Using plants which are native to the region for restabilization projects and for landscaping is logical for many reasons. Often the vegetational plantings chosen for industrial and commercial reconstruction projects are given only minor consideration. However, these projects offer a great opportunity for reintroducing plant species to an area in which they once abounded.

Benefits of choosing native species include:

  • Resource Conservation - Once established, the amount of time, money, water, and energy necessary to maintain a plot of prairie or other native plants is significantly less than that of traditional turf grasses and introduced ornamental species. Additionally, these plants do not require the addition of fertilizers or pesticides in order to prosper.
  • Habitat Creation - The flowers and seeds of prairie plants attract numerous butterfly, bird, and insect species. The tall grasses provide shelter for many species of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals as well.
  • Bio-diversity Preservation - The diverse plantings help to encourage the success of the region's waning native grass and wildflower populations. The many bird, insect, and animal species frequenting the site are restored with the addition of each habitat plot.
  • Opportunities for Education - Unique plots of native plants allow people of all ages to catch a glimpse of what the area looked like to our ancestors. The plantings also offer opportunities to learn about resource conservation and cycling, bio-diversity, and "weeds".
  • Beauty - Prairies and other native plantings are beautiful. The diverse patches bloom from early spring to late into the fall in every color of the rainbow and the grasses move gracefully with the breeze. Many types of recreation and enjoyment can be gained from such a planting.

Ecological Restoration is a term recently coined to describe this return of landscapes to their pre-settlement state. It is formally defined as "the process of repairing damage caused by humans to the diversity and dynamics of indigenous ecosystems" (Jackson et al., 1995). These activities are rapidly gaining attention and recognition in the fields of landscaping, conservation, and planning.This project is an innovative example of using such techniques at an urban industrial site.

Jackson, L. et al. 1995. Commentary on ecological restoration: a definition and comments. Restoration Ecology.