February 2017.
NPNA residents are well aware of the opportunities and benefits of walking throughout our neighborhood, especially when winter seems like it never happened.
For those who walk along the creek, parks and greenbelt, there is an added opportunity to appreciate the timeless character of the creek. After a recent heavy rainfall, rushing water had stripped most of the algae from the creek bed, leaving only the natural rock and clear running water – a glimpse of what the creek can look like if runoff of fertilizer and other chemicals is minimized – that is; if all residents would avoid use of these products, and instead use only organics. (abundant information on organics is readily available from Howard Garrett, dirtdoctor.com, and at dallascountymastergardeners.org )
Walkers will also note the presence of a number of mallard pairs in the creek – as a long time neighbor observed, these ducks may well be returning to the first environment they knew – where they were hatched. Their long-term welfare depends on the thoughtful practices and continuing care by all NPNA residents.
Enjoy the creek, the winter weather, and think good health to ourselves and to the neighborhood wildlife.
Vince Punaro, Creek Leader