Walter’s Woods 2021 Summary
Walter’s Woods is a riparian habitat occupying land adjacent to a stream. Riparian habitats can absorb excess storm runoff, filter sediments and pollutants before they enter streams and groundwater and offer habitat for a diverse variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and other invertebrates.
In January, the Georgia Alabama Land Trust conducted an aerial inspection of the land. It noted that no changes had been made to the property other than the addition of plant identification signs. Neighbors contributed 35 volunteer hours to maintaining the green space this year. Volunteers began mowing the grass in mid-April and continued through late September. This year’s volunteers were Stan Rouse, Scott Godwin, Stephen Shull, Robyn Albritton, and Matthew Wann. Stan Rouse, Stephen Shull, Blake Whitson, Nancy Wilkes, and I also swept or blew the curb. On May 2, Karla Jennings and I planted two donated native shrubs: a beautyberry and an oakleaf hydrangea.
Around May 7, heavy rains and stormwater runoff caused part of the creek bank to fall in, including two small trees, a red cedar, and a hazel alder. The alder was washed downstream and began blocking the creek flow within a couple of weeks. RPG Trees removed it on June 30 (original estimate of $250, but the fee was waived). The red cedar has lodged along the creek bank, so the root ball isn’t impeding flow, but the trunk and branches of this tree need to be cut back.
On July 13, a large mulberry tree was uprooted due to heavy rains, hitting two other trees, blocking the path, and presenting a hazard to the community. RPG Trees cut up the tree and left the logs onsite to decay, costing $1000. We elected not to have the stump ground to save additional funds, but some very large roots remained exposed, making the path uneven. On September 8, Nancy Wilkes had a friend with a chainsaw remove the roots, and we were able to rake the path smooth again. After a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, the FHNA Block Party was held in Walters Woods on September 25 and was a huge success!
This past autumn saw significant progress in the continued removal of invasive plants from Walter’s Woods. Georgia Tech student volunteers worked on October 9, October 16, October 23, and November 13 for a combined total of 150 volunteer hours. As a result of their hard work, the creek bank is becoming visible and ground is being cleared for eventual planting of native shrubs, ferns, and groundcovers. I am very grateful to Dr. Teresa Snow for organizing this chance for her students to perform community service and earn extra credit. Several neighbors helped provide lunch, snacks, and drinks for the students: Kiki Abom, Brooke Doan, Lylia Lucio, Elaina Ouimet, Michele Ritan, and myself.
On October 31 the annual Halloween Caravan ended in Walter’s Woods with a small party.
On November 20 March Glenn installed our long-awaited new dog waste station. I think this event has been welcomed more than any other in the neighborhood!