L.A. LOOKS Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Green Heron is a secretive and sassy heron with a lot of personality. Although their plumage actually consists of a variety of colors, these small herons are mainly a dark greenish on the back and crown with a chestnut colored neck. This rather common heron has short yellow legs that become quite orange in the males during breeding season. The young birds are heavily streaked. Green Herons can be quite vocal at times making loud chicken-like clucks and a loud "kyow" as they fly away. This usually solitary heron often perches on branches in the water leaning out as far as possible to snatch a small minnow as it unsuspectingly swims by. The neck that appears short most of the time can extend farther than the viewer expects. They frequently raise their crowns sporting a "bad hair day" look. LA (LW) HOA CORNER By Deanne Mayne The Lake Wales Architectural Review Committee (ARC) fully understands the recent freeze has damaged many plants and trees in the Lake Ashton community. Sourcing new plants and trees may be difficult, given a widespread impact on the entire state. The current Lake Wales Architectural Rules and Guidelines state: 16.2 Landscaping Beds A landscaping project that adds a new bed or changes the size of an existing bed requires ARC approval and a landscape plan. The landscape plan shall be to scale or show the distance to lot boundaries. The plan must show the existing features as well as the proposed additions and must accompany the ARC request. All work shall be within the owner’s lot boundaries. Replacing or adding plants with other plants of like size to an existing bed does not require ARC approval. No invasive plants (such as honeysuckle, bamboo, or mimosa) are permitted. New or existing plantings shall not impede the line of sight at street intersections. The addition of trees / shrubs for new or existing beds requires ARC approval. New or replacement trees must be planted at a minimum of five (5) feet from the Living Unit and five (5) feet from the property line. If a homeowner is unsure of what replacement foliage will be used by a landscaper, it would be in the homeowner’s best interest to place an ARC request stating the change. Homeowners should understand the Lake Wales Homeowner’s Association and the ARC, have our community’s best interest in mind. Note: If you do not plan on replacing a dead tree, you are still required to submit an ARC request. Removal of trees requires complete (below ground) stump removal. If you are a “Snowbird” or planning an extended vacation, please ensure you have a remediation plan if you need to replace a plant or tree via an ARC request before you leave Lake Ashton. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this rare situation the community has undergone. UMBRELLA REMINDER Please put umbrellas down after use when visiting the Pool, Bocce Courts, or Pet Play Parks. Leaving them up can potentially cause them to become damaged by wind or rain. Replacement umbrellas cost the District approximately $70 each. 18
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