Operation Pollination: Conservation in Action at Mill Creek MetroParks
Last week Rachel Sobnosky reviewed the Habitat Restoration at Mill Creek MetroParks. Currently they are converting suitable turfgrass and old-field areas into diverse native habitats.
Benefits:
• Enhancing the natural beauty and ecological value of park landscapes
• Providing food, shelter, and breeding habitat for pollinators and other wildlife
• Reducing long-term mowing needs in appropriate areas
The Prairie Restoration at George L. Fordyce Park is a great example. This was the restoration of several former agricultural or open-field areas into native prairie habitat. This was done by establishing native grasses and wildflowers, and has increased the habitat diversity within the park's wetland and woodland landscape. The new prairie provides resources for pollinators, grassland birds, and other wildlife. This is not a simple project, this prairie restoration requires ongoing maintenance to support successful establishment.
Before and After:
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Habitat restoration is not a straightforward matter, through this project the park has learned some valuable lessons and had to overcome significant challenges in order to ensure continued success of reclamation projects.
• Site Conditions Matter: Soil type, moisture, sunlight, and existing vegetation influence
restoration success.
• Seed Mix Selection: Choosing native species suited to the site's conditions is essential for successful establishment.
• Patience is Key: Many native perennials take multiple growing seasons to establish, with more
noticeable growth and flowering in years two and three.
• Supplemental Seeding: Initial seeding efforts may not always produce the desired results, requiring additional seeding to improve establishment and diversity.
• Ongoing Management: Controlling invasive species and other undesirable vegetation is critical to long-term success.
Visit Mills Creek MetroParks to view these reclaimed habitats and enjoy the natural beauty that is being returned to the area.