In recent times it always seems busy at Sutter's Landing Park. It is not uncommon to see the parking lot nearly full even on weekdays and other times. As the days grow longer and warmer this trend will likely continue. This evening I counted 24 cars, at least, in the parking lot as well as a few other vehicles.
The state grant the city obtained with help from FORB, FOSL and others, is now moving forward into construction. Survey stakes, temporary fencing and other signs of activity have begun. It's expected that there will soon be paving for a new bike trail at the bottom of the levee followed by work to reconfigure the staging area near the parking lot, add new interpretive signs as well as establish more native vegetation and remove some invasive plants. All of this work will take place over this year according to the current schedule. There will be volunteer opportunities and more information available later. Keep reading after the photos for more exciting nature news too.
The state grant the city obtained with help from FORB, FOSL and others, is now moving forward into construction. Survey stakes, temporary fencing and other signs of activity have begun. It's expected that there will soon be paving for a new bike trail at the bottom of the levee followed by work to reconfigure the staging area near the parking lot, add new interpretive signs as well as establish more native vegetation and remove some invasive plants. All of this work will take place over this year according to the current schedule. There will be volunteer opportunities and more information available later. Keep reading after the photos for more exciting nature news too.
Metro Fire Department practicing for this fire season around a nearly full parking lot on a Monday evening.
Mostly a typical scene at Sutter's Landing Park these days. Note how dry the grass is already...
Bike trail construction beginning soon now.
Local nature lover and excellent photographer, Kathy, has been tracking Great horned-owl nest activity across the river from Sutter's Landing Park. She has documented the fledging of three owlets as well as many valuable observations of the behavior of this local owl family. Here's part of her recent report:
"This past Wednesday, I did not see the Great Horned Owl family. I felt very sad even though I know the owlets must spread their wings and fly to be wild and free. Today, I went looking for them again and could not find them. As I was riding back, I heard a loud screech. I focused my camera to the sound and saw one of the owlets on a log near a walnut tree. I quickly rode over, got off the bike and left it as the grass was so high, there was no taking it with me. The screeching continued but I could not see the owls. I kept thinking that I cannot upset Mama or Papa. Don’t get too close…watch out for snakes…oh, what is that guy doing watching me carefully walking through the high grass?
Eventually:"
"This past Wednesday, I did not see the Great Horned Owl family. I felt very sad even though I know the owlets must spread their wings and fly to be wild and free. Today, I went looking for them again and could not find them. As I was riding back, I heard a loud screech. I focused my camera to the sound and saw one of the owlets on a log near a walnut tree. I quickly rode over, got off the bike and left it as the grass was so high, there was no taking it with me. The screeching continued but I could not see the owls. I kept thinking that I cannot upset Mama or Papa. Don’t get too close…watch out for snakes…oh, what is that guy doing watching me carefully walking through the high grass?
Eventually:"
"I was not able to see #1 even though I could hear it. I believe #2 and #3 are pictured with Mama. They look very healthy and happy. I am so pleased to be able to photo them with no branches or leaves obstructing the view. I thanked Mama for allowing me to be so close to her and her “kids”. "
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