OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS

PLANTING OBJECTIVES

Install native tree, shrub, and prairie plantings in areas totaling approximately four acres, to buffer proposed bioswale and wetlands in a flood-prone area, as part of an integrated natural area project. After establishment of the native plantings, mowing time will be reduced to about an hour, saving time, fuel, and equipment costs. Diverse native flowering and fruiting trees, grasses, and wildflowers will provide attractive food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife and be both aesthetically pleasing and educational.

SPECIES & LAND PREPARATION
During the spring of 2008, eight shrub species and 21 tree species were planted, totaling 249 plants (see complete species list below). On April 19, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful donated 54 trees (3-inch caliper, 15-25 gallon container stock) which were planted by KIB staff and 42 volunteers from the congregation. On May 29 to June 1, a total of 47 volunteers, including several families and the junior youth group, planted 165 shrubs (1-3 gallon container stock) and 30 additional trees (1-5 gallon container stock) purchased from Woody Warehouse, Inc.

Plants were clustered in groups by species or spaced evenly in staggered rows across the 10-acre property according to species wetness preferences and growth form, as dictated by site conditions and landscaping goals. Many of these plants were specifically selected because they are wetland species and will thrive in the frequently flooded conditions on the property. Additionally, most of the species are common to Southern Indiana in anticipation of warmer conditions in urban areas combined with future effects of global climate change. Trees were spaced 10-15 feet apart. Shrubs were spaced 6-10 feet apart. This spacing is typical of reforestation projects compared to the usual design of more traditional residential landscapes.

With assistance and seed purchased from Pheasants Forever and JFNew, prairie grasses and wildflowers will be planted in areas between the trees and shrubs to the west (front) of the building and on approximately 3 acres between the retention pond and forested wetland on the east end (back) of the property. Planting is weather dependent and will likely occur during the early morning on a Saturday in mid to late June. Observers are welcome! If spring planting cannot be completed, the seed will be sown in the fall to avoid exposing poorly established young plants to hot dry summer conditions. Native plant seed will lie dormant and germinate when conditions are right.

A site plan will be developed in conjunction with the building addition project, including a master landscape plan and wetland design, based on predicted storm water conditions of the site after new construction. The wetland design may include regrading of the retention pond in the back to expand natural shallow water habitats and use of moisture-loving plants as a linear rain garden in the bioswale around the back of the building and leading into the detention area in the front. These plants will absorb storm water and filter eroded soil, nutrients, and other contaminants, contributing to improved water quality and availability of natural habitats in the community.

A prairie takes time to develop, requiring patience and careful management the first few years. While they are establishing their deep root systems, prairie plants may not flower. Althought this lack of visual growth can be frustrating, keep in mind that it is the deep, strong root system of prairie perennials which enables them to be low maintenance at maturity. To remove turf grass in preparation for prairie and tree plantings, Roundup® was applied twice at 64 ounces/acre. During the first year, the prairie will be mowed on a high setting once a month to prevent weeds from going to seed and competing against desirable prairie plants. After that, the area will be mowed once each year in early spring or late fall to maintain health and vigor of the prairie species and reduce invasion of trees that can shade out the sun-loving grasses and wildflowers.

Over the next few years, other park-like amenities may be installed around the property, such as plant species labels, interpretive signs, a walking path, shelter house, memory garden, and community vegetable gardens. The entire area will be used as a demonstration site to encourage other faith-based communities to conduct similar projects.

A dynamic site map for the project is available in Google maps located online at: