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Background
In 2004, Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens was acquired by the Town using Land Bank funds for the purposes of conservation, passive recreation and open space.The Conservation Area consists of two parcels, parcel 5A1 is 8.3 acres and parcel 4 is 1.14 acres. The 1.14 acre parcel was gifted to the Town by the Family of Loyola Sylvan. Both properties were once heavily landscaped with ornamental plants. Until recently there has been little maintenance of the property, and vegetation is overgrown and invasive species are
widespread. The Conservation Commission is responsible for management of the property.
Plan Process & Future Meetings
With Land Bank funds, a team of consultants, coordinated by Environmental Landscape Consultants, was hired by the Town to develop a comprehensive Land Management Plan for the property. Other members of the consultant team include: New England Wildflower Society, and Wolf Landscape Architecture.
The following citizens are assisting the Conservation Division with guiding the consultants in development of the plan: Oonie Burley, Eric Hilbert, DeeDee Holt, DooDee (Cynthia) Nowak, Carol O’Dell, Kathleen Roper, Carol Scott, Laurel Sorenson, Coleman Yeaw, Bob Ziremba. Town liaisons include: Conservation Agent Kristin Andres & Assistant Conservation Agent, Environmental Technician Lara Slifka.
The first public meeting and walk were held on March 10, 2011 to introduce citizens to the property. The second public meeting was September 19, 2011. The third public meeting for the Land Management Plan will be scheduled for after the holiday. The Commission will need to approve the final plan prior to implementation. Those who wish to provide input are encouraged to attend the final public meeting, visit this website, and email lslifka@chatham-ma.gov with questions or comments.
There are four main sections of the plan: Parking & Access, Vegetation Management, Recreation, and a Five Year Maintenance Organization Plan.
Draft Land Management Plan
This document is currently being updated.
Parking & Access (Updated 9/28/2011)
Vegetation Management Plan
Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens was termed one of Chatham's hidden jewels in the Conservation Land Management Report. Don't let the name fool you, the property does not resemble an arboretum or have manicured gardens. It is extremely unique and important for wildlife. Those who first visit the property are amazed at the beauty, as well as the uncontrolled invasive species spreading from the forest floor up into the canopy.
A comprehensive inventory of the native and ornamental plants is part of the planning process. It is important to retain as many of the ornamental specimens as practical, while also controlling ornamentals which are invasive. As well, MA Division of Fish & Wildlife, Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has identified this area as being within priority & estimated habitat for rare and endangered state-listed species, and it is necessary to protect the habitat of these species.
A vegetation survey was completed by New England Wildflower Society and Environmental Landscape Consultants.
The property does not have an electrical service nor running water, therefore any maintenance recommendations or restorative plantings will be able to be completed without these conveniences.
Recreation Management Plan
The Recreation Management Plan includes recommendations for standard and ADA trails, locations for benches, bike rack, kiosks, vegetation keys and signs. There are specific standards for construction of ADA trails.
Five Year Maintenance Organization Plan
Volunteer work days with AmeriCorps members, abutters, landscaper contractors and arborists have been completed. Neighbors and the general public are interested in the future of the property and are willing to donate their time to assist in the maintenance of the landscape. In order to maintain the property the community must work together, therefore this section will identify tasks that can be undertaken by volunteers, town staff, and those requiring specific expertise, (e.g. arborist).
Volunteers
The contractors who have volunteered on Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens include: Cape Tree Inc., Cynthia Nowak Landscaping, Cape Caretakers, Cape Cutters, Countryside Landscaping, John Fougere Landscaping & Excavating Inc., Monomoy Tree Service, Morrison Tree Service. If you wish to Volunteer on this or another Conservation Property email Lara Slifka, Assistant Conservation Agent, Environmental Technician at lslifka@chatham-ma.gov.
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