvd and Northern Way Winter Springs Boulevard runs through the center of the Tuscawilla development from Tuscawilla Road to SR 426. Landscaped island medians divide Winter Springs Boulevard along its entire length tllrough Winter Springs. Several different species are used along the length. 11lese include Laurel Oaks (Ol/ercl/s lal/ri(olia), Chinese Elms (Ulml/s pan'iflora), Crape Myrtles (Laf!erstroeminia sp.), Slash Pines (Pill us elliotii), Dogwoods (Comus spp.)... Some of the slash pines are not doing well. This is either due to quality of the reclaim water system or a vitamin deficiency. They are yellowing and showing poor growth fomls with brittle branches. '!llese pines are now slowly being replaced with more adaptable tree species such as East Palatka Holly (flex sp.), Laurel Oaks (Ouercl/s lal/ri(olia), Red Maples (Acer I1Ibl1llll) and oUler indigenous hardwood species. Over the ne:-.1 year or so, all of the pines in the medians along Winter Springs Boulevard will be removed and replaced. 3 grccnplan 1999.doc 02/1 0/99 5: 13 PM Grccnplan 1999 3 . git~liqlq<<,t(n~~. A. Fire Station #1 Fire station # I is located ofT of Moss A venue. TIlere is quite a di versity of trees planted here. In the front of the station are Sand pines (PiIlIlS dallsa), Longleafpines (Pill us 1X11ustris), Sweetbay Magnolias (Mafllloilia virflillialla), Sweetgums (Lilluidambar stvmcilll/a) and one Red Maple (Acer I1lbrom). Most are naturally occuring except for the pines which look as if they were planted several years ago. All are healthy and doing well. TIlere are no pest plants visible. TIle overall assessment of this fire station is excellent. - B. Fire Station #2 Fire Station #2 is located ofT of Northem Way near Trotwood Park. TIlere are only three oaks planted in the rear of the station. They are all grade I or better and in excellent condition. TIlere is plenty of room to add additional trees to the landscaping. The overall assessment is good. C. Police Station D. City Hall There is quite a diversity of trees growing at City Hall. TIlere are about twenty Laurel Oaks (Quercus laurifolia), four Live Odks (Quercus virginiana), seven Pond Pines (Pimls serotil/a), two Sabal Palms, two Crape myrtles (LaJ!.estroemia spp.), three Sand Pines (Pin/IS dal/sa), and one Camphor Tree (Camohora cillllamomllm). Most are in good health. There are a few Laurel Oaks in the front that have taken on unusual growth forms. Some have co-dominant leader trunks. There are three Laurel Oaks that appear to be exfoliating their leaves. A sign of poor health. These trees should have a full evergreen canopy. They will be watched carefully and possibly replaced. In the vacant area in front of City Hall is two Pond Pines that are multi trunk and may grow become a hazard. Multi trunk pines are especially prone to splitting in storms and falling. These trees will be carefully monitored and eventually replaced. The rest of the tree canopy at city hall is very healthy. Behind City Hall is a vacant area between the high school. This area is naturally occwring consisting mostly of Laurel Oak and Live Oaks. Several of them have some Mistletoe (Lellcocarvum spp.) and should be cleaned up. TIle overall assessment of City Hall is good. E. Public Works 1. Water Plant - Northern Rd - This plant ha~ been place on a list as a projected tree planting sites for re-certification as a 'Tree City USA' community by tile National Arbor Day Foundation. Trees will be planted in the right-of-way along Northern Road. II. Water Reclamation Facility - Winter Springs Blvd __ m. Public Works Base & Yard - The base and yard are located behind Fire Station # I ofT of Moss Road. There are some Red Maples (Acer robnml) growing out front that have co-dominant and multiple tnUlks that appear to have established on their own. There is also a Live Oak and several Laurel Oaks planted around the perimeter ofthc yard in thc right-of-way. All are in excellent health with tl1e exccption of the multi-trunk maple. Tlus condition usually leads to trunk rot and splitting in latcr ycars. 4 grccllplall1999.doc 02/1 0/99 5: 13 PM