A popular play area at Dinton Pastures will be closed over winter for repairs and to let the grass grow.

The 500,000 nature play space with zipwires and troll holes has been a huge hit since it opened in May.

But it has been so popular it is already showing signs of wear and tear and patches of grass need re-seeding, so the park will close from next month until the Easter holidays in April.

Cllr Angus Ross, Wokingham Borough Councils executive member for environment, said: Im delighted the play area has been such a success and proved so popular since it opened earlier this year.

It is one of the many improvements we have made to the country park, making it a local destination of choice for a family fun day out.

We need essential maintenance in time for the start of next season so everyone can enjoy the play space next year.

I understand there may be some disappointment about this news, but winter is the best time of year to do this.

Id like to remind visitors that there are plenty of great things to do elsewhere in the country park during the winter season.

Families will still be able to enjoy sailing, hire boats, climb, walk and watch the wildlife.

The nature play space now in line for some TLC features giant nest towers, swinging hanging logs, zip wires, a funnel net trap, a play bridge and giant climbing logs.

Excerpt from:
Popular Dinton Pastures playground to close for the whole winter

18 hours 47 minutes ago by Aja Goare - Q2 News

BILLINGS - A plot of land along Shiloh Road now features two ponds, park benches and paved trails, but it's not a park.

The conservation area is the first and only one of its kind in Montana.

It's designed to treat storm water and control flooding on the West End.

Following new state and federal requirements under the Clean Water Act, storm water must be cleaned before it goes to the Yellowstone River.

Grasses and man-made wet lands will naturally clean the water and remove the nutrients.

The $6 million project spans 70 acres of land and took four years to complete.

Funding will continue to come from storm water fees, but the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks also funds an urban fishery on the land, which features small bass and trout.

Visitors can fish in the ponds and the shelters are available for picnics.

Public Works Director Dave Mumford said it's important to respect the area, which opens to the public Thursday.

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Shiloh conservation area treats storm water, offers fishing and picnic area

STEVENSVILLE With a pouch filled with aspen, snowberry and Woods rose, Abe Fielding is doing his part to turn black to green.

Every few steps inside the charred circle where a pile of slash burned last year, Fielding stops to swing the hoe-like tool above his head and slam it into the moist earth.

A few seconds later, his hand slips into his pouch for the next seedling to plant. Following a well-practiced stoop, the plants long roots slide into the fresh hole cut in the ground.

His foot packs the earth around the plant as he moves on to the next planting.

In two days, Fielding and others from Hamiltons Watershed Restoration Group and Missoulas Miller Creek Reforestation planted 4,000 seedlings and spread native grass seeds over the last disturbed areas on the Bitterroot National Forests Bass Creek Recreation Area.

Their work marks the end of a project that thinned 765 acres of the forests second most popular recreation area last year.

Last winters ample snow and the summers rain provided enough moisture to kick-start the native bunch grass, shrubs and aspen this summer on most of the acreage that was thinned.

But the places where slash piles were burned and logs skidded needed some extra help to recover.

Bitterroot Forest botanist Robin Taylor-Davenport said crews walked over the project area last year and noted places that needed seeding and some other plant life.

Before the project started, the botanist and others collected cuttings and seeds from native plants on the site. Those were used to grow seedlings at the Bitterroots Great Bear Restoration greenhouses.

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Restoration job: Crews planting native vegetation at Bass Creek Recreation Area

Ive never met a gardener who hasnt planted something that at first sight looked innocent and pretty and later lived to regret it. It neednt have been something big like giant hog weed or a Norway maple, either. Many plants become invasive by root runners or self-seeding. They choke out the plants we want and can take over entire swatches of a garden. Some, like garlic mustard and purple loosestrife, endanger our woods and wetlands. In my garden, I have a tiny ground hugging sedum that blooms yellow in late spring. It was here when we bought the house and served its purpose in a newly planted garden around our pond. It has insinuated itself into the creeping thyme, ajuga and iris as well as every other nook and cranny it can find. There are other culprits to avoid, many of them ground covers: English ivy, houttuynia, periwinkle, ribbon grass, goutweed to name a few. Plant wild strawberry, wild ginger, wintergreen, mayapple or foamflower (tiarella cordifolia) instead. Grasses are all the rage now. But buyer beware as some such as miscanthus sinensis are invasive, spreading by seed and rhizomes. Ive found oat grass, as lovely as it is when its seed heads are swaying in the autumn breeze, has worked its way into places it shouldnt be and is a pain to dig out. There are many great alternatives out there, so do your research. When plant shopping, always read the plant labels carefully. Lastly, beware of gardeners bearing gifts of plants that they have an abundance of! Growing Green is a regular feature prepared by the Mount Hamilton Horticultural Society (gardenontario.org/site.php/mhhs). Helen MacPherson, vice-president of the society, wrote this report.

