Gibbs Memorial Park Hendricks County Parks

Report Prepared By:

3940 W Farmer Avenue Bloomington, IN 47401 812.339.4011 Table of Contents

I. Project Overview…………………………………………………………………….3

II. Plant Communities………………………………………………………………….3

Forested Riparian Corridor…………………………………………………….3

Table 1: Plant Species Found in Forested Riparian Corridor………………..3

Successional Field……………………………………………………………..4

Table 2: Plant Species Found in Successional Field……………………...... 5

Fence Row/Agricultural Fields Vegetation……………………………………5

Figure 1 Specimen Trees Map………………………………………………………..6

Table 3: DBH of Specimen Trees …………………………………………………..7

III. Invasive Species on Site……………………………………………………………8

Table 4: Invasive Species Found at Gibbs Memorial Park…………………………..9

Descriptions of Invasive Species on Site…………………………………...9-13

Figure 2 Invasive Species at Gibbs Park Map……………………………………….14

IV. Opportunities for Restoration……………………………………………………...15

Forested Riparian Corridor……………………………………………………15

Successional Field……………………………………………………………..15

Fence Row/Agricultural Fields Vegetation……………………………………16

Prospective Wetlands………………………………………………………16-17

Figure 3 Opportunities for Restoration Map…………………………………………18

V. Stream Bank Stability………………………………………………………………19

Table 5: Recommended Grass/Sedge Seed Mix…………………………………..19-20

Table 6: Recommended Containerized Trees and Shrubs……………………………21

Figure 4 Stream Bank Erosion Map………………………………………………….22

Figure 5 Degrees of Erosion Photos………………………………………………….23

References………………………………………………………………………………24

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I. Project Overview

Located near the center of Hendricks County, Indiana, Gibbs Memorial Park is mostly made up of, and surrounded by rural agricultural fields. The property has a small stream running south from the middle of the northern border to approximately the southwest corner. The northern half of the stream corridor has a narrow forested buffer with a wider forested buffer along the southern half. Agricultural fields with wooded tree lines comprise the majority of the acreage, with one large successional field located in the northern middle of the property, east of the stream. Numerous mature Oak (Quercus alba and Q. michauxii), Cottonwood (Populus deltoids), and Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) trees are located throughout the property.

In the late fall of 2012, Eco Logic completed a preliminary invasives species inventory, a specimen tree inventory and an evaluation of erosion along the stream. The following is a report of those findings.

II. Plant Communities

The highest quality areas of the park are found in the southwest corner of the property in the southern end of the Forested Riparian Corridor. A few specific plant communities comprise the overall structure of the property: Forested Riparian Corridor, Successional Field, and Fence Row/Agricultural Fields. Each community is divulged in more detail below.

Forested Riparian Corridor

Along the small stream channel in the middle of the property, is a forested riparian zone. We are defining this area as the Forested Riparian Corridor. The majority of this zone is heavily infested with predominately Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). The northernmost end is less so, with the southernmost end being even more open, providing a glimpse of the prospective quality of the forest land.

Table 1: Plant Species Found in Forested Riparian Corridor

Trees within Riparian Shrubs within Corridor Riparian Corridor Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Acer negundo Box Elder Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood Acer rubrum Red Maple Corylus americana Hazelnut Acer saccharum Sugar Maple Rosa palustris Swamp Rose Aesculus glabra Ohio Buckeye Sambucus candensis Elderberry Carpinus caroliniana Hop hornbeam Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Celtis occidentalis Hackberry

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Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood Washington Crataegus phaenopyrum Hawthorn Fagus grandiflora American Beech Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pensylvanica Green Ash Fraxinus quadrangulata Blue Ash Gleditsia triancanthos Honey Locust Jugalns nigra Black Walnut Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar Maclura pomifera Osage Orange Ostrya virginiana Ironwood Plantanus occidentalis Sycamore Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus grandidentata Big-tooth Aspen Prunus americana American Plum Prunus serotina Black Cherry Quercus alba White Oak Quercus rubra Red Oak Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak Salix nigra Black Willow Ulmus americana American Elm

Successional Field

In the north central area of the park property there is a large successional field. It is bordered by mature trees and is likely a former agriculture field that has been allowed to grow up in vegetation. Several species of native trees are establishing here, but woody invasives such as Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) are prevalent, along with numerous non-native herbaceous species.

