Earth Wise Northwest

Ed Corkill Memorial River Trail Planting Project

Once a Northern Pacific Railway line that transported goods, mail and passengers to and from the communities of Kendrick and Juliaetta, the Ed Corkill Memorial River Trail now provides a paved pedestrian and bicycle path along the Potlatch River between the two Latah County communities. Needless to say, the site conditions were less than desirable for a new garden. The soil was  compacted and rocky that made digging a hole of any size a challenge; thus, small seedlings were chosen. We also chose to plant native plants, because they are well-adapted to local conditions, do not require the use of pesticides or fertilizers, and once established (1-2 growing seasons) do not need irrigation. Additionally, native plants preserve biological diversity, play an essential role in the life cycle of local wildlife and are aesthetically appealing.

Preparing the site -  spring 2010	Plants in the ground - summer 2010.	Summer 2012

 

 

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is among the most recognized insects in North America. Their life cycle, like other insects, has several life forms and stages prior to reaching adulthood. The monarch has four distinct life stages: (1) egg (2) larva (caterpillar) (3) pupa (chrysalis) (4) adult. Milkweed and flowering plants are needed for monarch habitat. Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, but they must have milkweed to breed and develop into a butterfly.

 

 

The annual migration cycle of the monarch butterfly has been described as the most spectacular in the insect world. The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do. Monarchs use a combination of air currents and thermals to travel long distances. Some fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter home! Monarchs in Eastern North America have a second home in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. Monarchs in Western North America overwinter in California. This species and its continuing migration are dependent upon conservation of habitats in all three North American countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Monarch Migration Graphics Courtesty of the National Park Service. 

It all began on a cold day in early March with a visit to the site. The field was cultivated in early summer then planted with a cover crop.  In late August the cover crop was worked into the soil and the site was prepared for planting. By mid-September over 1,000 plants were in the ground getting their roots settled in before winter. These included 34 different species of native shrubs and flowering perennials with more than 250 milkweed plants plus a couple hundred spring flowering bulbs. Mulch was added to all the planting beds, and wood chips were spread on the paths and areas between the planting beds. Plans for the future include a couple of water features, arbors, and a gazebo. 

 

The Beginning - March 2021	Cover Crop Growing - Summer 2021	Preparing the Site -  Early September - 2021

 

Low maintenance backyard in Sandpoint, Idaho

The property is located in an area of clay soils that are slow to drain. First, they hired someone to level the yard and lay down heavy duty weed fabric over the entire area. Bark mulch was put on top of the fabric. Native plants suitable for the site conditions were installed in the spring of 2020. Other landscape features include a dry creek bed, driftwood, and rocks. 

 

August 2020	Summer 2021	Summer 2021