Values of this project are:

* Privately funded to date at ZERO cost to County.

*Dramatically enhance prime gateway to Rye and Playland.

* Save County time, money, and resources in maintaining Parkway Greensward.

* Reduce erosion, run off and non-point nitrogen pollution. Increase biodiversity.

* Carbon sequestration opportunity.

* Improve plant health, reduce weed control, and reduce County expenditures.
 

Requests of County-

* Allow bulb planting project to continue.

* SHORT TERM- Request County input on future bulb plantings- to be done and agreed
to by July 2022- prior to bulb purchasing season.

* SHORT TERM- Transplant various shrubs that are too close to pathway. This should be done early spring to insure best results. We are prepared to tag shrubs & place markers where these should be relocated. Back and away from edge of pathway to reduce County staff maintenance going forward.

* MEDIUM TERM- Allow overplanting of bulb beds with native pollinator plants. RequestCounty input on native pollinator plant selection along with planting assistance. To ensure success, it is valuable for County staff to know what is happening, where and
why to establish a sense of ownership and commitment to success.

* No more leaf blowing off bulb beds.

* Allow and/or perform mulching of bulb beds.

* NEVER weed whack/cut spend bulbs.

*Invasive Vine and Plant Removal Project

*This is a low cost, fast results, high value project using existing staff, equipment, and volunteers. Potential as a template used at other County locations and beyond. Also, position County as a leader that efficiently delivers results on a variety of critical issues. Volunteers removed truckloads of invasive vines along The Parkway. Vines weaken trees increasing their potential to fall across Parkway- vine removals reduce that potential. The safety, biodiversity, and ecological value of this special ‘Linear Park’ will be enhanced.

*Value of this project-

* Low cost, fast results, high value impact *Improve safety and visibility all along The Parkway.

* Assist in flood mitigation of downstream properties.

* Reduce erosion, non-point nitrogen pollution of Blind Brook and Long Island Sound.

* Sequester carbon/toxins/impurities using appropriate water filtering plants.

* Solidify public/private partnership commitment of private expertise, volunteer efforts and Potential private funding to ensure success.

* Produce attractive primary welcoming gateway to Playland and Rye.

* Maximize ecological value of Parkway Greensward including various active water bodies.

* Control County maintenance staff time & resource commitment- free them for other work.
 
Requests of County-

* SHORT TERM Commit to an invasive vines and plants removal program starting early spring, 2022. Commit to using existing County owned brush hog or flail mower for several weeks. This equipment can rapidly penetrate overgrown areas. Initially, a two (2) week commitment of staff, equipment including flail mower. To maximize efficiency and effectiveness. This effort must be undertaken before plants leaf out before May 15, 2022.

* Support private knowledgeable collaboration and direction to maximize time, effort, and results of removals. We are committed to collaborating and prepared to be onsite assisting in all aspects. We want this to succeed and are excited about as

* Support a public/private partnership so volunteers can help maximize invasive removals and potential fund raising, too.

* MEDIUM TERM - Reuse of County FREE wood chips to mulch various area to
suppress invasive growth as well as aid staff to maintain areas efficiently and well.
Using existing County equipment to load, transport and spread chips. This effort
follows immediately behind flail mower invasive removals.