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Table 2: Plant Species Found in Successional Field

Woody species in Herbaceous species in Successional Field *indicates non-native Successional Field Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood Alliaria petiolata * Garlic Mustard Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn Arctium minus * Common Burdock Eleagnus umbellata * Autumn Olive Cirsium arvense * Canada Thistle Juglans nigra Black Walnut Cirsium vulgare * Bull Thistle Lonicera maackii * Bush Honeysuckle Daucus carota * Queen Anne's Lace Maclura pomifera Osage Orange Festuca arundinacea * Tall Fescue Rosa multiflora * Multiflora Rose Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod

Fence Row/Agricultural Fields Vegetation

The tree lines in the western half of the property have less bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) than the tree lines in the eastern half. Additionally, the northwestern half of the property tree lines have scattered infestations of Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus) and Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellatus). The majority of the park area is in recently tended agricultural fields, in which corn and soybeans grew. At the time of this study the fields were barren, with few agricultural weeds.

Several specimen trees such as a White Oak (Qurcus alba) with a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 26" in the northernmost tree line, a Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) with a DBH of 26" in the southernmost tree line, and a stand of several large Cottonwood (Populus deltoids) trees with DBH’s between 34" and 95" in the southcentral tree line, deem these areas worthy of preservation.

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Specimen Tree Inventory at Gibbs Park

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata Red Oak Quercus rubra Chinkapin oak Quercus muehlenbergii White Oak Quercus alba Black Walnut Juglans nigra American Beech Fagus grandifolia Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Hackberrry Celtis occidentalis Washington Hawthorn Crataegus phaenopyrum Black Cherry Prunus serotina Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Cottonwood Populus deltoides Big Tooth Aspen Populus grandidentata Osage Orange Maclura pomifera

0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 I Feet Tree Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) is represented graphically by Stream symbol sizes. The largest overstory trees in this map are about 50 in. DBH. The largest understory trees, such as Washington Gibbs Park Study Area Hawthorn, are about 12 in. DBH. Table 3: DBH of Specimen Trees

DBH - Diameter at Breast Scientific Name Common Name Height in Inches Washington Crataegus phaenopyrum Hawthorn 9.55 Washington Crataegus phaenopyrum Hawthorn 11.78

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 15.29 Quercus rubra Red Oak 15.92

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 16.56 Quercus rubra Red Oak 16.56

Juglans nigra Black Walnut 17.83 Quercus alba White Oak 17.83 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 18.15 Juglans nigra Black Walnut 18.47 Juglans nigra Black Walnut 19.11 Quercus rubra Red Oak 19.11 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 19.75 Quercus rubra Red Oak 19.75 Quercus rubra Red Oak 19.75 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 20.06 Prunus serotina Black Cherry 20.06 Quercus rubra Red Oak 20.38 Prunus serotina Black Cherry 20.70 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 21.02 Quercus rubra Red Oak 21.66 Quercus rubra Red Oak 21.97 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 22.29 Quercus alba White Oak 22.61 Quercus alba White Oak 22.93 Quercus alba White Oak 22.93 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 23.57 Quercus alba White Oak 24.20 Quercus alba White Oak 24.52 Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 25.48 Quercus alba White Oak 25.80 Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 26.11 Populus grandidentata Big Tooth Aspen 26.11 Quercus rubra Red Oak 26.11 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 26.75 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 27.39

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Juglans nigra Black Walnut 27.39 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 27.71

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 27.71 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 28.03 Fagus grandiflora American Beech 28.34 Quercus alba White Oak 28.66 Quercus rubra Red Oak 29.30 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 31.21

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 31.53 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 31.85 Quercus rubra Red Oak 32.48 Juglans nigra Black Walnut 34.39 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 34.39 Prunus serotina Black Cherry 34.39 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 34.71 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 37.26 Quercus alba White Oak 39.17 Quercus muhlenbergii Chinkapin Oak 39.49 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 40.13

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 41.72 Maclura pomifera Osage Orange 41.72 Quercus alba White Oak 41.72 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 42.68 Quercus alba White Oak 43.31 Quercus alba White Oak 44.27 Quercus muhlenbergii Chinkapin Oak 44.59 Quercus alba White Oak 49.68 Quercus muhlenbergii Chinkapin Oak 55.10 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 55.73 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 56.05 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 58.92 Populus deltoides Cottonwood 95.54

III. Invasive Species on Site

Bush Honeysuckle is the most prevalent invasive plant on the property. The area with significant invasion exists in the center portion of the riparian zone. Figure 2, Invasive Species at Gibbs Memorial Park Map, illustrates that the northern end of the Forested Riparian Corridor, and the tree lines in the eastern half of the property have a medium level of infestation. The tree lines in the western half of the property and the southernmost portion of the riparian zone, have the lightest level of infestation.

