Letter to Landscape Committee re Native Wildflowers

Triteleia in 2024.

Orchids mowed in 2025.

March 15, 2026

John Bullock
Landscape Committee
Ovation at Oak Tree

 John,
As you know I have had a special interest in our Oak Preserve for several years. In 2022, I started noticing the native wildflowers and have been marking and writing about them as they continue to flourish. I also follow the Washington Native Plant Society and have learned that we have some native plants that are endangered.

My main concern is the mowing and spraying of the trails when the native plants are starting to grow and when they are in bloom. This seems to happen every year and every year I think I should do something to keep that from happening. The problem is I am getting older every year so I would like to form a small group of volunteers who could help monitor our vulnerable native wildflowers in our Preserve.

Since the Landscape committee has oversight of the Preserve, I am asking you for your thoughts on this idea. This group would only be interested in monitoring the care of the native wildflowers at this time.

One example of the native wildflower that was mowed while in bloom is the patch of native Elegant Piperia Orchids that are located behind the “End of Trail” sign. (see pictures) There were about 20 plants in bloom last summer when the mowers mowed them down. There are many orchid plants starting to grow in that same area now and I would like to know how they can be protected this summer. Another vulnerable plant is the hyacinth cluster lily that grows along the trails and is mowed every year. (see picture)

 A plant that has not been seen for 2 years is the Triteleia grandiflora. It bloomed last in 2024, so I assume it succumbed to the weed spraying. It was one-of-a-kind, so it is very sad that it is gone. Oak seedlings and Dwarf Owl-clover are also gone. (see pictures)

 The other people who are interested in helping me are Judith Turner and Pam and Rob Kedenburg. Their properties all back up to the Preserve. I am very thankful for their interest, and more people might show interest if they hear about our concerns. 

I assume you will need to have the HOA Committee look at my proposal. I would be happy to attend a Landscape committee meeting if you would like that.

Thank you for your work on the Landscape committee,
Eleanor Zweigle
9117 Schmitz Ct. SE, 360-561-5940,
eleanorzkf@gmail.com

Pictures of Some of the Vulnerable Plants

Dwarf Owl's-clover
Oak seedlings
Cluster lilies.