Pelton Park Natural Resources Management Plan

Pelton Park Natural Resources Management Plan Tara Kauffman, Natural Resources Manager

Brad Phillips, Environmental Projects Coordinator (March 2012-Updated February 2019)

Erie MetroParks mission is to conserve natural resources while connecting the

community with nature through education and exploration.

Located in Erie County, Pelton Park is a 20 acre park owned by Perkins TWP. and

managed by Erie MetroParks since 1991. Surrounded by residential and commercial

development, this park contains several distinct ecological zones including forest; two small

successional meadows, a small riparian corridor and a shallow wetland. A .3 mile looped trail

takes you through the forest that is primarily dominated by large mature oaks (Quercus alba, Q.

macrocarpa, Q. rubra, and Q. velutina) along with mature Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

and Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata). Due to high development surrounding the property it is

essential to keep this space in its natural state. Pelton Park is an ideal place for recreational

activities such as walking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and picnicking.

Over 246 plant species have been identified at Pelton Park (see attachment plants thru

2016). Meadow plants grow in abundance and include Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis),

Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) and several types of grasses. Featured spring wildflowers

include Harbinger of Spring (Erigenia bulbosa), Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium), Purple

Cress (Cardamine douglasii) and Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). A variety of wildlife

makes this 20 acre lot their home. A pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) closely nests

to the perimeter of the park and should be closely watched to insure no disturbance is present.

96 bird species have been found through 2016 (see attachment birds thru 2016).

A former ice skating area has reverted to wetland within the west portion, adding

habitat diversity to the site. It does contain much Reed Canary Grass, (Phalaris arundinacea),

which is invasive.

Several depressional pools (vernal pools) exist within Pelton Park. These pools slowly

accumulate water over winter and into spring, creating breeding grounds for frogs and

salamanders. The presence of American Elm (Ulmus americana), Green Ash (Fraxinus

Pelton Park Natural Resources Management Plan Tara Kauffman, Natural Resources Manager

Brad Phillips, Environmental Projects Coordinator (March 2012-Updated February 2019)

pennsylvanica) and Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) around the pools suggest that these vernal

pools have existed for many years. Drainage of this area is not necessary, pools that retain and

slowly release rain water are beneficial to water quality overall by reducing stream

sedimentation, filtering out pollutants, and reducing storm surge volume. However, complaints

from an adjacent landowner persuaded Perkins Township to dig a short ditch on the northeast

portion of the property.

Invasive species include Common Reed (Phragmites australis), which is located in a

narrow patch east of the parking lot. Spraying has greatly curtailed this population. Others

include Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) in the meadows, and Japanese Honeysuckle

(Lonicera japonica), Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maacki), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

and Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) in among the trees along with other species (see

attachment plants thru 2011). Efforts will be made to control invasive plant species. These

efforts will be a combination of manual removal and targeted use of herbicides.

Hemminger ditch flows through Pelton Park. The culvert carrying this flow under the

trail needs periodic cleaning to remove debris build ups which can cause flooding. The entrance

to the woodland and sections of the trail are affected and stay wet. Long term, it may be

desirable to replace this culvert with a larger unit and raise the grade of the trail.

Pelton Park

PLANT List, Pelton Park thru 2016Thursday, March 23, 2017

SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive

L V

Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro Fern, Ostrich X N

Botrychium dissectum Spreng Grape-fern, Dissected X N

2 00

P

Agrimonia gryposepala Wallr. Agrimony, Common X N

Agrimonia parviflora Aiton Agrimony, Small-flowered X N

Heuchera americana L. Alum-root, Common X N

Anemone canadensis L. Anemone, Canada X N

Anemone virginiana L. Anemone, Tall (Thimbleweed) X N

Anemone quinquefolia L. Anemone, Wood X N

Peltandra virginica (L.) Schott & Endl. Arrow-Arum C L N

Symphyotrichum urophyllum (Lindl.) G.L. Nesom [Aster saggitifolius Wedem ex Willd.]

Aster, Arrow-leaved X? N

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) [Aster l..us (L.) Britt.]

Aster, Calico X N

Symphyotrichum sp, lanceolate Aster, lanceolate X N

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L. Nesom [Aster n.. L.]