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Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), and White Mulberry (Morus alba) are found throughout the property, while individuals of Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus) and Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellata) are, so far, limited to the northwestern quarter. Large Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) trees are found periodically through the riparian zone. There are a few patches of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) along the stream channel. Most of the herbaceous invasives on the list in Table 4 are found in the successional field, and would be likely to spread or occur in the agricultural fields as cultivation subsides.

Table 4: Invasive Species Found at Gibbs Memorial Park

Invasives on Site at Gibbs Memorial Park Scientific Name Common Name Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Cirsium arvense Canada Thistle Eleagnus umbellata Autumn Olive Euonymous alatus Burning Bush Euonymous fortunei Wintercreeper Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera maackii Bush Honeysuckle Maclura pomifera Osage Orange Morus alba White Mulberry Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose

Descriptions of Invasive Species on Site

Garlic Mustard – Alliaria petiolata Threat and Description: A European cool season biennial, Garlic Mustard poses a significant threat to eastern woodlands. These plants have 3-5 inch round to cordate leaves with toothed edges and give off an odor of garlic when crushed. The small, four petalled flowers are indicative of this plant being in the mustard family. It greens up early in the spring in key habitat areas for spring wildflowers, out- competing the natives for light, nutrients, water and by having alleleopathic characteristics. Status: There are scattered populations throughout the property. Control: Garlic mustard is a biennial that produces a large amount of seed. Controlling the plant means limiting its seed production. This is an intensive process, which requires much time and effort. Hand pulling and proper disposal can be effective, as well as a combination of weed whipping and pre-emergent herbicide. Foliar herbicide applications will also easily kill the plant, but will most likely cause more off target damage that would be acceptable at this site. Because of the

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high costs associated with control and monitoring, most land managers do take a hands off approach to this particular invader.

Canada Thistle - Cirsium arvense Threat and Description: A perennial cool season herbaceous plant, Canada Thistle is native to Europe. It forms basal rosettes in the spring and sets flower by mid-summer. Leaves, stems and flowers are thorny. This plant should not be confused with native thistles, which can be distinguished by the undersides of the leaves having dense white hairs. Grows in open areas and does not tolerate shading. Canada Thistle spreads rapidly by rhizomes. Status: Minor populations are located in the Successional Field. If conversion of prairie were to occur in the Agricultural Fields, monitoring and control of this species would be critical to the plantings success. Control: Foliar - 1% Transline, 0.05 Invade 90, Traillite 264

Autumn Olive – Elaeagnus umbellata Threat and Decription: Autumn Olive is a medium to large shrub that produces fruit which is dispersed widely by birds. It spreads along disturbed areas such as roadways, powerlines, and pastures. Leaves are alternate in arrangement, small with silvery undersides. Status: Specifically at Gibbs Memorial Park, this plant does not have a significant foothold, but does have potential to do so. Scattered individuals are found in the tree lines of the northwest quarter of the property. Control: Foliar application – 3% Garlon 3A, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Cut stump treatment – 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Cut stump treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Basal bark treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Hand pulling – Effective on small seedlings especially after rain events

Burning Bush – Euonymus alatus Threat and Decription: Is a medium size shrub 6-8 ft in height and is also heavily used in the landscaping industry. Most recognizable for its brilliant red fall color Burning Bush is starting to become a real problem in Indiana’s forest. It is believed to reduce recruitment of native canopy trees and appears to have allelopathic chemicals similar to Bush Honeysuckle. Burning Bush is easy to spot in the spring when it greens up before our native vegetation and in the fall when it turns bright red. Status: Burning Bush is just starting to become established in the northwest quarter of the park property. Only scattered individuals were observed, making this plant an easy target for eradication. Control: Foliar application – 5% Garlon 3A, .05% invade 90 & Traillite 264

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Cut stump treatment – 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Cut stump treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Basal bark treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Hand pulling – Effective on small seedlings especially after rain events

Purple Wintercreeper – Eounymous fourtunei Threat and Decription: Wintercreeper is an evergreen vine native to China. Introduced by the horticulture trade in 1907 as an ornamental groundcover, wintercreeper regenerates both by producing fruits that are readily dispersed by birds and vegetatively by rooting at the nodes of long branches and side shoots. Wintercreeper has an advantage in the spring to have a growth spurt before native vegetation has leafed out, thus establishing and taking a firm hold in forests and as an understory invader. Status: Gibbs Memorial Park has a minor infestation of Wintercreeper. Intermittent small vines are creeping along the ground throughout the property. Control: Foliar application - 3-5% Garlon 3A, Cut-stump – large vines growing up trees can be cut and treated with glyphosate 50% Hand pulling - small infestations can be successfully managed through removal of the entire plant, dispose in black plastic bags to the landfill – do not dump on other lands!

Japanese Honeysuckle – Lonicera japonica Threat and Description: Japanese Honeysuckle is an introduced perennial vine that invades forest edge habitat. The vines can overtake trees and shrubs by blocking out sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. It spreads by both seed and vigorous growth. As vines grow along the ground, they can take root and essentially form a new plant capable of producing additional vines. Status: This plant has few small populations throughout the property. The majority of which is found throughout the Successional Field and in open sections along the stream. Control: Cut stump treatment – 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Foliar application – 3% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Basal bark treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200

Japanese Honeysuckle does put out its leaves earlier and keeps them several weeks longer than our native vegetation. Late fall foliar treatment between October 20th & November 15th is very effective and will help to protect native vegetation which is going dormant at that time.

Bush Honeysuckle - Lonicera mackii, L. belle, L. tartarica, L. morrowwii Threat and Decription: Studies have shown Bush Honeysuckle to invade forests and have the following effects: • Repress tree regeneration • Reduce herbaceous species richness • Reduce canopy tree growth as much as 52%

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• Increase predation of native understory bird species

Bush Honeysuckle has the ability to penetrate the interior forest because it can grow in deep shade. Once established it produces allelopathic chemicals and dense shade which out-competes native herbaceous forbs and graminoids. Bush Honeysuckle has a very shallow and weak root system which makes it notorious for exacerbating soil erosion. Status: Bush Honeysuckle is the main invasive plant at Gibbs Memorial Park. The central portion of the Forested Riparian Corridor has the heaviest infestation, the tree lines in the western half of the property and the southern end of the Forested Riparian Corridor have light infestation, while the tree lines in the eastern half have a medium infestation. This is the number one invasive to be targeted for removal. Treatment: Cut stump treatment – 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Foliar application – 3% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Basal bark treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Hand pulling – Effective on small seedlings especially after rain events

Bush Honeysuckle does put out its leaves earlier and keeps them several weeks longer than our native vegetation. Late fall foliar treatment between October 20th & November 15th is very effective and will help to protect native vegetation which is going dormant.

Osage Orange – Maclura pomifera Threat and Description: Truly a more western native tree, specifically Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, Osage Orange was introduced to the eastern United States in the 1800’s. A dioecious plant, only female trees produce the fruit commonly known as hedge apples. Used for fence rows in rural areas across the country, this tree has spread far beyond its native range. Leaves are simple, ovate to ovate lanceolate, shiny green with long pointed tips. Bark is thick and furling. Status: Gibbs Memorial Park is not overrun with Osage Orange, but does have numerous large individuals through the central to northern end of the Forested Riparian Corridor. Control: Cut stump treatment - 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Basal bark treatment - Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 (only effective on small individuals) Girdling - Two parallel cuts 3 to 4 inches apart needed, through the bark slightly deeper than the cambium. Knock off bark and treat as cut stump.

