Through a Community Conservation Cost-Share Program grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Parkville Parks & Recreation Department completed its plan in the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary to prevent erosion along Rush Creek, improve soil health, increase understory biodiversity and promote wildlife habitat that compliments recreational use. Last October, a total of 54 trees and shrubs from CommuniTree were planted during a volunteer work day. In February, volunteers planted 62 shrub saplings and over 50 native understory plants throughout the sanctuary.
To make the project possible, the City was awarded grant funds in the amount of $5,239.91 from MDC. With these funds, the City was able to remove potentially hazardous or diseased trees to promote maximum trail safety and more accessibility to the Twin Trail system in the sanctuary. The trees that were removed were left on-site, as large logs and mulch, to provide habitat for wildlife.
The Community Conservation Cost-Share Program is a competitive tree care program administered by the MDC. Eligible property includes lands in public ownership or open to the public, such as, but not limited to, municipal and county parks and schools. The Program promotes sustainable development practices and the establishment of natural resource conservation practices in municipal and developing areas.
The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is 8.64 acres of nature reserves located on the north side of Platte Landing Park along Rush Creek, west of the bridge entry. The land was acquired from and donated by the Brown and Smalley families and was dedicated in memory of Edgar and Ruth Sullivan, as well as other family members.
Mayor Dean Katerndahl said, “Because City staff continues to pursue grants, we are able to maintain the health of our tree stock as a top priority in our more than 200 acres of parks and over 100 acres of nature sanctuaries. We appreciate the assistance provided by the Community Conservation Cost-Share Program through the Missouri Department of Conservation.”
For more information, contact Parkville Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager at (816) 741-7676.