Aster, New England X N

Geum virginianum L. or laciniatum Murray

Avens, Rough X? N

Geum vernum (Raf.) T & G. Avens, Spring X N

Geum canadense Jacq. Avens, White X N

Geum aleppicum Jacq. Avens, Yellow X? N

Actaea pachypoda Ell. Baneberry, White X N

Galium aparine L. Bedstraw, Cleavers X N

Galium concinnum T. & G. Bedstraw, Shining X N

Galium triflorum Michx. Bedstraw, Sweet-scented X? N

Galium mollugo L. Bedstraw, White X A

Galium circaezans Michx. Bedstraw, Wild Licorice X N

Bidens sp Beggar-ticks, a X N

Convolvulus arvensis L. Bindweed, Field X A

Lotus corniculatus L. Bird'sfoot-trefoil X A

Polygonum scandens L. Buckwheat, Climbing False X N

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Scirpus polyphyllus Vahl Bulrush, Leafy X N

Arctium minus Bernh. Burdock, Common X A

Ranunculus abortivus L. Buttercup, Kidney-leaved X N

Ranunculus hispidus Michx var nitidus Buttercup, Swamp X N

Senecio glabellus Poir. Buttertop X A

Smilax ecirrata (Engelm.) S.Wats. Carrion Flower, Upright X N

Smilax herbacea L. Carrion-flower X? N

Daucus carota L. Carrot, Wild (Queen Anne's Lace) X A

Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Chickweed, Common X A

Cichorium intybus L. Chicory X A

Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr) DC Cicely, Smooth Sweet X N

Potentilla simplex Michx. Cinquefoil, Common X? N

Potentilla recta L. Cinquefoil, Rough-fruited X A

Pilea pumila (L) A.Gray Clearweed, Common X N

Trifolium dubium Sibth. Clover, Litttle Hop- X? A

Trifolium campestre Schreber Clover, Low Hop- X A

Trifolium pratense L. Clover, Red X A

Trifolium repens L. Clover, White X A

Xanthium strumarium L. Cocklebur X N

Cimicifuga racemosa (L) Nutt. Cohosh, Black X N

Rudbeckia laciniata L. Coneflower, Cut-leaved X N

Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. Cress, Common Winter X A

Lepidum campestre (L.) R.Br. Cress, Cow (Field Peppergrass) X N

Cardamine pensylvanica Muhl. Cress, Pennsylvania Bitter X? N

Cardamine douglassii Britton Cress, Purple Bitter X N

Cardamine bulbosa (Schreb) BSP Cress, Spring X N

Ranunculus recurvatus Poir. Crowfoot, Hooked X? N

Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. [Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.]

Daisy, Ox-eye X A

Taraxacum officinale Weber Dandelion, Common X A

Rumex crispus L. Dock, Curled X A

Cuscuta gronovii Willd. Dodder, Common X N

Apocynum cannabinum L. Dogbane, Indian-Hemp X N

Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott. Dragon, Green X N

Lemna minor L. Duckweed, Lesser X N

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Oenothera biennis L. Evening-primrose, Common X N

Floerkea proserpinacoides Willd. False Mermaid X N

Erythronium albidum Nutt. Fawn-lily, White X N

Erythronium americanum Ker. Fawn-lily, Yellow X N

Scrophularia marilandica L. Figwort, Maryland X N

Erigeron annuus (L) Pers. Fleabane, Daisy (toothy) X N

Erigeron philadelphicus L. Fleabane, Philadelphia X N

Allium vineale L. Garlic, Field X A

Allium canadense L. Garlic, Wild X N

Geranium maculatum L. Geranium, Wild X N

Tragopogon pratensis L. Goats-beard, Yellow X A

Solidago caesia L. Goldenrod, Blue-stemmed X N

Solidago canadensis L. Goldenrod, Canada (+Tall) X? N

Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. Goldenrod, Flat-topped X N

Panicum sp. Grass, a Panic X N

Echinochloa muricata (P.Beauv.) Fern. Grass, Barnyard X N

Poa sp. Grass, Bluegrass, a X Z

Andropogon virginicus L. Grass, Common Broom-sedge X N

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel

Grass, Common Reed X A X

Miscanthus sinensis Anderson Grass, Eulalia X A X

Lolium pratense (Huds.) Darbyshire [Festuca pr..sis]

