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Marston House Gardens Clean-Up Uncovers Historic Features
September/October 2018
By A. Hayes
 Officer trainees get instructions on the day's clean-up goals. |
 Historic cobblestone retaining wall can be seen again after clearing of weeds and raking of paths. Photos by A. Hayes |
On August 10, a large volunteer clean-up effort took place that highlights the historic elements of the Marston House grounds and its Arts and Crafts canyon gardens. This successful project is the result of a partnership with the Navy Southwest Regional Command, the City of San Diego, the Balboa Park Conservancy, and SOHO.
Beginning at 8am, more than 30 officer trainees, Park and Recreation staff, and city horticulturalist Magen Shaw were on site and ready to go, while the Balboa Park Conservancy provided refreshments for the industrious volunteers.
SOHO board members, volunteers, and staff also pitched in to sweep the canyon for homeless encampments; photograph the visible historic hardscape features, such as red sandstone and cobblestone retaining walls, identify historic plantings, and provide overall guidance for this major weeding and clearing effort. By the time the Marston House opened for tours, the gardens and lawn were clear of weeds and debris, and the historic Arts and Crafts canyon paths were raked and visible once again. It shows just how much can be achieved in a matter of hours.
A huge thank you to all our partners who made this important first step in restoring the historic canyon gardens happen! The many officer trainees from the Navy Southwest Regional Command; Jaime Diez, Gary Burns, and Magen Shaw with the City of San Diego; and Jackie Higgins and Shena Richardson from the Balboa Park Conservancy. SOHO was well represented by board members Paul Johnson and Scott Sandel, Marston gardens docent Dan Davey and historic landscape professional Vonn Marie May, along with SOHO staff: Bobbie Bagel, Amie Hayes, and Robert Veres.
SOHO looks forward to continuing this partnership as the canyon gardens restoration continues.
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