Pollinator Landscapes
The Parks and Recreation Department is establishing pollinator landscapes within our parks and trails to increase riparian native planting areas and native prairie plantings. These plantings demonstrate how to incorporate pollinator plants in a typical landscape. New and rejuvenated landscapes will include plant species known to attract bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects.
Twin City Park
In 2021, we planted Nyssa sylvatic – Black Tupelo, Cornus kousa – Kousa Dogwood, and Pysocarpus opulifolius – Ninebark along the parking lot of Twin City Park. These species attract bees and are being used in a typical landscape planting.
City Hall
In 2021, we replaced the existing landscape along the south and east side of City Hall. The new landscape includes Viburnum carlesii - Korean Spice Viburnum, Weigela florida – Compactum (which attracts bees), Dwarf Weigela (which attracts Hummingbirds), and Enkianthus campanulatus - Redvien Enkianthus (which attracts bees and hummingbirds).
Haymarket District
In the fall of 2022, we will replace the landscape within the Haymarket District. The planting plan includes Sorbus americana, Mountain Ash, which is listed as beneficial to native bees by the Pollinator Program at Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Also included in the plan is Pieris cavatine - Cavatine Pieris, which attracts bees and butterflies.
Big Lake Park
In the fall of 2022, we will plant a new landscape in Big Lake Park. This park-entry parking lot design includes pollinator plants such as Pysocarpus opulifolius – Ninebark, and Cornus alternifolia - Pagoda Dogwood. Other species include Yarrow, Coneflower, and Spirea.