Grass, Meadow Fescue? X A

Dactylis glomerata L. Grass, Orchard X A

Phalaris arundinacea L. Grass, Reed Canary X A X

Phleum pratense L. Grass, Timothy X A

Elymus virginicus L. Grass, Virginia Wild Rye X? N

Leersia virginica Willd. Grass, White X N

Glechoma hederacea L. Ground Ivy X A

Erigenia bulbosa (Michx.) Nutt. Harbinger-of-Spring A L N

Lamium amplexicaule L. Henbit X A

Geranium robertianum L. Herb Robert X N

Amphicarpa bracteata (L.) Fern. Hog-peanut X? N

Cryptotaenia canadensis (L) DC Honewort, X N

Conzya canadensis (L.) Cronq. Horseweed, Common X Z

Iris virginica L. or versicolor Iris, Larger Blue Flag X? N

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Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott Jack-in-the-pulpit X N

Impatiens capensis Meerb. Jewelweed, Orange (Touch-me-not) X N

Eutrochium purpureum (L.) E.E. Lamont [Eupatorium p.. L.]

Joe-Pye-Weed, Purple (Sweet) X? N

Polygonum virginianum L. Knotweed, Virginia X N

Chenopodium album L. Lambsquarters X A

Sauruus cernuus L. Lizard's-tail X N

Lysimachia ciliata L. Loosestrife, Fringed X N

Phryma leptostachya L. Lopseed X N

Podophyllum peltatum L. Mayapple X N

Thaspium trifoliatum (L.) A. Gray Meadow-parsnip, Yellow X? N

Medicago lupulina L. Medick, Black X A

Asclepias syriaca L. Milkweed, Common X N

Asclepias incarnata L. Milkweed, Swamp X N

Mimulus ringens L. Monkey-flower, Common X N

Alliaria petiolata (M.Bieb) Cavara & Grande

Mustard, Garlic X A X

Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. Nettle, False X N

Urtica dioica L. Nettle, Stinging X N

Circaea lutetiana L. Nightshade, Common Enchanter's X N

Carduus nutans L. Nodding-thistle X A

Cyperus sp. Nut-sedge, a common one X N

Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz. Orchid, Helleborine X A

Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet Ox-eye, Smooth X N

Pastinaca sativa L. Parsnip, Wild X A X

Phlox divaricata L. Phlox, Blue X N

Erechtites hieracifolius (L.) Raf. ex DC. Pilewort X N

Dianthus armeria L. Pink, Deptford X A

Plantago major L. Plantain, Common X A

Plantago lanceolata L. Plantain, English X A

Plantago rugelii Decne. Plantain, Rugel's(Pale) X N

Antennaria parlinii Fernald [A. plantaginifolia (L.) Richardson]

Pussy-toes, Plantain-leaved X N

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Ragweed, common X N

Ambrosia trifida L. Ragweed, Giant X N

Prenanthes sp Rattlesnake-root, a X N

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Collinsonia canadensis L. Richweed (Horsebalm) X N

Thalictrum dioicum L. Rue, Early Meadow X N

Thalictrum thalictroides (L.) Eames & Boiv.

Rue-anemone X N

Juncus tenuis Willd. Rush, Path X N

Juncus brachycarpus Engelm. Rush, Short-fruited X? N

Juncus effusus L. Rush, Soft X N

Carex vulpinoidea Michx. Sedge, Foxtail X N

Carex frankii Kunth. Sedge, Frank's X N

Carex hirtifolia Mackenz. Sedge, Hairy-leaved X? N

Carex sec. Laxiflorae Sedge, laxiflorae X N

Carex radiata (Wahlenb.)Small Sedge, Radiate X? N

Prunella vulgaris L. Self-heal(Heal-all) X A

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Shepherd's-Purse X A

Polygonum sp. Smartweed, a X N

Polygonum persicaria L. Smartweed, Ladies'-thumb X A

Sanicula sp. Snakeroot, a Black X N

Smilacina racemosa (L.) Desf. Solomon's-plume, X N

Polygonatum pubescens (Willd.) Pursh Solomon's-seal, Hairy X N

Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliot. Solomon's-seal, Smooth X N

Smilacina stellata Desf. Solomon's-seal, Starry False X N

Sonchus arvensis L Sow-thistle, Field X A

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Sow-thistle, Spiny-leaved X A

