Butterflies visit the berm at the Sparrow Field.
Nectaring on the Lantana and Verbena are a
Southern Broken Dash, a Firey Skipper and a Common Buck Eye.
Photographs by Fitz Clarke
The Project
The Sparrow Field encompasses a unique three acre area within The Landings community. Located off of Bartram Road, it is a gathering spot for many species of birds not generally found in other places on Skidaway Island. In 2004, a new species of bird was found there, which led to efforts by the community to preserve this habitat.
The project has been an extraordinary undertaking combining the efforts of many individuals and organizations including The Landings Club, Skidaway Audubon, the The Landings Club Golf Club Maintenance Team, The Landings Garden Club and The Landings Association.
The Chinese Tallow Trees
Using funds supplied by Skidaway Audubon, a very important aspect of the project was the removal of 400 Chinese tallow trees. The Chinese tallow tree is a serious threat because of its ability to invade and displace native vegetation, as well as alter soil conditions due to the high amount of tannins present in the leaf litter.
Sean Burgess, Environmental Coordinator of the Landings Association, provided contacts with outside contractors, including Chris John at Valley Crest, and Evergreen, who provided the Feller Buncher (a type of harvester used in logging). Holly Holdsworth, Park Manager of Skidaway Island State Park, and a licensed applicator of Tordon, handled the spraying of the smaller trees.
The Berm
As part of the entire Sparrow Field improvement project, a berm area was established between the Sparrow Field and the golf course. The Landings Club purchased and planted bushes on the top and fairway side of the berm. Linda Lamb of Coastal Wildscapes, assisted with the selection of plants, which include Nellie Stevens Holly, Bottle Brush and Muhle Grass. The Golf Course Maintenance team installed drip irrigation lines. The Golf Course Maintenance team also maintains the area, including the mowing of the field.
The Landings Garden Club Contribution
The section of the berm facing the field was selected by Skidaway Audubon, to establish a Pollinator Friendly environment for butterflies, hummingbirds, wasps, & bees.
Financial assistance to purchase Pollinator Friendly plants and volunteer assistance to do the planting, were provided by The Landings Garden Club.
Linda Lamb again assisted with plant selection for the berm. Some of the plants included on the berm are Joe Pye Weed, Lantana, Coreopsis, Passion Flower, Asclepias Tuberosa (Milkweed) and Spotted Bee Balm.
Sparrow Field Committee Members
Dot Bambach
Fitz Clarke
Russ Wigh
Tyson Helsel
Caryl Warner
Photographs by Fitz Clarke
