WPRA webinar april 5th 2012 troy a
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Part I in a 3 part webinar series PART I April 5th 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM Converting turf to prairie to save operational costs. This discussion will touch on the practical approach to converting turf to prairie as well as some very specific cost savings that can be realized. (Troy Anderson – Director of Construction) www.wpra.org
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WPRA webinar april 5th 2012 troy a
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- 9. Break even
- 10. Break even
- 11. Break even
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- 27. In an effort to reduce maintenance costs, air pollution as well as add a unique and a more educational aspect to some of our parks and open space, the City of Stoughton is considering converting some select park space to prairie (or other appropriate ecosystems). Some of you may have noticed green signs in some parks that were installed last fall delineating the proposed conversion areas. Currently, no official plans are in place nor are there any funds allocated to this effort. The park and recreation department is considering this and is currently asking for feedback. The feedback could be about the areas that are currently proposed or areas that are not currently under consideration. So if you think there are park areas that should be under consideration that are not at this point, please send us your comments. Studies have shown that natural areas, trails and E- ways are the most popular part of our park systems. Since these are your parks (the citizens of Stoughton) we would like your feedback on this effort. Please send all comments to stoughton.turftoprairie@yahoo.com.
- 29. Troy, Thank you for getting back to me. Without knowing much detail about the project at this time, I will have to assume some things. If one of the ideas is to let the retention pond area grow up and become a swamp area, then I am absolutely opposed. Forgive my frankness, but calling it an “ecosystem” or a “natural area” doesn’t ease my mind, it would be a swamp. This brings more bugs and rodents to the area and threatens the enjoyment of our backyards for everyone in the neighborhood. The smell would also be a concern not to mention potential geese and animal droppings in the yards. This is something that we feel very strongly about and would take our concerns to the entire neighborhood as well as the developer of Stonecrest Estates. Again, I am assuming that is what is being considered. We do appreciate the posted signs because I did not see the article in the local newspaper. We will be following the project very closely. If there are any public meetings scheduled yet for the project I would like to attend. Thanks again.
- 30. Environmental Awareness, Advocacy and Eco-Literacy
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- 63. Questions?
Editor's Notes
- We know that everyone is looking for ways to make their budget stretch.Fund raising, volunteersThings can be unpredictable Surprise equipment breakdown, budget shortfall, electionsThe parks are under a lot of pressure.Sometimes considered first for chopping block in budget discussionsSome extreme measures are being considered.Selling off of parks to private developers
- Mowed park lawn per acre per yearLabor, gas, turf repair, maintenance of equipment, travel to park with truck and trailer…, some overhead like building / garage and supervisor salary, depreciation….
- Turf price stays the same, only the prairie moves up or down based on price.
- Obvious safety issuesErosion and water quality issuesNot astetic
- Along waterways or ponds in parks that you do not want to have pedestrian traffic.
- The Hot potato of municipalities between public works and parks. Muddy and frequently get equipment stuckCan help in reducing runoff and help water quality.Assist in prolonging your stromwater utility. We will talk about this a little later.
- This is an example, but I am sure you have some areas that have been an eyesore and headache for years. This could help.
- If you have a selected area or some “test plots”, get ahead of the process.Describe activity
- Language can vary, the point is to let the stakeholders have a say in the process. If it blows up positive or negative, you now have a feel of what you may be getting into.Need to stay on top of the email and manage the feedback and overall correspondence.This lets them feel like they have a voice. Works both ways, they have a chance to speak and you won’t get blindsided.These are actual signs at the parks, but you can certainly put something in the local newsletter or newspaper with the website.
- By far, the positives outweighed the negatives.
- But you will have some detractors.
- The website / email address interaction will be a helpful tool for publiceducaion.
- Nothing works better then real examples.
- Another benefit of having an email outreach program is that you can discover a “champion”. This person or group of people will be able to help you maintain the message as well as volunteer to do some much needed maintenance. They can run some interference for you.
- Could have just put it in turf grass
- Could have just put it in turf grass
- Studies have shown that parks that are adjacent to natural areas tend to attract more attention.Wildlife viewing (insects, birds, butterflies, plant diversity)Education and outreach for children to keep them connected to nature in an urban setting.
- Sometimes you have to start from scratch.
- 3 boxes (Fluff, small flowable, cover crop)Tough to calibrateSo you don’t have a lopsided prairieYou can also hand seed. Nothing wrong with that.
- Some similar applications to turf seeding. Only need this with steep slopes.Use straw, erosion control netting or coconut blanket as well. Just be careful that it is not too thick. Native seeds are small and can get smothered.Also, Don’t bury the seeds too deep. Many just need to lay on top of the soil.REMEMBER THAT A RESTORAITON USING JUST SEED CAN TAKE UP TO 3 OR 4 YEARS TO ESTABLISH. TTHIS CAN BE AN “EMOTIONAL ENDURANCE TEST”
- Plants are a quick way to get things going with a POP!Can enhance a seeding with plants that are showy to help sell the projectRemember, weeding projects can take a while to mature (Up to 3 or 4 years). Live plants will help jump start this.They are more expensive then seeds.
- Follow herbicide instructions before planting
- Somesimillar to cultivars and some very different. Certainly not as many
- Cool season and non native plants can grow and establish themselves much quicker the warm season natives. By mowing at 6” to 8” twice in the first year after seeding and then once the following year (and once potentially the year after that) will prevent these non native annual and bi annual weeds from going to seed. The natives will focus most of their energy on developing their extensive root systems and wont be hurt by the mowing.Sometimes it is hard to do, but if you have black eyed susans in your mix they may be in full bloom when you need to do a mowing. This is just something to be prepared for.
- Typically done after or in conjunction with mowing. Usually this will be used when there are desirable natives establishing. Needing a scalpel rather then a sledgehammer. As always, you need to be careful when applying herbicides.
- Typically done in the spring… sometimes in the fall.Keeps out non native or aggressive native species from encroaching into native habitat that is conditioned to fire.Heats the ground because it is black that puts the advantage to warm season native species.
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