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Garden Club urges council to back Montoya Creek arboretum classification and trail completion
Summary
Members of the Diamondhead Garden Club asked the council to support classifying the Montoya Creek nature trail as a level-1 arboretum, saying volunteers documented 28 of the 30 required tree species and offered to help with educational labeling and outreach.
Members of the Diamondhead Garden Club urged the City Council on July 20 to support a state-level arboretum classification for the Montoya Creek nature trail, citing educational benefits and community visibility.
A Garden Club member said the club’s president secured the classification paperwork at a state convention and volunteers, led by Joanne Radosta, conducted a walk of the trail. The speaker said the team found 28 different tree species in the first section and expects the remaining species would be found by surveying additional sections. The club volunteered to help with educational labels and marketing once the city completes the classification process.
The City Manager told the council the trail work is already under contract: the boardwalk section is under construction, pilings and braces are in place, and crews are progressing on electrical work; soil sampling for a bridge was added to the project scope. Staff also said funding is available to reinstate a grassed area that had been removed from the Montoya Creek contract.
Why it matters: the arboretum designation would provide publicity, educational programming and potential grant or promotional opportunities for the trail; volunteers’ involvement could reduce staff workload and add interpretive signage for visitors.
Public comment at the meeting also included a separate resident critique of downtown improvements and the city’s communication about projects. Resident Peter Yanez said the front business district still lacks sidewalks, lights and benches and urged clearer reporting on how funds are being spent; the mayor acknowledged his comments.
What’s next: the arboretum classification application is on the council agenda for action and staff will submit the application; the Montoya Creek boardwalk and trail construction will continue with the October contract deadlines noted in staff comments.
Attribution: Garden Club member (public comment); City Manager (project status and funding updates); Peter Yanez (public comment).
