Ecological Assessment: Sugar Creek Nature Park

On Wednesday, March 4, members of the Sugar Creek Nature Park Planning Commission met with Gus Nyberg, the executive director of NICHES, to conduct an ecological assessment of the area designated for the city’s new park. Nyberg provided management suggestions and commented on current plans for trail and shelter construction.

After walking the property, Nyberg concluded that the area is a classic riparian floodplain without need for extensive rehabilitation or management. He recommended that box elder trees be thinned, as well as some of the brush plants in the understory. This would increase light penetration at the ground level, bolstering growth of forbs and grasses including Virginia wildrye. This perennial grass helps stabilize topsoil and prevent erosion—a significant concern for the area given water volume during flood events.

Recent high-water events left visible evidence of the area’s vulnerability to flood damage and channelization. One particularly scoured area was noted starting behind diamond 3. All vegetation in this strip had been washed away, leaving a thick layer of silt sand. This channel bed is prone to expansion if not amended with new tree and grass plantings.
Invasive species are relatively sparse in the area.

One plant of concern is garlic mustard. This biennial herb outcompetes wildflowers and other native plants essential to the area. Identification and removal of this plant could become a regular activity for school groups using the park as an outdoor classroom. Honeysuckle, though not abundant in the area, could also be targeted for removal.

Many large examples of sycamores, silver maples, and other native deciduous trees were identified, contributing to the overall health and quality of the land. A well-marked interpretive trail would highlight these elements, contributing to the educational goals of the park.

Nyberg suggested that dirt trails be utilized throughout the facility, as other materials would eventually wash out. Shelters should be constructed with firm footings and deep posts to deter washouts. Permits will be needed for any construction.

A low-lying area between the newly-paved east parking lot poses an obstacle to access but also an opportunity for a wetlands demonstration area or rain garden. Ideally a bridge would span this area to address access issues when water is present.

In summary, the area designated for the Nature Park provides several valuable educational and recreational opportunities without extensive development. Much of the work can be performed by volunteers as part of educational programming.

Friends of Sugar Creek and the Sugar Creek Nature Park Planning Commission would like to thank Gus for lending his expertise to the project.