Yew Dell Gardens and 21st Century Parks Partner on Plant Propagation
21st Century Parks and Yew Dell Gardens have joined to find and propagate native plant species to be used in the restoration of The Floyds Fork Greenway Project. With funding provided by 21st Century Parks, and horticultural expertise provided by Yew Dell Gardens, the two organizations have assembled a list of native plants that will aid in the restoration of both bottomland and upland forests along Floyds Fork, as part of The Floyds Fork Greenway Project master plan process. Yew Dell staff will collect seeds within or near the parks project, cultivate those seeds at Yew Dell, and provide seeds and plant materials to be used in 21st Century Parks' restoration efforts. With a three year grant from 21st Century Parks, Yew Dell will be able to enhance their capacity to work with native plants. 21st Century Parks will expand its ability to reforest both canopy and understory trees as part of its strategy to replace invasive shrubs with a healthy forest structure of native plants. "This is a great opportunity for us to work with one of the most exciting and effective horticultural groups in our region," says Dan Jones, CEO of 21st Century Parks. "The staff and leadership of Yew Dell has the ability to help us identify important plant species and to create a seed bank, from local sources, that will help us in our restoration plan." Paul Cappiello, Executive Director of Yew Dell, Gardens is delighted with the prospects for this project, "This is a win-win scenario. The collaboration will allow Yew Dell to expand nursery production facilities, contribute to an ecologically-sound and science-based rehabilitation project, and possibly most importantly, will allow both organizations to create unique educational opportunities for the future."