Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2020 05 13

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 In April, the Open Space Biodiversity Database surpassed 500 species and 2000 records. Staff added new database functions to improve data accessibility and facilitate the production of property-specific reports.  Staff is collaborating with the City’s GIS contractors to produce a mobile app that will allow for accurate and efficient digital mapping of weed infestations. The app, currently in beta testing, will be deployed in the field this summer.  Staff is working with a volunteer student at Front Range Community College on a GIS project through the college’s GeoEx program. The student has been digitizing hand-drawn maps of chemical and mechanical weed control from 2018 and 2019. Despite the disruption in the semester, the student completed digitizing the initial batch of maps sent in March, and started working on a fresh batch in April.  Staff is designing “pocket prairies”, small areas planted with native grasses and flowers that emphasize wildflower and grass species with aesthetic and pollinator value. Several sites were considered for the pilot project and the Department decided on a trail intersection at Dutch Creek Open Space. The existing intersection has significant problems with shortcut foot traffic (social trails), which tramples vegetation and encourages weeds. The new planting will redirect traffic onto the designated trails and act as a visual gateway to Dutch Creek and Coal Creek Regional Trail. The planting will be installed in May and feature approximately 20 species, all of which are native to Boulder County. Staff is considering how the diverse planting composition could be leveraged for future environmental education efforts.  Open Space staff replaced old straw bales along the boundary of the prairie dog colony on Daughenbaugh Open Space. These bales create a visual barrier that prevents prairie dogs from expanding the colony and creating new burrows along the northern perimeter of the colony. Education: Upcoming:  Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 to 9:30 am, Local Raptors with Nature’s Educators. Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/FansOfLouisvilleOpenSpace. All ages.