Veronica arvensis L. Speedwell, Corn X A

Veronica peregrina L. Speedwell, Purslane X N

Claytonia virginica L. Spring-beauty X N

Hackelia virginiana (L.) I. M. Johnston Stickseed, Common X N

Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Strawberry, Virginia X N

Helianthus sp.? Sunflower type X N

Melilotus albus Medik. Sweet-Clover, White X A

Melilotus officinalis (L)Lam. Sweet-Clover, Yellow X A

Dipsacus fullonum L. Teasel, Common X A X

Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Tenore Thistle, Bull X? A

Cirsium arvense (L) Scop. Thistle, Canada X A X

Desmodium glutinosum (Willd.) Wood Tick-trefoil, Cluster-leaved X N

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Cardamine concatenata (Michx.) Sw.[Dentaria laciniata]

Toothwort, Cut-leaved X N

Verbena hastata L. Vervain, Blue X N

Verbena urticifolia L. Vervain, White X N

Viola sororia Willd. Violet, Common Blue X N

Viola pubescens Ait. Violet, Common Yellow X N

Hydrophyllum virginianum L. Waterleaf, Virginia X N

Sium suave Walt. Water-parsnip x LT N

Samolus parviflorus Raf. [S. floribundus] Water-pimpernel X N

Alisma subcordatum Raf. Water-plantain, Southern X N

Erophila verna (L.) Besser [Draba …] Whitlow-grass, Vernal X A

Epilobium coloratum Biehler Willow-herb, Purple-leaved X? N

Verbesina alternifolia (L)Britt. Wingstem X N

Laportea canadensis (L.) Wedd. Wood-nettle X? N

Oxalis stricta L. Wood-sorrel, Common yellow X N

Achillea millefolium L. Yarrow X A

175 70

T

Malus pumila Mill. [Pyrus malus] Apple, Common U A

Fraxinus nigra Marshall Ash, Black X? N

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall Ash, Red and Green X? N

Fraxinus americana L. Ash, White X N

Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Autumn-olive U L A X

Berberis thunbergii DC Barberry, Japanese R A

Rubus occidentalis L. Bramble, Black Raspberry X N

Rubus allegheniensis Porter. Bramble, Common Blackberry X N

Rubus flagellaris Willd. Bramble, Northern Dewberry X? N

Prunus mahaleb L. Cherry, Mahaleb X? A

Prunus avium L. Cherry, Sweet X A

Prunus serotina Ehrh. Cherry, Wild Black X N

Prunus virginiana L. Choke Cherry X N

Populus deltoides Marsh Cottonwood X N

Pyrus sp. [Malus] Crabapple, Ornamental X A

Parthenocissus vitacea (Knerr.) A.Hitch.[P.inserta]

Creeper, Thicket X N

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Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L) Planch. Creeper, Virginia X N

Ribes americanum Mill. Currant, American Black X N

Cornus florida L. Dogwood, Flowering X N

Cornus racemosa Lam. Dogwood, Gray (Panicled) X? N

Cornus amomum Mill. Dogwood, Silky X? N

Sambucus canadensis L. Elderberry or Common Elder X N

Ulmus rubra Muhl. Elm, Red (Slippery) X N

Ribes cynosbati L. Gooseberry, Prickly X N

Vitis riparia Michx. Grape, Riverbank X N

Vitis aestivalis Michx. Grape, Summer X N

Smilax hispida Muhl. Greenbrier, Bristly X? N

Celtis occidentalis L. Hackberry X N

Cratageus sp. Hawthorn, a X N

Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K.Koch Hickory, Bitternut X N

Carya ovata (Mill.) K.Koch Hickory, Shagbark X N

Carya laciniosa (Michx.) G. Don Hickory, Shellbark X N

Carya ovalis (Wang) Sarg. Hickory, Sweet Pignut X N

Lonicera maacki (Rupr.) Maxim. Honeysuckle, Amur X A X

Lonicera japonica Thunb. Honeysuckle, Japanese X A X

Lonicera morrowii A.Gray Honeysuckle, Morrow X A X

Toxicodendron radicans (L) Ktze. Ivy, Poison X N

Acer negundo L. Maple, Ash-leaved(Box-elder) X N

Acer platanoides L. Maple, Norway X A X

Menispermum canadense L. Moonseed X N

Morus rubra L. Mulberry, Red X? N

Morus alba L. Mulberry, White X A

Quercus velutina Lam. Oak, Black X N

Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Oak, Bur X N

Quercus palustris Muenchh. Oak, Pin X N

Quercus rubra L. Oak, Red X N

Quercus imbricaria Michx. Oak, Shingle X N

Quercus bicolor Willd. Oak, Swamp White X N

Quercus alba L. Oak, White X N

Pyrus calleryana Decne. Pear, Callery pl? A X

Pinus sylvestris L. Pine, Scotch pl E

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Ligustrum vulgare L. Privet, Common A A X

