Happy New Year!
Kannally Gardeners Update
After working on the Kannally gardens for 13 years, Chuck LeFevre has decided to retire. His dedication to the gardens began in 2007. Since that time, Chuck has created an educational enhancement to the Oracle State Park. He accomplished this using his background in native plants, ecological restoration, landscape design, and horticulture. We wish Chuck well, although we are going to miss seeing him almost every week at the gardens making improvements.
Hilary Cox is also retiring. Her knowledge as a garden designer will be difficult to replace. We want to express our gratitude to Chuck, Hilary, and the many volunteers over the years who have worked in the gardens. Chuck’s only request is that the integrity of the gardens be respected going forward. He has offered to consult on garden matters which is greatly appreciated. (Read about Hilary’s efforts)
The Friends of Oracle State Park has always supported the Kannally Gardens, and that will not change. If you are interested in volunteering at the gardens, please email Deborah Gaines at FriendsOracleStatePark@gmail.com and she will coordinate with the park management to make it possible.
Greetings from Friends of Oracle State Park
As this most unusual year draws to a close, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Let’s all make the most of this holiday season – even if our hugs, parties, and shared meals can only be virtual.
The FOSP board has been meeting frequently at the park to discuss our role during these challenging times, and to share our ideas with Vince Micallef, Oracle State Park Manager. It will come as no surprise that there are still many ways we are supporting the park.
We have approved $500.00 for materials to “shore up” the Sisters’ Cottages in an effort to keep out rodents and all sorts of wildlife. This is just the first step toward restoration of the cottages. Contractors have assessed the cottages, and experienced volunteers will be doing the initial work.
The board has approved $783.00, generously donated by members to be used for the first interpretive signs on the geology trail. Oracle State Park has some of the most unique geology in the world. Highlighting the geology will be a wonderful addition to the park. We are grateful to the geologists who are consulting on this project.
The nature blind is a project we hope to begin in 2021. The existing nature blind is dilapidated, and replacing it with a new design makes sense. Landscape Architect Jim Pollack has done a concept drawing for the nature blind, and we are talking to a builder to determine the cost and materials for the project. We look forward to sharing Jim’s design once we have approval to move forward. We continue to support the Kannally garden, the gift shop, and trails.
If you are a member, thank you for your continued support! If you would like to become a member, visit our FOSP membership page.
If you are an existing member and would like to make an additional end-of-year donation, please mail your donation to: FOSP, PO Box 1406, Oracle, AZ 85623.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and our sincere best wishes. We hope to see you at the Oracle State Park in 2021 on the trails and at events.
Stay safe, stay well, and enjoy Oracle State Park,
The Friends of Oracle State Park Board