Hi neighbors!

So at the last CPNO meeting where I formally introduced myself to the membership as the new Envinromental Officer, I said that I was looking for feedback from all neighbors on their environmental ideas to better the best neighborhood in Atlanta.  Sure enough, one Lauren Standish wrote me the next day about something I noticed all the time, but never thought shouldn't be there.

You see, as the area along the Candler Park Brook is so large, invasive plants such as privet and Bradford Pear are taking over and beginning to dominate the view, particularly over by the rock formations by the playground.

So neighbors, read what Lauren has to say about the situation:

Calling all Candler Park Brook enthusiasts! The de-channelization of Candler Brook completed in 2009 has given us all chances to watch various natural ecosystems nurture and develop.  At the time of the installation a variety of native and semi-native plant material were installed giving wildlife several benefits to enrich their habitat and provided stream bank stabilization.  Since then, privet, Bradford Pear and other noxious invasive plants have become present (this is not uncommon for such a large area to  maintain). Once established, these invasive type of plants will take hold quickly and over-populate the native plant material. 

To preserve our open space a small volunteer committee is needed to help remove such plants.  A task force will be forming within the next month and welcome your hard work, tools and muscle!   Please contact Lauren Standish <lstandish@hgor.com> or CPNO Environmental Chair Eric Rubenstein <environment@candlerpark.org> for further information.

I wrote the city's Department of Parks Design about this idea, and this is what they said: 

"Any assistance is appreciated.... We also have to be careful since the new brook and beaver pond would be considered a state water and subject to the restrictions of the 25’ state buffer.  That doesn’t mean that the invasive removal can’t take place, it’s just that we have to be sensitive – hand work only, not leave any bare soil where erosion can take place etc. " 

I will be bringing this topic up at the next board meeting, on March 11 and encourage discussion at our next CPNO meeting, March 18.  By all means, write me or Lauren to find out more. Thanks all!

Eric Rubenstein

CPNO Environmental Officer 2013