White Mulberry – Morus alba Threat and Description: White Mulberry is a deciduous tree which invades disturbed areas throughout the United States. It is a prolific seed producer which birds spread through old fields, forest’s edge, power lines and roadways. White Mulberry can become established in disturbed areas and grow faster than our native vegetation. It can be distinguished from the native Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) by the texture and pubescence of the leaves. Red Mulberry leaves are sandpapery with hairs on both

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sides. White Mulberry leaves are glossy on the undersides, occasionally with minute hairs on the midrib. Status: Mulberry is not a significant problem on the property at this time, but should be eradicated before it becomes more of a nuisance. There are several large trees throughout the Forested Riparian Corridor. Control: Foliar application – 3% Garlon 3A, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Cut stump treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200 Cut stump treatment – 50% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Basal bark treatment – Pathfinder II or Garlon AG200

Reed Canary Grass – Phalaris arundinacea Threat and Description: Reed canary grass is circumboreal in distribution, thus native to North America, but many introduced European cultivars have likely escaped and could be the cause for its invasive tendencies. A perennial cool season grass that reproduces both by vigorous rhizomes and by seeds, it forms large dense monoculture stands. Its ability to quickly spread, outcompetes desirable native vegetation, and overtakes wetland habitats. Movement of seed and plant material through water aids dispersal. Status: Several individual clumps of Reed Canary Grass were found along the banks of the stream. As water accelerates the spread of this tenacious invader, early eradiaction and consistent monitoring are key to avoiding invasion of this species. Control: very difficult Foliar application – 3% Rodeo, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264

This problematic species will require two or more foliar applications each year until control is achieved. After treatment, monitoring for new populations will be necessary. Water, undoubtedly transports seeds and rhizome fragments, but seeds are also wind-disseminated.

Multiflora Rose – Rosa multiflora Threat & Description: Multiflora Rose was introduced form Japan in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental Roses. In the 1930’s the government started planting Multiflora for erosion control and later for wildlife habitat. Multiflora can invade old fields, pastures, roadsides and forests displacing native vegetation which wildlife is dependant. It reproduces by predominately by seed, but also by the arching stems rooting at nodes when they touch the ground. This growth habit leads to dense impenetrable thickets, yielding an aggressive plant that is in high contention for being controlled. Status: This species is found consistently throughout the property in small and medium sized individuals. Control: Foliar application – 1% Escort*, .025% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 Foliar application – 3% Glyphosate, .05% Invade 90 & Traillite 264 *Escort is a broad leaf specific herbicide

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Invasives Species at Gibbs Park

Scattered individuals of Burning Bush and Autumn Olive.

0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 I Feet Bush Honeysuckle (Light Infestation) Successional Area (Species Listed in Report) Bush Honeysuckle (Medium Infestation) Gibbs Park Study Area Bush Honeysuckle (Heavily Infested) Isolated infestations of Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose, and AsianMulberry are scattered throughout the entire study area. IV. Opportunities for Restoration Gibbs Memorial Park has the potential to be part of a larger contiguous forested land area. Preserving existing forestlands and connecting fragmented tree lines, creates ideal habitat for wildlife. Migratory birds and species such as the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) thrive best with larger areas of wildlands. Historically, the majority of Indiana lands were forested.

We identified restoration opportunities and ways to achieve success for each observed plant community on site.

Forested Riparian Corridor

As discussed in the General Communities section, the central area of the Forested Riparian Corridor is heavily infested with Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). The southernnmost section contains the highest quality area in Gibbs Memorial Park.

A fall foliar herbicide application on the bush honeysuckle would be an ideal treatment for this corridor. A seed mix of grasses and sedges could be hand sown at the time of initial treatment to aid in stabilization of the stream bank and to provide some herbaceous cover through the woods. Follow-up treatments of Bush Honeysuckle could then be done with a broadleaf specific herbicide. After two to three treatments of the honeysuckle a more diverse woodland seed mix could be used to enhance this corridor. Additionally, planting of containerized three gallon overstory trees and understory trees and shrubs would facilitate the reforestation in needed areas. Table 6, in the Stream Bank Stability Chapter, provides a list of recommended species.

Successional Field

We have identified two possible scenarios for restoration of the Successional Field located near the northeast quadrant of the park property.

1. Allow volunteer native trees to begin reforestation. Several specimens of existing native trees were found in this area, namely Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), White Oak (Quercus alba), and Chinkapin Oak (Quercus meuhlenbergii). Each are ideal wildlife supporting trees. All open areas, with focus on non-native invasive species, should be cleared, followed by targeted herbicide applications. Existing native trees would be allowed to thrive and regenerate. Planting additional native tree species would also be recommended to enhance the overall diversity and quality of the site.

