Indian Creek Nature Area at the Burton Cotton Gin
Randon Dillingham, Project Coordinators
The volunteers of the Burton Cotton Gin Museum have invited us to partner with them in developing a natural area near the visitor center that will add to the experience of the visitors. The land, which is wooded and offers access to a stream, will also become available for us to use for programs and workshops that serve our goals of nature education for the public. Clearing brush, building paths, making interpretive displays and demonstrations will be among the activities for volunteers.
There will be many ways for members to participate in this project. You’ll be able to work on areas that interest you most and at times that suit your schedule. Burton Cotton Gin will help provide financial resources for materials, but want us to decide how the area should be developed. If additional labor is needed, Washington County will supply prison workers.
Here is a link to a map to the area. Map Link for IC Nature Area, Burton
Possible features:
* Covered pavilion with seating for classes and meetings
* Walking path through the area with interpretive signs
* Plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds
* Blue bird houses
* Bat houses
* Native rose area
* Native grass area
INDIAN CREEK NATURE AREA – A Plan for Development
Phase 1: Formalize relationship between Burton Cotton Gin and Gideon Lincecum chapter
Phase 2: Mapping and Clearing
-Locate and mark path route
-Identify and remove poison ivy and other invasive plants from path area
Phase 3: Paths and Other Structures
-Select and obtain border & path material
-Design and build bridge(s)
-Build paths
-Plan and build benches along path
Phase 4: Entrance
Design and build a natural-looking entrance to the area which restricts vehicles from entering. The entrance should be seen from the museum. Design and build a sign that will be in keeping with the sign in front of the Cotton Gin museum.
Phase 5: Interpretive Signs or Exhibits
Identify trees and shrubs along the path – native and non-native – to be marked by interpretive signs. Design signage and research ways to produce durable signs and exhibits.
Phase 6: Pavilion
-Design a pavilion for presentations.
-Level or remove old burn area without disturbing the existing grasses on the building site.
-Procure materials and build.
Phase 7: Bird and Bat Houses
Select locations; build or buy, and install
Phase 8: Possible Future Projects
Butterfly, Hummingbird and Rose areas:
-Work with the Cotton Gin to locate an area for these projects
-Design and build raised plots
-Possibly invite Master Gardeners to participate in plant selection and installation
Native Grasses
Work with the Cotton Gin and locate an area for a demonstration plot that doesn’t conflict with area used for tractor pull events.
Indian Creek Work List
There are quite a few jobs that can be done at any time by volunteers wanting to work on this project. Here is a list of some of the things that need to be done. If you need more specific directions, please contact Carol Montgomery. See the Master Plan above.
* Spray poison ivy with RoundUp(R) (glyphosate) during growing season.
* Pick up trash and remove it.
* Remove any waxleaf ligustrum plants. Even applying Remedy and diesel mixture as a basal treatment to kill ligustrum is helpful to reduce them spreading. They can be removed later. Any that are cut should have the stump treated with Remedy/diesel mix. Just diesel by itself may be sufficient if you cannot get the Remedy from Carol Montgomery.
* Spread mulch on the trails. Mulch pile is there. Bring a shovel and a wheelbarrow.
* Make bird nestboxes and bathouses to be hung.
* Join the team and work on design for the pavilion, bridges, interpretive signs, benches.
