Stage 1: Planning (May, 2006)

We'll be sharing our sketches, photos, local sources for native plants, species list, and worksheets as we progress. As the photo shows, we're starting with a lawn with an abandoned flowerbed in the center behind the forestry office. ---Ash

Before shot: lawn and an abandoned flowerbed

Planning stage:

1. Project Proposal to John Warner, W.G. Jones State Forest Manager, and Teri MacArthur, president of Heartwood Chapter Texas Master Naturalist Program. Done June 7. Waiting for their approval.
   

   Our volunteer proposal is to create an outdoor classroom for citizen scientists, artists, photographers, naturalists, gardeners, and ecological demonstrations by installing mini-gardens that evolve into the JF Habitat Garden.
   
   We will generate a sketch of the overall dream garden with the idea for a new section to be added each year. The first mini-garden installation will be a butterfly garden. The results of a butterfly garden are obvious and easy to measure the results; it would have immense community appeal; and Kathleen has experience with her own butterfly garden. Locating it behind the Forestry Office, where the bird bath now stands, makes it highly visible and easy to maintain.
   
   This blog will be maintained to record progress, setbacks, species list, and any other significant data.
   
   

2. Layout sketch of our future dream garden for planning purposes and for motivating volunteers and supporters.
   

   Rough drawing is done. Ash is formatting it for online viewing.

   
   
3. Prepare a Materials Checklist which can be copied and used when starting each new section.
   
   What do we need, based on our space and what we want to attract? Path; structural elements, such as edging; soil conditioners; reliable water source; signing for directing visitors, donor recognition, and plant/species identification; and native plants for varied food sources, resting, escape, breeding, raising young;.
   
   Define how we will get each item on the materials list? Improvise with found object, ask a specific donor, or implement a fund raising program.
   
   
   
4. Prepare a Calendar when beginning each new section.
   
   Plan the timing of announcements and backyard habitat talks to motivate community volunteers and Heartwood Chapter-Texas Master Naturalist volunteers.
   
   
   
5. Meet on the proposed site and assess physical features such as basic soil, water and light. Create a simple sketch of the area showing position of current structures, plants, and trees; any underground utilities to avoid; sun/shade conditions; soil condition; natural slopes, high areas, and boggy areas.
   
   

   Scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2006
   Do an overall assessment; plus, mini-garden #1 in detail.
   
   Mini-garden #1: butterfly habitat in the abandoned flowerbed
   Scheduled completion date: April 2007