The Willow Glen Resident

Council Watch

Weeders, planters wanted for Meridian landscape project

Volunteers will help landscape median strip

By Michelle Ku

As of now, the median at Meridian Avenue and Highway 280 is in shambles, covered with dying shrubs and brambles. Next weekend, however, the median will be transformed into a landscaper's dream.

On Oct. 17, at 10 a.m., members and volunteers from the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association will be planting trees, shrubs and plants on the median in an effort to beautify the area. Four hours have been slated for the planting work ,with an additional hour or two for cleanup.

"This particular area that we're working on, if anyone sees it, I think they will all agree that it needs some help. It's a run-down, dilapidated area--not the community, but the landscaping. If you think about it, it's the way many Willow Glen residents and visitors use to enter the area," says J. Michael Gonzales, WGNA vice president and coordinator of the planting effort.

Gonzales and the other WGNA board members wanted to put in landscaping that would communicate a distinct change along the median. "We needed something to be able to show some success. So trees were a natural for the median," Gonzales says.

The WGNA has chosen to plant 10 fruitless plum trees with purple-red leaves. In addition to the trees, 40 shrubs with pink flowers, plants and other ground cover will be planted along the 150-foot-long median. "It will be a happier, serene scene than what we see there now," Gonzales says.

The WGNA is searching for at least 25 to 30 volunteers to help.

The only requirements the WGNA has for the volunteers is that they be over 18 and be willing to dig in--literally. "It will take some shoveling and elbow grease to get this down. This will be an improvement to an area that has been neglected for a while," Gonzales says.

Since the median is located on Caltrans property, the WGNA has had to work with agency officials on this project. On planting day, Caltrans workers will be at the site with signage and cones to protect the safety of the volunteers.

"We've been getting great support and help from Caltrans for this project," Gonzales says. "They've been very interested from the start in working to help us do this. We really applaud them for providing support during this whole process."

The planting at Meridian and Highway 280 could be the first of several WGNA planting efforts, Gonzales says. "There are a few other sites that could use some help, but we haven't really talked about them as a board. Other people have expressed [interest in] some other areas that have been neglected. We haven't decided if we're going to move into those areas as well. As long as we decide as a board and have the resources, it's definitely a possibility."

People interested in volunteering are asked to call 294-9462. Each volunteer will receive a T-shirt to commemorate the event.

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