2. Convert back to open field. All open areas in the successional field could be adapted to a prairie planting. The site would need to be mechanically cleared with a mulcher/grinder and bushhog, followed by multiple herbicide applications to eradicate undesirable vegetation.

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Following successful treatment, installation of prairie seed with a no till seed drill should occur. Subsequent mowing or burning every three to five years would be required for long term maintenance.

Fence Row/Agricultural Fields

The fence rows and agricultural fields can be regarded as two separate entities as far as restoration is concerned.

Light to medium infestations of bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) exists within the fence rows. An herbicide treatment targeting bush honeysuckle, along with other invasives should occur in the fall. Following successful treatment, an enhancement planting of native understory fruiting shrubs, such as Serviceberry (Amelanchier aroborea), Viburnum (V. dentatum, V. lentago, V. pruniflolium), Paw Paw (Asimina triloba), Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. corymbosum) should occur. We recommend containerized, one to three gallon size plantings.

Agricultural fields have multiples options, as they are essentially a clean slate. Reforestation, open prairie plantings, and multi-use recreation fields all fit into the scope of Gibbs Memorial Park being a functional nature park. See the Restoration Opportunities at Gibbs Park Map (Figure 4) below for suggested areas of reforestation.

Prospective Wetlands

Several areas with desirable wetland hydrology and hydrophytic vegetation were noted within the study area. Further soil testing is recommended but is beyond the scope of this report. The entirety of the park is of one soil type, Marshall or knob sandstone. For these noted areas, as can be seen on the Opportunities for Restoration Map, a restoration of these wetland areas would be ideal. Having numerous plant communities in Gibbs Memorial Park, would increase diversity of not only individual native plant species, but also wildlife, such as the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), numerous migratory bird species, and again the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalist), that are dependent on these habitats.

According to an article on the Natural Heritage of Indiana website, "11 species of waterfowl use wetlands for nesting and 28 species use wetlands as migration/wintering habitat. More than 60 wetland-dependent animal species are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in Indiana. Because so many wetlands have been lost or degraded, there are more than 120 species of wetland plants in Indiana that are endangered, threatened or rare. Indiana has lost approximately 85% of its wetlands".

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Opportunities for restoration at Gibbs Memorial could be guided by what mitigation credits are needed. The following habitats could be achieved within these wetland areas, shallow water emergent, sedge meadow, scrub-shrub, or forested wetland. We recommend a restoration to shallow water emergent or sedge meadow. However, the latter two are viable options.

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Restoration Opportunities at Gibbs Park

0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 I Feet

Gibbs Park Study Area Forested Riparian Corridor Suggested Reforestation Potential Wetland Restoration Areas High Quality Area Successional Area V. Stream Bank Stability

The small, but perennial stream that runs through Gibbs Memorial, is part of the larger White Licks watershed, draining into Cosner Branch. The scope of this study did not include water quality, but corrugated metal pipes presumably from agriculture fields were observed draining into the stream. Additionally, several small tributaries, also draining from agriculture fields were also noted.

Our study focused on stream bank stability. Three levels of erosion were qualified and mapped along the banks of the stream channel. Stream erosion of the main channel was assessed. Approximately 11% of the streambanks have high erosion, 44% have medium erosion, and 45% have low erosion. A map delineating specific areas can be seen below (Figure 4). Stable areas with little to no erosion are marked in green, areas with medium levels of erosion are marked in orange, and areas with high erosion are marked in red. This map is somewhat generalized. Long stretches were evaluated based on overall condition. Our goal was to create a map that could be used to evaluate the need for restoration activities and the time inputs these activities would require.

With this in mind it is important to note that large sections of medium erosion do have intermittent small areas of high erosion and that large sections of stable/low erosion are likely to have intermittent small areas of medium erosion. Representative photos of each degree of erosion are below the Erosion Map.

Revegetation and Stabilization Plan for Stream Corridor

A re-vegetation strategy needs to go hand in hand with the phased restoration of invasive plant removal. The site can be stabilized over the first two years of treatment with initial seed mixes of native grasses. This will allow the use of broadleaf specific herbicides to be used over the native grasses without harming them. Establishing native grasses will be critical in slowly converting the site from highly invasive to highly native and controlling erosion during the process. Permanent native seed mixes are fairly expensive and should not be sown until there is adequate control of the invasives.

