Presidio Park Restoration Efforts
If you drive, walk or bike through Presidio Park, you’ve probably noticed that there is an ongoing plant restoration project taking place. Thanks to a lot of people from Mission Hills and the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department, progress is occurring.
At the intersection of Presidio Drive and Jackson Street, at the north entrance to Presidio Park off Taylor Street, there is a brilliant display of California poppies. And, a succulent garden now flanks the little yellow Spanish house.
Within the succulent gardens are a variety of native tree seedlings including Coast Live Oak, Toyon, Palo Verde and others. At Jackson Street and Mason Street there are also quite a few newly planted California native shrubs, which would have been found in this coastal environment. Above Cosoy Bowl, east of the “Cowboy Statue,” and on the hillside that was once graced with redwood trees, there are more newly planted California native shrubs growing. Ranger Kyle Conners said Park and Rec has plans to plant more natives on this hillside.
I learned from Peter St. Clair, a resident of Mission Hills, that Brian Lemke, a local artist, prepared the design for the restoration. Fortunately, St. Clair has been instrumental in getting volunteers and helping to raise money for this effort. He has also been able to locate succulent donors and work with the Park and Recreation Department on placement and care of the plants.
In terms of volunteers, St. Clair informed me that Nick and Cherie DeCorso helped plant and maintain plants. Enrique Gonzales and two of his sons did the really heavy lifting–removing and transplanting large succulents. Susan Seguier from All Friends Nature School invited her adorable preschoolers and their parents to plant and water the newly established plants. Park Ranger Kyle Conners has been helping to coordinate these efforts and supervise as needed.
According to St. Clair, a very long list of neighbors have contributed money via Mission Hills Garden Club; and the San Diego Chapter, California Native Plant Society has contributed large, mature succulents.
Peter St. Clair reminds us that this is an ongoing project and volunteers and donors are always appreciated. He offered to share his email with us so that anyone interested in helping can call him directly: phstc2@gmail.com.
Category: Gardening, Government, Local News
