At its August 25 meeting, the Salem City Council asked for advice from the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on the seasonal no-mow/restoration program in Bush’s Pasture Park’s Upper Oak Grove.
The Council’s aim is to balance restoration goals, accessibility and safety concerns, including risks from sudden limb drops of white oaks. Plans include securing picnic tables soon so they can’t be moved and later exploring a permanent picnic shelter later
Map of Bush’s Pasture Park shows various zones and functions within the park, including the upper oak grove (lower left corner) where mowing has been significantly reduced to create a more natural white oak woodland with diverse native plants and new trees growing from acorns in the understory of the grove.
