Hard work sure does pay off! This time last year we had just begun the restoration of our meadow. Our naturalists, volunteers and docents removed invasive plants and planted natives in their place. The native plants were grown by our friends Kathee and Mike Morgeson. Our meadow is now a thriving habitat on the park and we couldn’t be more excited about the progress!
BENEFITS OF NATIVE MEADOWS
1. FOOD SOURCE
Provides insects and seeds for songbirds and other wildlife.
2.HABITAT
Native meadows are the perfect habitat for pollinators such as bees and host plants for butterflies as well as caterpillars.
3. INCREASED WATER INFILTRATION
Compared to typical lawns, meadows have a deeper root system. Additionally, they are able to store more carbon in the soil because of this.
4. LOWER MAINTENANCE COST
Native meadows only need to be cut about once a year. This reduces mowing costs, time and gas emissions from lawn equipment.
5. DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Once a native meadow is established it does not need supplemental irrigation. Native plants are typically more resilient to drought, which may prompt weed species growth as well. It’s important to weed meadows because of this.
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