Weed Removal from Happy Hollow Trail Barriers

A viny and rank growth of weeds on barriers along the Happy Hollow recreational trail on the east side of Memorial Park, was somewhat removed by staff of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department at the end of October.

There were a some places where the crawly vines had completely covered the metal barriers, so city workers arrived to address the situation, following the end of the growing season. Much of the street-side vegetation was removed by the city of Omaha workers, with at least a primary portion of the metal barriers newly visible from the adjacent boulevard.

In some places the work was, however, done in quite a shabby manner. Numerous barren vines remained, sticking through the barriers in several places. Elsewhere, vines were not entirely removed as they could have been. After the city work, the creek side of the barriers still had numerous weedy growth still clinging to them. Some of the tree and shrub plantings put in places associated with creek channel changes, had many threads of vines threatening the free-growth of the foliage, which was paid for by Omaha residents.

Thankfully, some of the plants which sprouted and tried in their own manner along Happy Hollow Creek were not cleared. Especially the sunflowers, which are a nice bit of natural flora to enjoy, and which some birds also do appreciate.

Since the work done by paid employees was not complete, and thus not suitable, on Sunday afternoon, November 2^nd, my volunteer effort for a part of the afternoon was to remove more of the weedy vines. Special attention was given to where the unwanted plants were threatening the preferred plantings. During the time at the scene, many people went past along the trail, and they were mostly clueless about what was going on. At least one neighborhood resident, with a unique awareness, did stop and chat for a minute or two, and expressed her appreciation and verbal thanks for what was being done.

Next time this sort of weed-pulling may occur, the gloves worn need to provide better coverage for the wrists, to avoid unnecessary skin damage from the abrasive plant stalks. The red lines and a bit of more expressive vivid wounds were because the weeds were pulled from among the late-season grass, from off the planted trees and shrubs, and away from the barricades structures. Sometimes the yanking was easy, other times there was assistance needed, and that was done with small clippers — as borrowed — and appropriately pulled from the pocket to snip one or many vines. There is no resultant pain but only time will heal the multiple abrasions.

My effort was to done improve the setting along Happy Hollow Creek, which very few people make an effort to do. There is no way that suitable attention and maintenance will be done by City of Omaha workers, despite many requests asking them to give the trail some attention, and in a timely manner.

A pile of removed debris was left by a sign along the trailway. What happens with it may be seen in coming days? There was no change in its extent on Monday, mid-morning, though it shrank a few inches in height due to plant drying.

The work needed along this trail is still no not done. More weeds need to be removed. More preferred plants need some attentive care. One obvious thing ... the work will certainly not be done by City of Omaha workers!

There is an obvious need for further volunteer efforts. For example, it would have been nice if the parks officials had coordinated with work with the Dundee - Memorial Park Neighborhood Association. Volunteers could have helped remove the unwanted vegetation, including some tree trimming/removal of trash trees along the creekway and perhaps some a park cleanup.

During this outing, some tree limbs here and there along the sidewalks of Underwood Avenue were also appropriately trimmed, to provide the legally required eight feet of clearance for someone traversing the pedestrian right-of-way, whether while walking or bicycling. The small pieces of branches were also languishing along the way on Monday, November 3^rd.

Pile of weedy vines that were removed from a section of a barrier.

Omaha Parks Ignores Nebraska Weed Law

Officials of the Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Works department continue to ignore the growth and spreading of phragmites at Levi Carter Park. There are three primary growths in the park along the shore of Carter Lake. The worst growth is on the west side of the lake, and has been there for at least several years. The other two are of lesser size, and those on the east side seem to be a more recent occurrence.

There has been no known effort to eradicate these noxious weeds as required by a state of Nebraska law.

"Pursuant to the Noxious Weed Control Act, section 2-955, subsection 1(a), to every person who owns or controls land in Nebraska, that noxious weeds being grown, or growing on, such land shall be controlled at such frequency as to prevent establishment, provide eradication, or reduce further propagation or dissemination of such weeds."

In the autumn of 2012, this was discussed with a parks worker responsible for this, and although there seemed to be an indication something would be done, nothing was since the phragmites continue to thrive. During the past couple of years, it was also learned that these plants are the invasive species, not the native type.

A picture of each clump taken on April 18th, 2014.
There are additional places with a scattered growth of this species.

On the east side of Carter Lake, northeast of Bird Isle.

On the north side of Carter Lake, east of the buildings. Note the Western Osprey atop the tree snag.

On the north side of Carter Lake, along the drive.

Any effort to remove the phragmites should include consultation with a licensed spray applicator (to safeguard the lake waters) and a review of potential nesting activity since the nesting season is well underway at the Levi Carter Park environs.

The list of Nebraska noxious weeds is provided on a Nebraska Weed Association website, along with pictures.

Mayor Candidates Comment on Hiring Parks Director

Mayoral candidates for the City of Omaha have some obvious thoughts on hiring a new director for the Omaha Parks, Recreation and Public Property department.

Following the panel portion of the event, when the five candidates answered specific questions presented by a three-member panel, they visited with members of the crowd.

The opportunity was taken at ask how the candidate would select a new director for the Parks department.

Brad Ashford: was gone before he could be talked with.

Dave Nabity: "I am concerned with the way parks is being run now" he said. He would like to provide neighborhood associations funds to they can hire workers, rather than rely on government. The Parks department and neighborhood associations should work together as a partnership.

Jean Stothert: "I would hire a qualified and best person possible." Their having a vision for the parks and how to manage them was mentioned in particular. An evaluation should be done on what is needed for the parks, and then develop a plan for their revitalization. Public and private partnerships would be important, mentioning how this did not work so well at Elmwood Park.

Jim Suttle: He is looking to get a professional to lead the department, including someone with a suitable educational background and applicable experience.

Dan Welch: "We would have a conversation with the director and where to take the city," he said. We would do what we can to make it better.

Most of the candidates agreed that local residents have a better understanding of needs for their parks, and could be helpful in efficiently achieving neighborhood goals.

The City of Omaha has 224 parks, which encompass more than 10,000 acres.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the acting director, Brook Bench was recently placed in a new position within the department, becoming assistant to the director. This is a civil service job, and the person is not hired by the mayor.

The timing of this change, may be possibly be done to ensure Bench has a job if a new mayor is elected in May.

The public forum, "Midtown Matters: A Mayoral Candidates Panel" was held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 at the Field Club of Omaha. Candidates remained afterwards to answer questions. More than 150 people attended.