Native plant restorations often don’t look like much the first couple of years. The plants are busy establishing their deep root systems which are so great at preventing erosion and allowing water to filter into the soil. Once their roots are established underground, then the plants invest their energies into robust above ground growth and flowering.

Out at Spring Lake Town Hall on the shores of Fish Lake, the native prairie and shoreline restoration areas seeded in fall 2019 are moving into their second growing season. This year the plants will continue to develop their root systems and you will start to see some more action above around too. Later this summer, look for the bright yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susans which are commonly seen early in a site’s restoration. As time goes on, other prairie favorites will follow, especially as the site moves into years three and four.

With native plants patience is key, but very worth it!

This restoration project was partially funded by a Conservation Partners Legacy thanks to the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment’s Outdoor Heritage Fund. The project is a partnership between PLSLWD and Spring Lake Township.