Tree Board pins Nelson Park as primary 2026 planting site

The Poulsbo Tree Board recommended concentrating its 2026 planting efforts at Nelson Park, citing available city-owned shoreline property and opportunities to expand canopy where forested areas adjoin Fish Park and West Poulsbo Park. Staff member said the parcel includes restored edges and a spot cleared of blackberries that could be prepped for fall plantings.

Board members discussed the logistics of remediating invasive blackberry roots over the summer so volunteers can plant in October or November. “So if we were to do that, what would be good to plant?” a member asked; the group discussed planting smaller stock en masse to achieve faster canopy gains and using the pollinator corridor planning to align plantings with adjacent Fish Park and Kiwanis Park efforts.

Staff member presented findings from Max’s iTree assessment, which mapped canopy coverage across city-owned parcels and recommended selecting two or three targeted sites for enhancement. The assessment highlighted Nelson Park as a priority because it sits at the head of Liberty Bay on the western shore and can help fill a canopy deficit in Tract C.

Board members flagged practical constraints: wetlands in parts of Nelson Park limit plantable areas, irrigation access and the need to coordinate with parks staff and existing stewards. The board agreed to plan summer volunteer remediation work and to pursue fall tree installation, using grant funds and an internal reserve to cover purchases. Staff will return with a more detailed planting plan, including recommended species, proposed volunteer workdays and a maintenance plan to improve survival rates.