Naturalized areas and pollinator gardens

Enhancing Climate Resiliency in Your Park System

As climate change impacts become more evident, parks and recreation departments are actively seeking strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Here is a quick guide to help you implement effective climate resilience and sustainable vegetation management practices in your community, drawing from recent maintenance plans and communication strategies.

Key Strategies for Climate Resiliency and Sustainability

1. Developing Understory Plantings:

• Benefits: Enrich soil, reduce erosion, regulate temperature and humidity, and create a sustainable environment for native tree saplings. Understory plantings are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological health.

• Implementation: Identify areas with existing tree canopy and introduce shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs. Regularly monitor and manage invasive species to ensure the health of these plantings.

2. Expanding Tree Canopy:

• Benefits: Moderate ground temperatures, manage rainfall, mitigate the urban heat island effect, support wildlife diversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A robust tree canopy is a cornerstone of urban ecological resilience.

• Implementation: Conduct a tree canopy assessment to identify areas with low coverage. Develop a planting plan that includes a diverse mix of native and climate-resilient tree species. Engage the community in tree planting events and provide education on the benefits of tree canopy expansion.

3. Creating Roadside Meadows:

• Benefits: Support pollinators and wildlife, encourage biodiversity, and reduce reliance on chemicals and mowing. Roadside meadows can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant ecosystems.

• Implementation: Convert high-maintenance roadside areas into meadows with native wildflowers and grasses. Ensure these meadows are connected to other green spaces to create wildlife corridors. Regularly remove invasive species and mow strategically to maintain visibility and safety (i.e. around the perimeter of a meadow).

4. Establishing Pollinator Gardens:

• Benefits: Reduce pesticide use, manage stormwater runoff, support native insects and pollinators essential for food production, and facilitate ecosystem functions such as plant growth, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling.

• Implementation: Identify suitable locations for pollinator gardens, such as community parks, R.O.W. medians, community centers, etc. Select a variety of nectar and pollen-producing plants that bloom at different times to provide year-round support for pollinators. Install educational signage to inform the public about the importance of pollinators.

5. Developing Naturalized Meadows:

• Benefits: Store more carbon in the soil than turf grass, reduce irrigation needs through native plant use, and minimize emissions, gas, and energy from maintenance activities.

• Implementation: Transition underutilized lawns and fields into naturalized meadows. Use a mix of native grasses and wildflowers to create a low-maintenance, ecologically rich habitat. Periodically mow or graze to maintain the meadow’s health and prevent woody plant encroachment.

Monitoring and Adaptive Management

To ensure the success of these strategies, it’s essential to establish a robust monitoring and adaptive management plan.

Regularly track progress using metrics such as tree canopy coverage, biodiversity indices, and maintenance costs.

If your in-house team lacks the time or specific knowledge on this topic, consultants can provide this information. For departments currently in the bidding process, an example RFP for a Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Plan is now live on Parks & Recipes.

Engaging the Community

Educate community members about the benefits of sustainable practices and involve them in implementation efforts.

Host workshops, send them to your “whose listening” pages, host volunteer planting days, and public focus groups to gather input and build support for your initiatives.

Conclusion 

By learning from successful examples and tailoring strategies to your local context, you can create a healthier, more vibrant environment for all.

Start today by assessing your current vegetation management practices, setting clear goals, and engaging your community in the journey toward sustainability.

For more detailed guidance and resources, look at other newly uploaded recipes:

• Eco Park Strategy | City of Brampton

• Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Veg. Management | City of Redmond

• Climate Resiliency Plan | City of Port Angeles

Parks & Recreation Software Review

We are still conducting an anonymous survey to gather insights on recreation management software, and we would love to share the results with you.

Your feedback will help improve the tools we use daily and hold software companies accountable for their products and promises.

The survey takes 2-3 minutes to fill out.

The final results will be compiled and emailed by next Tuesday to all who have submitted.

5 responses to “trashy”, “patchy”, or “unkept” comments when naturalizing your park system

1. Addressing Concerns about "Patchy" Meadows

“Naturalized meadows are designed to support biodiversity by providing habitats for various plants, insects, and wildlife. While they may appear patchy, these areas are intentionally diverse to promote ecosystem health.

Studies show that meadows with a variety of plant species can better support pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for local agriculture and natural ecosystems.

We invite you to join our upcoming community engagement session where you can learn more about the benefits of naturalized meadows and share your thoughts. Your feedback is important to us, and we look forward to discussing how we can balance ecological benefits with community preferences”

2. Responding to "Trashy" Meadow Concerns

“We understand that the transition to a naturalized meadow might initially seem unmanaged. However, these areas play a vital role in enhancing soil health, water retention, and wildlife habitats.

Naturalized meadows can reduce runoff and erosion, improve soil quality, and provide habitats for native species. This process mimics natural ecosystems and contributes to the overall environmental resilience of our parks.

We encourage you to participate in our next community workshop where we will discuss the benefits and management of naturalized areas.

Your input is valuable, and we aim to ensure these spaces meet both ecological goals and community standards.”

3. Clarifying "Unkept" Meadow Appearance

“We appreciate your concern about the meadow appearing "unkept." Naturalized meadows are a strategic choice to enhance local biodiversity and ecosystem services. These areas are maintained differently from traditional lawns to support a wide range of plant and animal species.

Research indicates that natural meadows increase habitat diversity, supporting species that are declining in more manicured environments. This approach is part of a broader effort to create sustainable and resilient urban green spaces.

We welcome you to join our community engagement events where you can learn more about our maintenance practices and provide your feedback. We aim to create spaces that are both environmentally beneficial and aesthetically pleasing.”

4. Explaining the Benefits of Naturalized Meadows

“Thank you for expressing your concerns about the meadow's appearance. Naturalized meadows may look different from traditional lawns, but they are designed to provide critical environmental benefits such as supporting pollinators, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing stormwater management.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, natural landscapes like meadows help manage stormwater, reduce flooding risks, and support local wildlife populations. These benefits are essential for maintaining a healthy and sustainable park system.

We invite you to participate in our community engagement sessions to discuss these initiatives further.

Your insights are crucial to balancing ecological goals with community expectations.”

5. Promoting Understanding of Ecological Goals

“Naturalized meadows are part of our commitment to ecological stewardship and sustainability. These areas are intentionally managed to support native plants and wildlife, which may differ from traditional park aesthetics.

A diverse plant community in naturalized meadows enhances ecological resilience and provides habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. This approach helps create a balanced and healthy ecosystem within our urban parks.

We encourage you to attend our upcoming community meetings where we will discuss these projects and gather your feedback.

Your participation helps us ensure that our parks meet both environmental and community needs.”