Table 5: Recommended Grass/Sedge Seed Mix

Initial Seed Mix Scientific Name Common Name Carex frankii Frank's Sedge Carex hirtifolia Hairy Wood Sedge Carex laxiflora Beech Wood Sedge Chasmanthium latifolium Northern Sea Oats

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Diarhenna americana Beak Grass Elymus hystrix Bottlebrush Grass Elymus riparius Riverbank Wild Rye Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye

Stabilize Eroding Streambanks with Minimal Disturbance

Live staking, installation of erosion control material, such as straw and coconut fiber erosion blankets, use of coconut fiber logs, and addition of plant material, such as herbaceaous plugs and containerized trees or shrubs, are all options for methods of physically stabilizing areas of the streambank with minimal disturbance.

Mechanical grading is more disruptive than other methods and should be limited to areas of high erosion. The amount of trees growing along the stream corridor would make it difficult to operate machinery without the removal of some of those trees. Only in the case of implementation of structures, such as walking bridges, should mechanical grading occur. If grading were to occur, it should be confined to a few areas to keep disturbance to a minimum, live staking could be used for some of the more inaccessible high erosion areas. In the planning of trails and stream crossings, areas with high erosion should be slated for bridges and walkways, addressing the erosion at the time of construction.

A 100’ buffer zone of forest would be ideal for the stream corridor. A stable tree canopy occurs for the majority of the stream. In areas where erosion is high, we recommend low impact methods for stabilization, as much as possible. Light grading work may be possible with a follow-up of live staking, seeding, and use of biodegradable erosion materials. Refer to Stream Bank Erosion Map (Figure 4) to view specific areas.

• In high erosion areas (red) grading could be done if necessary and stabilization accomplished with strategic bridge building, erosion control fabric, seeding, live staking, and tree and shrub planting.

• In medium erosion areas (orange) stabilization could be accomplished with erosion control fabric, seeding, live staking, and tree and shrub planting.

• In low erosion areas (green) stabilization could be accomplished with seeding and tree and shrub planting.

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Table 6: Recommended Containerized Trees and Shrubs

Reforestation & Understory Restoration Woody Plant List

Canopy Trees Understory Trees & Shrubs Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Carya lacinosia Shellbark Hickory Amelanchier canadensis Serviceberry Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Asiminia triloba Paw Paw Celtis occidentalis Hackberry Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffeetree Cepahalanthus occidentalis Button Bush Juglans nigra Black Walnut Cercis canadensis Redbud Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood Quercus palustris Pin Oak Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Lindera benzoin Spice Bush Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark Rosa palustris Swamp Rose Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Arrow-wood Viburnum dentatum Viburnum Nannyberry Viburnum lentago Viburnum Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum

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Stream Erosion at Gibbs Park

!@

0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 I Feet Stable with Minor Erosion (Total Lineal Feet = 2810 ft.) Stream Erosion Medium (Total Lineal Feet = 2740 ft.) Gibbs Park Study Area Erosion High (Total Lineal Feet = 669 ft.) !@ Culvert High erosion

Medium erosion

Low erosion

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References

Deam, Charles, 1940. Flora of Indiana, Wm. B. Burford Printing Co., Indianapolis, IN.

Deam, Charles, 1932. Trees of Indiana 2nd edition, Fort Wayne Printing Co

Gleason & Cronquist, 1991 Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada 2nd edition, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx New York City, NY

Hadley, John Vestal, 1914. History of Hendricks County, Indiana, her people, industries and institutions. B.F. Bowen, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Swink & Wilhelm, 1994. 4th edition Plants of the Chicago Region, Indiana Academy of science, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois

Tallamy, Doug, 2007. Bringing Nature Home, Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon.

Internet Sources:

"Indiana Wetlands: What constitutes a wetland and why are they important in Indiana?" Web. 4 Jan 2013.

"Osage Orange Control" 27 Dec 2012. < http://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/problem-plants-and- animals/nuisance-native-plants/osage-orange-control>

USDA Plants Database, http://plants.usda.gov/

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