Native Plant Island C
On November 10th, volunteer residents and members of the MFPA (Martin-Fontana Parks Association) planted CA native plants and shrubs just west of NPI-A in Jeffrey Fontana Park west. About 40 plants were planted on the island to add a focal point of interest for park users. Patrick Pizzo of MFPA designed the mound; and PRNS (Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services) staff, working under the direction of Michael (Mick) Brown, created same. Remember the cluster of volunteer oaks at that location? In summer, these trees (which lay directly under the 230KV PG&E transmission lines) were removed and the boulders under those trees were incorporated on the mound.
The old island minus the trees
Ceanothus, Manzanita, Buckwheat, Penstemon, Desert Olive and Desert Willow are featured. Many of these are one-gallon plants. The density of plants may look anemic, however, the next couple of months are ‘spring’ for CA native plants and they will shoot forth and begin to fill the island. Wildflowers and other flowering species will be added come spring to round out the planting. Our plan is to place plant labels such as we have on NPI-A so that park users can identify the plants and learn more about them on the Internet. These drought resistant plants will be hand watered until the island is established. This may take a full three years, maybe a little less, depending on seasonal rainfall.
If you are curious, NPI-B was in our original master plan for Fontana West; but this island will no longer be required as we have been able to plant small, stature trees in, and around, where it would have been located. Will there be more CA Native plant Islands? Possibly! MFPA is considering a tactile garden and butterfly attractor just a little to the northwest of NPI-C in an open, unplanted area between our Heritage Oaks.
California Native Plant demonstration garden location
It will be a garden where local school children can visit and become more familiar with California’s native plants. Who knows? Someday, our parks may warrant a visit by Huell Howser as another example of California’s Gold!
MARTIN-FONTANA PARKS ASSOCIATION 