Embarking on an effort to enhance the Winslow Ravine edge to a more natural condition, The Island Gateway has removed invasive plants and replaced them with native species. Over the years the area along the top of the ravine has been influenced by urban activities and became dominated by invasive species, such as Himalayan blackberry and Scotch Broom, compromising the habitat potential and other buffer functions.
Since the area is a steep slope leading to a stream, measures to control erosion were first installed. Topsoil was carefully placed in the disturbed area, as well as jute matting to keep the soil in place on the slope. The blackberry and Scotch broom were carefully removed, as were the quarry spalls that were used to stabilize the slope in the area of the storm water utility work this past winter. A variety of native shrubs have been planted, including ocean spray, vine maple, salal, and red elderberry. These plants were chosen for their ability to stabilize the slope, prevent storm water runoff and enrich the natural habitat.
Since the area is a steep slope leading to a stream, measures to control erosion were first installed. Topsoil was carefully placed in the disturbed area, as well as jute matting to keep the soil in place on the slope. The blackberry and Scotch broom were carefully removed, as were the quarry spalls that were used to stabilize the slope in the area of the storm water utility work this past winter. A variety of native shrubs have been planted, including ocean spray, vine maple, salal, and red elderberry. These plants were chosen for their ability to stabilize the slope, prevent storm water runoff and enrich the natural habitat.
These enhancements are just another way that the Island Gateway is choosing to improve the environmental conditions of this urban redevelopment site in hopes that our presence there will result in a net positive impact both on our community and our environment.
