You’ve heard of saying “Fiddle Sticks.” It’s a dismissal, part of a long linguistic tradition of saying things like “Aw Fiddle” (or “Fiddle-Dee-Dee”) to express disappointment. Unlike modern violins and bows, old time fiddles, fiddlers and fiddle sticks were considered pretty worthless.

Willow sticks, on the other hand, are NOT worthless –at least, not to us. Sure, they look very much like any wayward stick found after a storm. But stab a willow stick into the earth and it grows into a full-fledged willow tree.

Plans for the Scioto Mile include driving a collection of willow sticks into the ground to provide a little natural support for the River’s Edge. While rip rap and four feet of topsoil provide the foundation, the willow roots build frameworks to stabilize the riverbanks.

That’s how Mother Nature does it, and that’s good enough for us.

Once the willow sticks take root, natural tall grass will be planted to provide more greenery at the River’s Edge. Beyond that, gorgeous green lawns will host the Scioto Mile’s many visitors and events.

Leave a Reply