Quarry Park
History
Dudley Davis Quarry Park is actually made up of two separately donated and managed parcels of land. The Quarry itself was an old sandstone quarry that was acquired in 1933. The deed stipulated that the Quarry could be used for park purposes only. Various plans for the area were developed, but not carried out. In the past, the Shorewood Hills Garden Club has planted wildflowers in the Quarry. Also, scout troops and other local groups have used it despite its lack of amenities. Two other lots were acquired for back taxes. In 1972, Hans and Theresa Reese donated another three lots above the Quarry for park and wildlife sanctuary purposes. In recent years, the lower part of the Quarry has been used for leaf and mulch storage by residents and Village employees.
Unfortunately, due to neglect, Quarry Park has become quite vulnerable to non-native honeysuckle, buckthorn, and garlic mustard. These exotic species shade out and kill native plant varieties. Beginning in the mid 1990s, Tom and Kathie Brock led spring work parties to eliminate garlic mustard in the Quarry and other Shorewood Hills parks. Each year, we see a reduced number of the exotic pests thanks to residents and workers that donate their time to the project.
In 1999, under the first full-time Forester/Horticulturalist, David Koehler, an oak savanna restoration was begun in Reese Woods. Honeysuckle, buckthorn, and other undesirable trees and shrubs were removed. David Koehler seeded appropriate savanna/woodland species into the park and planted native shrubs. Many of these plantings survived and became an established part of the park plant community. Garlic mustard, honeysuckle, buckthorn, and reed canary grass continue to be removed, so the newly established plantings will not be crowded out.
- Shorewood Hills: An Illustrated History
Current Use
Today, Dudley Davis (Quarry) Park is mainly frequented as a result of its abundant walking trails. These trails, maintained by Village staff, allow one to experience many kinds of native Wisconsin flora, fauna, and geological rock formations. The park is also a great source for local gardeners, as access to free leaf mulch and woodchips are available. Residents may drop off waste grass clippings at the Quarry; however, contracted landscapers must haul their own brush materials offsite.
Dudley Davis Quarry Park is actually made up of two separately donated and managed parcels of land. The Quarry itself was an old sandstone quarry that was acquired in 1933. The deed stipulated that the Quarry could be used for park purposes only. Various plans for the area were developed, but not carried out. In the past, the Shorewood Hills Garden Club has planted wildflowers in the Quarry. Also, scout troops and other local groups have used it despite its lack of amenities. Two other lots were acquired for back taxes. In 1972, Hans and Theresa Reese donated another three lots above the Quarry for park and wildlife sanctuary purposes. In recent years, the lower part of the Quarry has been used for leaf and mulch storage by residents and Village employees.
Unfortunately, due to neglect, Quarry Park has become quite vulnerable to non-native honeysuckle, buckthorn, and garlic mustard. These exotic species shade out and kill native plant varieties. Beginning in the mid 1990s, Tom and Kathie Brock led spring work parties to eliminate garlic mustard in the Quarry and other Shorewood Hills parks. Each year, we see a reduced number of the exotic pests thanks to residents and workers that donate their time to the project.
In 1999, under the first full-time Forester/Horticulturalist, David Koehler, an oak savanna restoration was begun in Reese Woods. Honeysuckle, buckthorn, and other undesirable trees and shrubs were removed. David Koehler seeded appropriate savanna/woodland species into the park and planted native shrubs. Many of these plantings survived and became an established part of the park plant community. Garlic mustard, honeysuckle, buckthorn, and reed canary grass continue to be removed, so the newly established plantings will not be crowded out.
- Shorewood Hills: An Illustrated History
Current Use
Today, Dudley Davis (Quarry) Park is mainly frequented as a result of its abundant walking trails. These trails, maintained by Village staff, allow one to experience many kinds of native Wisconsin flora, fauna, and geological rock formations. The park is also a great source for local gardeners, as access to free leaf mulch and woodchips are available. Residents may drop off waste grass clippings at the Quarry; however, contracted landscapers must haul their own brush materials offsite.