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NEWS FROM THE LAND MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT WINTER WATERING IMPORTANT NEW TRAILS UNDERWAY inter water is vital to overall plant health during our O n the Davidson Mesa Open Space trail users will see long dry Colorado winters.A good quality garden an extension of the existing out and back trail to cre- hose and some really cold hands are the only tools you will ate a new loop trail. In addition, there will be improvements need to get your plants through the winter in to the trail in the dog off leash area, a new trail adjacent to top shape for spring. the dog off leash area, and the installation of trail surfacing on tiSupplemental irrigation in the"off-sea- the road along the Louisville Lateral ditch.The trailhead and MK d ' son" is a key component of total plant health existing trails will remain open during construction. Upon , `iL care.Water allows the plant to maintain its completion of the new trails, open space visitors will be asked curren t root system through our dry,windy to stay on designated trails when visiting Davidson Mesa. Old .\ . Colorado winters and promotes new root footpaths will be closed to prevent further impacts to the veg- formation even during fall and winter. etation and wildlife habitat.The new trails will provide many Conifers (evergreen trees) actively pro- possibilities for a variety of trail experiences. duce food during fall and winter whenever the sun is shining The Walnut Street Park, a newly acquired property south and temperatures are favorable.Without winter water, coni- of Lake Park and just north of Spruce Street,will receive a fern can dry out and turn a yellow/brown color, usually on new concrete trail that will link Louisville's northern trails the southwest side of the plant.This can lead to needle drop, with trails to the south.The trail will also run east and west stress, and the possible death of the tree. allowing access between the two Walnut Street dead-ends. Deciduous (leafy) plants and trees also benefit from extra Both trail projects are expected to be complete in June. water in the winter.This is especially true for newly planted For questions regarding trail construction, please contact vegetation trying to establish a root system. Lack of winter Kathy Kron at 303.335.4736. water hinders root formation during the dormant season.This means the plant must use its stored energy to produce roots in COMMUNITY PARK UPDATE the spring instead of using the energy to produce new growth and fight insects and disease. The new Community Park at 955 Bella Vista Drive is The width of a plant's root system is usually twice as wide ready for partial use. Park users are invited to check as the plant is tall.When watering, it is best to water not out the new playground, pavilion, plaza and other hardscape under, but outside the area under the tree or shrub.To allow amenities. Please stay off the grass, however, so as to minimize water to soak into the soil it is best to water late in the morn- the impact until it can be irrigated in the spring. Specific areas ing when temperatures are expected to stay above freezing. of concern, such as the multi-purpose field, are roped off to General guidelines for the amount of water needed per month help prevent use. Please pay attention to the signs to ensure a throughout the fall and winter seasons are listed below. healthy park this coming summer.The dog off leash area will Type of Plant Gallons of Water also remain closed until spring for the good of the grass. Dogs are welcome in the park, but will need to be kept on a leash Large Tree 100 gallons per month until the on leash area is open. Small Tree 40 gallons per month The Mayor and City Council plan to dedicate the new Shrubs 20 gallons per month park at a celebration in March. Look for an announcement of Perennials 5 gallons per month the date and time for the celebration. For further information, please contact Chris Lichty, City If you have any questions regarding the new Community Forester, at 303.335.4733. Park, please contact Kathy Kron at 303.335.4736. LAND MANAGEMENT WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR The City welcomes Scott Robson as our new Director of Land Management. Scott, born and raised in Coal Creek Can- yon,was most recently a Project Manager with the National Park Service. He has also worked for the Boulder County Transportation Department, Grand County and the Headwater Trails Alliance, and the Boston Area Council of Governments. As a former resident of Louisville and a member of the Louisville Planning Commission, Scott is familiar with town.We wel- come Scott to our staff. If you have questions for the Land Management Department, please call 303.335.4735. February-March 2006 9