The goal of this project is to implement and monitor the efficacy of native prairie grass plantings for erosion control versus conventional plantings at an industrial facility. This project builds upon the planned erosion-control measures for the site by incorporating native species and aiming to restore a small vestige of Michigan's pre-settlement landscape in a highly urbanized river corridor. Using native prairie plants in contrast with conventional turf grasses constitutes an innovative approach to industrial site erosion reduction in this region and allows for direct comparison of the two methods.

The project site, measuring approximately 5 acres in size, has been divided into three plots of approximately equal size. The southen plot (Plot A) was planted in the conventional fashion, adding topsoil and using turf grasses. The center plot (Plot B) was also spread with topsoil, but was planted in native prairie grasses and wildflowers. The northern plot (Plot C) received no topsoil and was planted with prairie plants.

A custom seed mix appropriate for the soil conditions and the amount of sunlight at the site was designed with the help of the Michigan Wildflower Farm. The grass and flower species selected were also

The seed stock was primarily Michigan genotype, meaning that the seeds came from prairie plants originating in the area. Click here to see a list of the species planted.

In order to track the establishment of the prairie plants on Plots B and C, a complete inventory of all species occuring at the site has been made during the spring, summer and fall of 2001 and will be made during the spring, summer and fall of 2002 and thereafter. Additionally, random quadrat sampling was performed in late summer of 2001 and will be undertaken in the late summer of 2002 and thereafter. This method of sampling provides information on the percent coverage of the species observed. Click here to see the results of the late summer, 2001 random quadrat sampling.

The information collected during these field checks and throughout this project will provide valuable insight into a native planting on an industrial site. The three plots will be compared in terms of costs, erosion control, habitat creation, as well as many other variables. This demonstration project will provide the groundwork for future native plantings on industrial and urban sites.