The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has completed a planting of 334 trees as part of the plan to enhance the beauty and diversity of the Faulkner Park Nature Trail. The trees include 200 Dogwoods, 100 Redbuds, 25 Allaghency Chinquapins, 3 Red Buckeyes, 3 Paw-paws and 3 American Fringe Trees.
“This planting is part of a decade-long management strategy to enhance Faulkner Park Nature Trail,” said City of Tyler Arborist/Urban Forester Mark Tietz. “Without management it would turn into a big jungle so we are introducing species that are naturally supposed to be there.”
In addition to the tree planting, many native Texas wildflowers were planted along the trail this fall and will begin blooming as spring approaches. Not only will these plants add beauty, they will also provide food and shelter for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. The plantings included Black-eyed Susans, Drummond Phlox, Blazing Star Liatiris, Clasping Coneflower, Partridge Pea, Bluebonnet, Indian Blanket, Lemon Mint, Butterfly Weed, Plains Coreopsis, Pink Evening Primrose, Purple Coneflower, Standing Cypress, Silphium, American Basketflower, Bergamot and Bundleflower.
In April 2008 the Parks Department will undertake native grass planting to complement the flowers. Several grasses have been selected to mimic those that were found in the original Post Oak Savannah which once covered 2/3 of Smith County. The grasses that will be planted include Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Eastern Gama Grass, Sand Dropseed, Sideoats Grama and Prairie Wild Rye.
For more information about the Faulkner Park beautification strategy or to schedule an interview with the City arborist, please call Susan Guthrie at (903)533-7444.
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