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GROWING GREEN: Beware of garden thugs

By Michael Potter / Horticulture columnist

October is an important month for your lawn. A weak turf is much more susceptible to winter damage and other stresses. In addition, turf is much slower to recover in the spring. Early to mid-October is the best time to fertilize due to cooler weather that causes grass growth to slow down. Slower turf growth rates combined with slow release fertilizers give good results for a wonderful spring green-up. There are a few things to consider for fall lawn care.

I would suggest using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, low in phosphorus and has a moderate to high level of potassium that such as a 15-5-10, 21-7-14, 18-6-12 or something similar. You should try to find a fertilizer with at least of the nitrogen in a slow release form. If you have had recent or continuous issues with Take-All Patch or Large Patch (Brown Patch), then you should consider using more natural type fertilizers with lower nitrogen rates that release slowly. Just dont go overboard with the nitrogen. Research shows that high nitrogen in a fast-release form can increase the activity of fungus. Slow release forms provide the lawn with nitrogen over a longer period of time resulting in a consistent growth while reducing nitrogen run off. Be sure to check the recommended rate of application on the label and take a few minutes to measure your yard. This will help you to apply the right amount of fertilizer for the area. Most people discover that they have better results using too little fertilizer rather than too much. Too much can lead to additional problems. Lastly, if you have not performed a soil test, now would be a good time to do one. You can either pick up the kit from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office or download the instructions and form at http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/. A soil test will let you know how much fertilizer to apply and more specifically what nutrients are needed for optimum growth.

Most annual winter grasses and weeds that plague lawns in late winter and early spring begin to germinate in September and October. The best way to stop them in the lawn is to apply a pre-emergence herbicide before the weed seeds start to germinate. Now is a good time to work on this problem as well. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals that kill weed seedlings as they germinate. They are not effective once weeds grow beyond the seedling stage. They should be applied according to the label in a uniform broadcast treatment, followed by at least 1/2 inch of rain or irrigation to move the product down to the soil where it is activated.

Post-emergence herbicides are used for weeds which have already begun to show up. You have to be careful with these because most of them can damage St. Augustine grass if temperatures are in the mid to upper 80's. There is a "window" of time in the fall to catch the broadleaf winter weeds. The earlier you catch them the better. Just watch out for days which are too warm. Also be careful not to get them on desirable flowers, shrubs, etc. They don't know the difference between a broadleaf weed and a broadleaf ornamental!

Over-seeding is generally not recommended on St. Augustine lawns. It competes with the grass for sunlight, nutrients and water. The additional competition from over-seeding slows spring recovery of the turf. If your turf is stressed or weak already, I would avoid over-seeding altogether. It will only make the problem worse.

Just remember to reduce your watering as temperatures start to cool off over the next few months. Turf will not need the typical 1 per week watering. Excessive water will only be wasted. Reducing or turning off irrigation will not only save water but will reduce your water bill.

Dont forget to send your garden questions to Plant Answers at 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe TX 77303 or e-mail: mpotter@ag.tamu.edu.

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October the best time to fertilize your lawn

WEST CALDWELL TWP. The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education voted Monday to authorize a special school district election on Tuesday, Dec. 9, on a proposed school facilities project bond referendum.

Superintendent James Heinegg said he plans to give a brief overview of the proposed project during next weeks Board of Education meeting on Monday, Oct. 13. No information, such as the size of the project or the estimated cost, will be released until then.

Board of Education President Mary Davidson also said that more information about the facilities bond referendum will be provided during upcoming Home School Association meetings, district elementary school family nights, and over events, as well as through the district website and newsletter. A final presentation for the public will take place at James Caldwell High School on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

In addition to further details on the facilities bond referendum, next Mondays board meeting will also include recognition of faculty and student achievements and National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists, as well as a superintendents report on district standardized test scores.

Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary Mark Kenney filled in for Kerry Keane, who resigned from the position back in August. Thomas Lambe, formerly of the Ho Ho Kus and Hopatcong school districts, will take over as the new business administrator/board secretary starting Monday, Oct. 27.

Seeds Of Discontent

In other business, when the floor was open to questions from the public, Kevin and Terry Murray of West Caldwell expressed concerns about workers seeding the field and operating machinery and moving vehicles at Jefferson School while children played on the playground and other areas in close proximity. They also inquired if any chemicals were being used around the children.

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Frank Ennis told the Murrays that no chemicals were used, just water, grass seed, and a paper mulch product. He said that the crews use equipment designed to prevent flying debris, and that the workers are instructed to keep at least 15 feet away from students on the grounds.

If there is a turning blade, there is a potential for some rock or something to ricochet. If something happens to someone, then you will need another bond referendum to pay for the damages, said Kevin Murray.

