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Floyds Fork is the most celebrated trail at The Parklands. From north to south, this “paddling trail” stretches for 22 miles and can be accessed from seven designated points. Because it is constantly moving, its shoals and banks slowly erode over time. Heavy rains and flooding accelerate the process.

To help manage the erosion, our Horticulture and Natural Areas team has shored up the stream banks with installations of new trees and plants. These efforts are integral for stabilizing soil and increasing recreational opportunities for park visitors. This is especially important for areas like the Strand where erosion is happening close to existing infrastructure, such as bridges and multi-use trails.

100+ new trees planted in the Strand

Every year we source new plants to increase biodiversity and support our ongoing conservation efforts. In late October 2024, we installed more than 100 trees in and along Floyd’s Fork where the stream flows through the Strand, a section connecting the northern and southern parks. The planting took place along a beautiful stretch of riparian floodplain (“riparian,” meaning bank or shore), just north of the Long Bridge.

Now that the roots have had time to get firmly established, our focus this spring will be on maintenance. We will work to clear the trees from debris resulting from the massive flooding that took place in February 2025. We will reinforce the stakes on existing trees that help keep them upright and replace any soil that has washed away from around their roots. We planted the newest tree whips without stakes so they can recover better from flooding.

A variety of habitat-enhancing species

Inside the Strand, which is home to iconic places like Mussel Bend, we have planted trees that are native to the riparian habitat. These include:

• Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
  Due to its tolerance of wet conditions, this tree species is often found in floodplains and along waterways. Silver maples can increase habitat quality by providing food, shade, and shelter for wildlife. They are also considered a good restoration species because they grow quickly.

• American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
  The American sycamore is not only flood tolerant, but also fast growing—providing soil stabilization with its root system. This species provides a good wildlife habitat and excellent fishing under the shade of their canopy.
• Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
  This species does not mind moist soil, as it’s adaptable to different soils, and can even thrive with the occasional flooding. These trees have extensive root systems. Sugarberry, (Celtis laevigata), is another tree in this family that we plant in riparian areas.
• Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
  This tree is considered a keystone species for bottomlands and waterways. The cottonwood can help create stable conditions for other trees and plants. Another great habitat-enhancing tree, its typically large size is a favorite nesting site for American bald eagles.
• Black Willow (Salix nigra)
  Black Willows are also a great stream bank stabilizer. The fibrous roots are able to uptake lots of water, making them ideal next to waterways. They help reduce algae blooms and maintain clear water. Additionally, they are a food source for nearby wildlife. They are especially flood-tolerant.

A vision with great ecological potential

Through great care and management, our vision is that the newest trees will mature and eventually develop root systems that hold tightly to the banks of Floyd’s Fork.

The mighty sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, hackberries, and maples have complex and extensive root systems that help anchor soil in place. Beyond this ecological benefit, these trees are beautiful to behold, with distinctive bark patterns and abundant leaves. Each has great potential and importance for Floyds Fork, our park system, and the city of Louisville.

More trees will be planted in the Strand in the fall of 2025. Throughout this spring season, our Operations team will continue their work restoring park roads, trails, and amenities affected by recent floods. We thank our members who fund the essential work that keeps The Parklands safe, clean, fun, and beautiful—even after severe weather.

To learn more about the cyclical nature of flooding and its impacts on our local ecosystem, read this 2023 blog article on our website.