Resident proposes volunteer honeysuckle removal, park restoration near Oaktree Park

Bodhi Tornow, a nearby resident, asked the Sustainability Commission to support a volunteer-led restoration of a forested path near Oaktree Park, calling for an assessment, targeted invasive honeysuckle removal and replanting with native species.

"The path has become severely overgrown," Tornow said, and proposed a large "honeysuckle hack" in June or July followed by periodic six-month monitoring. He told the commission he had emailed a five‑page project description in advance and has begun outreach to local student groups to provide service hours.

Staff described prior work in the area: the city’s urban forester, Adam Graham, has planted roughly 250 trees and shrubs in the park, and staff have performed invasive-removal work in earlier seasons. Staff recommended pairing Tornow’s volunteer proposal with city resources and school‑based service-hour programs. "We think, you know, we're incredibly impressed by what he came and did and incredibly excited to be working with him," a staff member said.

Commissioners suggested practical steps for the short term: an initial assessment to compare current conditions with the original improvements, coordination with the parks superintendent, and outreach to student organizations (including National Honor Society and school sports teams) to provide volunteers and service hours. One commissioner encouraged staff to research targeted stump‑treatment techniques used at the Shaw Nature Reserve and share those protocols with volunteers.

Staff said no formal commission action was required at this time; members encouraged Tornow to return with a more developed schedule and confirmed staff willingness to help coordinate volunteers and publicity.

The commission closed the item by inviting Tornow to provide updates and said staff would follow up with potential partners and timing for an event.