Kids are curious about what is going on. What if an impulsive child is playing ball on the grass? Weve seen trucks show up at 8:45 and 11:45 no less than three times a week, said Terry Murray.

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Special election for facilities bond referendum set for Caldwell-West Caldwell school district

azfamily.com

Posted on October 7, 2014 at 2:45 PM

Updated yesterday at 5:15 PM

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Gates are now unlocked and tape has been taken down in much of northern Arizona's Oak Creek Canyon with the reopening of many areas that were closed nearly three months because of a major wildfire.

That's good news for visitors and businesses alike, the Arizona Daily Sun reported.

The threat of flooding prompted the Forest Service to close its land within the canyon in July, but most developed recreation sites, vehicle pullouts, swimming holes and hiking trails reopened last week.

The heaviest monsoon rains skirted the area during late summer, so there was little flooding.

Operators of businesses serving visitors are pleased to have the canyon reopened.

"It's starting to feel like a normal fall," said Frank Garrison, owner of The Butterfly Garden Inn and a critic of the closure.

Much of the canyon located between Sedona and Flagstaff wasn't scarred by the nearly 33-square-mile Slide Fire, but thousands of acres inside the canyon and above its rims were.

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Oak Creek Canyon reopens after closure due to fire

Stacy Walters demonstrates the Push Reel Lawn Mower
This is grass seeding season! http://www.shop.com/jvglenn/search/Reel+Lawn+Mower?sort_popular= t=0 k=30 . If you have new seedlings remember not to mow them ...

By: John Glenn

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Stacy Walters demonstrates the Push Reel Lawn Mower - Video

TREMONT Firefighters and property owners joined forces Saturday to quickly extinguish a grass fire on Great Gott Island.

The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m., according to Chief Keith Higgins of the Tremont Fire Department. Someone staying on the island made the call.

They smelled smoke and alerted us, Chief Higgins said.

A half-dozen Tremont firefighters gathered up gear and headed to the island in Bobby Lees lobster boat, Justin and Colby. They were joined by three Southwest Harbor firefighters aboard Colton Sanborns boat and two firefighters that came from the Cranberry Isles, Chief Higgins said.

Boat access to the island is dependant on the tide. Justin and Colby arrived first.

We only had ten minutes to get over the bar, the chief said. The others, he said, had to land at a more remote part of the island and hike a ways to the fire scene.

By that time, a group of property owners had the fire under control.

They had it pretty much out when we got there, the chief said.

About one-quarter of an acre burned, Chief Higgins said. The apparent origin of the fire was a two-week-old debris burn that reignited, he added.

The fire came about two weeks after Chief Higgins approached selectmen about storing firefighting equipment on the island. At one time, the fire department had an old Jeep pickup outfitted with a pump stationed on the island. Over time, that vehicle fell into disrepair and was taken out of service and not replaced.

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Firefighters respond by boat

Published October 01. 2014 3:19PM Updated October 01. 2014 5:33PM

CHESTER -As part of the multi-phase project that began last year, Cedar Lake's Pelletier Park is currently closed for renovations until further notice. The Chester Parks & Recreation Department is asking those who wish to access the lake to do so from Cedar Lake Road, at Lake View Park.

The current work being done at the park includes grading, aerating, and seeding the existing grass area so it will better accommodate summer camp sports and enhance the enjoyment of the park by the public for the next summer season, in 2015.

"The area of the park that is currently being worked on is one that typically gets a lot of use over the summer months. Re-seeding the area has been on the Parks & Recreation Department's list of things to do for a couple of years, but they wanted to wait until the new storage shed was in place, before this portion of the project began," said First Selectman Ed Meehan.

The entire renovation project also included the construction of a large storage shed (complete with concrete pad and custom-made interior shelving constructed by a volunteer), relocation of the grills and restrooms, the addition of an area for campers' supplies, added sand for beach recreation, and removal of the old storage shed and bath houses. This work was completed by John Williams, Brian Buckley, Randy Netsch, and the Chester Public Works Department.

A portion of the insurance payout for the 2011 Community Center roof collapse was put toward the cost of the new storage shed at Pelletier Park.

"The new building serves as a year-round storage area for our lifeguard and summer program supplies," said Parks & Recreation Director Elizabeth Netsch. "Because of this renovation project, we were able to successfully expand our camp use of the facility this summer to three days per week for eight weeks."

"This year the town's summer camp program was very successful," said Meehan. "Our enrollment was up, residents had good things to say about it, and we had beautiful weather, which always helps."

He added, "The area at Cedar Lake was also made good use of this summer by the bi-weekly, Cedar Lake Tri Series triathlon program, which was held eight times this summer. This has been a very successful use of Pelletier Park for the past three years."

Netsch added, "We are looking forward to our completed facility in 2015."

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Cedar Lake Park ClosedNot for the Season