Juniperus virginiana L. Red-cedar, Eastern X N

Rosa setigera Michx. Rose, Climbing Prairie X N

Rosa canina L. Rose, Dog X A X

Rosa multiflora Thunb. Rose, Multiflora X A X

Rosa palustris Marsh. Rose, Swamp X? N

Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees Sassafras X N

Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume Spicebush R N

Rhus typhina L. [R. hirta] Sumac, Staghorn X N

Platanus occidentalis L. Sycamore X N

unk unk shrub, very spiny, Barberry? X A

Viburnum opulus L. Viburnum, Euro. Cranberry X A

Viburnum acerifolium L. Viburnum, Maple-leaved X N

Viburnum lentago L. Viburnum, Nannyberry X N

Juglans nigra L. Walnut, Black X N

Salix nigra Marsh Willow, Black X? N

Salix lucida Willow, Shining X N

Euonymous fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz.

Wintercreeper, Chinese X A X

69 100

246 246 170

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Birds of Pelton Park thru 2016Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Species PP

Canada Goose Transient

Wood Duck Resident?

Mallard Duck Resident?

Blue Wing Teal Migrant

Double-crested Cormorant Transient

Great Blue Heron Transient

Great Egret Transient

Turkey Vulture Resident nearby

Bald Eagle Resident

Sharp-shinned Hawk Transient

Cooper's Hawk Resident

Red-tailed Hawk Transient

Killdeer Resident

American Woodcock Resident?

Ring-billed Gull Transient

Herring Gull Transient

Great Black-backed Gull Transient

Mourning Dove Resident

Chimney Swift Resident

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Resident

Red-bellied Woodpecker Resident

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Migrant

Downy Woodpecker Resident

Hairy Woodpecker Resident

Yellow-shafted Flicker Resident

Eastern Wood Pewee Resident

Willow Flycatcher Resident?

Least Flycatcher Spring Migrant

Eastern Phoebe Resident

Great Crested Flycatcher Spring Migrant

White-eyed Vireo Migrant

Yellow Throated Vireo Migrant

Warbling Vireo Resident?

Page 1 of 3

Species PP

Red-eyed Vireo Resident?

Blue Jay Resident

American Crow Transient

Purple Martin Transient

Tree Swallow Transient

Rough-winged Swallow Transient

Bank Swallow Transient

Barn Swallow Resident

Black-capped Chickadee Winter Visitor

Tufted Titmouse Resident

Red-breasted Nuthatch Winter Visitor

White-breasted Nuthatch Resident

Brown Creeper Migrant

Carolina Wren Resident

House Wren Resident

Golden-crowned Kinglet Migrant

Ruby Crowned Kinglet Migrant

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Resident?

Eastern Bluebird Resident

Swainson's Thrush Migrant

Hermit Thrush Migrant

Wood Thrush Resident

American Robin Resident

Gray Catbird Resident

Brown Thrasher Resident

Starling Resident

Cedar waxwing Transient

Blue-winged Warbler Resident?

Tennessee Warbler Migrant

Yellow Warbler Resident

Chestnut-sided Warbler Migrant

Magnolia Warbler Migrant

Black-throated Blue Warbler Migrant

Yellow-rumped Warbler Migrant

Black-throated Green Warbler Migrant

Page 2 of 3

Species PP

Blackburnian Warbler Migrant

Yellow-throated Warbler Migrant

Black and White Warbler Migrant

American Redstart Resident?

Ovenbird Migrant

Northern Waterthrush Migrant

Common Yellowthroat Resident

Northern Cardinal Resident

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Resident?

Indigo Bunting Resident

Rufous Sided Towhee Resident

Tree Sparrow Winter Visitor

Chipping Sparrow Resident

Field Sparrow Resident

Fox Sparrow Migrant

Song Sparrow Resident

Swamp Sparrow Transient

White-throated Sparrow Winter Visitor

White-crowned Sparrow Winter Visitor

Dark-eyed Junco Winter Visitor

Red-winged blackbird Resident

Common Grackle Resident

Brown-headed Cowbird Resident

Orchard Oriole Summer Resident

Baltimore Oriole Resident

House Finch Resident

American Goldfinch Resident

House Sparrow Resident

96

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Documents

Pelton Park Natural Resources Management Plan