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Encinitas approves Lucadia Oaks native‑plant demonstration garden after negotiating protections for mature oaks
Summary
Council approved the Lucadia Oaks demonstration garden but directed staff to work with neighbors to preserve two mature oaks or relocate them, use decomposed‑granite cut‑throughs for curb access, and add community planting and interpretation.
Encinitas — The City Council approved design plans for a native‑plant demonstration garden at Lucadia Oaks Park but required staff to work directly with local residents and the neighborhood native‑plant group to preserve mature trees, fine‑tune access, and finalize educational signage.
Parks Operations Manager David Norard and landscape architect Howard Pierce presented the concept for a demonstration garden on the southeast corner of Lucadia Oaks Park, including three plant communities (oak woodland, transitional and pollinator beds), interpretive signage, plant labeling and a volunteer planting plan. The project would remove several non‑native parkway trees, eliminate the meadow turf in the fenced demonstration area and install low‑flow irrigation and permeable decomposed‑granite access paths.
Neighbors and native‑plant advocates supported the demonstration idea but raised strong concerns about removal of mature oaks, loss of existing native patches, access for people unloading from parked cars, and long‑term maintenance. “I hate to see any of the old growth trees taken out,” resident Kathleen Lease said, urging staff to alter the layout rather than remove healthy trees.
Council members and staff agreed. Council directed staff to work with the neighborhood and the native‑plant group (include volunteers) to: preserve two signature oak trees in place where feasible or relocate and protect them if necessary; retain the existing redbud and nearby native patches where possible; replace non‑native parkway trees with appropriately sited native street trees; use stabilized decomposed granite for curb cut‑throughs rather than flagstone; and explore log seating from local, salvaged material. Staff also committed to a clear tree‑protection and irrigation plan and to post expanded interpretation on the city’s website.
The motion to approve the design with community revisions passed unanimously. Parks staff said they will return with revised construction drawings that reflect the neighbors’ input and a timeline for a community planting event.
What’s next: Staff will prepare a construction package that preserves identified trees where practicable, adjust paths and plant lists per community guidance, and schedule a volunteer planting event tied to public education content on the city website.
