Prairie Establishment in Utility Corridor

As the Board knows, GRE has agreed to do a prairie establishment within their utility corridor along the west end of Alpine Park.  Attached is the proposed plan, submitted by Prairie Restorations, as well as an excerpt from it that focuses on the species of grasses and wildflowers that will be installed.  Ultimate completion of this project will be in 2015 per the proposed plan but, in the meantime, the Board could begin to discuss appropriate content for a sign placed in Alpine Park that describes what will be done within the corridor, highlight some of the species, benefits of prairie establishment, and possibly some wildlife that may be associated with it.  This case is intended to initiate discussion and brainstorming for signage that highlights the project and hopefully encourages residents to consider doing something similar on their property.

This may also be a good time to start looking at the timeline for the rain garden rehabilitation at Alpine Park.  This demonstration project was also anticipated to include some signage that would call attention to the rain garden and some of the species found within it.  The eastern end of the rain garden (near the playground) is where there is the most foot traffic; thus, that will be the focal area of the rehabilitation for the most educational benefit and awareness of the project.  Most of the preparatory work that had been suggested previously (removal of invasive Siberian elms and cleaning out sediment from the spillways) are normally addressed by Parks staff as time permits and will not be a component of this project (plus, at the east end, there are no spillways or Siberian elms).  The planting of the site to introduce more species diversity to the area and signage will be the focus of this project.  Attached to this case are a couple different planting plans (prepared for a different project) that provide some insight into potential species.

With planning of the Environmental Expo event starting to 'ramp up', Staff doesn't want either of these demonstration projects to get lost in the shuffle.  It is recommended that the Board start discussing each project, even if in general terms yet, to start to identify timelines, action steps and sign content (sign size likely would be 24" by 36", similar to signage in Sunfish Park).

Based on discussion.