Luna Lake Takes Shape

23 May, 2005

In the October 2004 newsletter, the Board of HESNA provided the following update on HESNA’s ongoing discussions about Luna Lake:

“Two factors are now guiding the HESNA Board of Directors in its thinking on Luna Lake: (1) it is not feasible to recreate the very formal Luna Lake of the past, and (2) a recent evaluation, by a highly qualified biological professional, of Luna Lake as it currently exists reveals that it has become a natural wetland with wildlife and wetland plants and can be successfully maintained as such.

Thus, the decision has been made to develop, with professional help, a plan for the improvement, maintenance and educational presentation of Luna Lake as a natural wetland.”

Last October, on the advice of our consultant, several HESNA members cut down the weed trees and treated the stumps with RoundUp. A desirable clump of native willow (salex bebbiena) was spared. With the trees gone and lots of accumulated trash removed, Luna Lake looked much improved.

Early this spring, we were able to observe that the trees, which were cut and treated in the fall, were apparently dead. The willow was thriving. And a pair of mallards had contentedly settled in. All good signs.

Now, we need to do further clearing of trees and unwanted grasses in order to provide sunlight and encourage the growth of cattails, sedges and the willow.

However, the Board has become increasingly concerned with issues of risk and the liability HESNA might face if we took responsibility for restoring the piped-in water supply. We cannot expose HESNA to possible lawsuit in the case of a potential accident.

Therefore, it seems to the Board that the most prudent course is to continue to care for Luna Lake, as we do the flower beds and the park in general, and to use the donated funds for additional plantings and for an informational sign describing Luna Lake as the formal feature it once was and as the natural wetland it has become.