Frink Park Site 2
Landscape Rehabilitation

A Project by UW's EHUF 482
(Field Practicum in Plant Selection and Management) Students, Spring, 2002

This quarter we are working at Frink Park, on a site designated Frink #2 by the fall quarter EHUF 480 students, who created this design plan. This project site is adjacent to S King St., between 31st Ave. S and 32nd Ave S., and bordered by a gravel path and an open meadow area. The site slopes down towards King St. When we began, the slope was covered with a variety of invasive species, including English ivy (Hedera helix), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), and several legumes. There were also a few native species, including snowberry (Symphoricarpos alba), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor). Large trees, some in decline, are scattered throughout the site; several hazardous trees will be removed for safety reasons. The soil here is sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture, somewhat compacted, and fairly well drained. The mostly deciduous canopy allows for moderate light infiltration throughout the year.

The goal of the management plan is to restore native character to the site, encouraging natural succession. Accordingly, the plan calls for removing the invasive species, hazardous trees, and a few ornamental species. Doing so will open up the site, allowing more light in and increasing safety by providing neighbors with a clear view into the park. A variety of native species were installed to increase plant diversity and provide food and habitat for wildlife. We replanted and mulched the site, working to stabilize the slope and minimize erosion. In addition, we worked to make the area a more obvious and inviting entrance to the park.

Below are pictures from our weekly work parties. Click on any picture to see a larger version (all open in a new window).

The site prior to rehabilitation

The original design scheme for the site (note that it was modified to reflect plant availability)

Eroding soil and a sinking curb, problems which we worked to alleviate

Hazardous trees marked for removal

Evidence of the rot and fungi that were killing these hazardous trees

A snag left in place to provide habitat

Clearing invasive shrubs from the site

Stacks of weeds awaiting composting

Clearing ivy from the site

Cutting stumps of removed shrubs to the ground; the roots will be left to hold the soil in place

Our progress after 4 work parties

Discussing our progress and planning the next steps

Terracing the hillside to stabilize the slope and limit erosion

Using woody debris to edge a gravel path and keep mulch off the path

Placing jute along the steepest part of the slope to help hold soil in place

Burning and ripping out turf to kill it before mulching the area

Loading mulch for a trip down the slope

Running the mulch down the slope and dumping it in place

Spreading the mulch into a 6-8" deep layer, then surveying the results

Aerial views of the freshly mulched site

Kuma, our canine helper

Newly placed plants, ready to be installed

Digging holes to install the new plants

Removing potting soil prior to installation, which will reduce
soil interface problems and enhance plant establishment

Installing new plants

Watering the plants in to help them establish

A few of the newly installed plants

A sign notifying visitors of the new plants

Views of the freshly completed installation

The site in fall 2002

The students and volunteers who worked on this project
Front row (left-to-right): Martin, Joel, and Manju
Middle row (l-to-r): Joshua, Angie, Rodney, Scott, Morea, and Erin
Back row (l-to-r): Patrick, Linda, and Doug

Acknowledgments

A big thank you to the following individuals and organizations for your assistance with our project.

• Manju Sharma, for being an awesome and hard-working volunteer
• Friends of Frink Park, for all the work, especially ivy removal, you've done at the site
• Patrick Boland, for your generous hospitality and for helping at all our weekly work parties
• Starflower Foundation, for donation of plant materials from
  • Storm Lake Growers
  • Sound Native Plants
  • Judd Creek Nursery
• Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, for donation of mulch and removal of hazard trees
• John Hushagen, Seattle Tree Preservation, for donation of mulch
• Mitchell Almaguer-Bay, for your assistance with plant installation
• Jessica Christensen, for your assistance with plant installation