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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SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 2 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 3 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 4 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 5 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 6 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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
Page 7 of 8
SciName Common Name PPCode Origin Listed Invasive
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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