Why did you use large equipment to clear parts of the property?

While we’ve spent over a year and a half using hand tools, clippers, and machetes to carefully cut ivy off trees and clear invasive species, much of the area was too overgrown to restore by hand alone. Some ivy vines were nearly a foot thick, and the blackberries had grown over 15 feet high, choking out all the native plants. The heavy equipment was essential to “hit the reset button” and give native species a chance to recover.

It looks like everything was cut down. Are you clear-cutting the forest?

No—not at all! What you’re seeing is part of the natural restoration process. This is what we like to call the "awkward teenage phase" of restoration. Many native plants will begin to regrow on their own, and we will begin replanting native species in the fall to bring life and diversity back to the area. We are restoring—not destroying—the natural ecosystem.

Why does the park look so bare right now?

The dense green look many people remember was largely made up of invasive ivy and blackberry, which were harming the forest and blocking out native plants and wildlife. This temporary “bare” phase is part of the process of reclaiming the space for healthy, diverse plant life. Think of it as necessary cleanup before planting a new garden.

Will the blackberries be gone forever?

Not entirely! We plan to maintain a controlled area of blackberry for community picking and enjoyment. However, because blackberries are extremely invasive, we may need to trim them back regularly to prevent re-spread. At the same time, we’ll also be planting native edible species, such as salmonberries, huckleberries, and other plants that benefit both wildlife and the community. These will help restore ecological balance while still offering seasonal foraging opportunities.

What’s with all the logs and branches left behind?

We’re reusing many of the larger logs to help define and line trails, which helps with erosion control and gives the paths a natural border. We also hope to chip some of the smaller branches and brush and leave the wood chips in place to improve soil health and support the forest floor’s long-term recovery.

Some debris is intentionally left to create wildlife habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. Please note: the terrain remains very uneven in many areas, especially after the initial clearing, so we strongly advise everyone to stay on designated trails and use caution when exploring the forest.

Why is the timeline for this project taking so long?

This is a 100% volunteer-led effort. We don’t have paid staff, and all restoration work is happening in phases and bursts, depending on volunteer availability and funding. We're doing as much as we can, as quickly as we can, with the help of community members like you!

Are there plans for improvements beyond restoration?

Yes! Long-term, we’d love to see the park include gathering areas, covered pavilions, more benches, interactive educational trails, and even natural play equipment. We’re also hoping to create a mural—with input from residents—to cover the northwestern corner that is  currently tagged with graffiti.

How can I stay informed about upcoming events and park activity?

Check back in to this website periodically for updates. If you're a Fairview Oaks Woods resident, please make sure your contact info is up to date with your property management so you can receive email and text alerts when work is scheduled. The two days in June were our only major park closures, and we don’t expect anything like that again soon. Moving forward, we’ll post updates on this website’s event calendar, including dates for SOLVE Events, planting, trash pickups, invasive species removals, and more.