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POLLINATOR MEADOW RESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTABLE OF CONTENTSPROJECT OVERVIEW………………………………...………... 3APPENDIX …….………………………………………………….10TFCA STATEMENT …………………………….…………..……14POLLINATOR MEADOW RESTORATIONat the Heritage Quarries Recreation AreaPUBLISHED MAY 20242
PROJECT OVERVIEWPollinator Meadow Restoration at theHeritage Quarries Recreation Area© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
PROJECT OVERVIEWTHE INVISIBLE BACKBONE OF AGRICULTUREPollinator meadows are ecosystems similar to (and often contained within) native grasslands. The key distinction of these ecosystems is the prevalence of pollinator-friendly grasses, sedges, and forbs. Some examples include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), side oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). There are numerous other species associated with this ecosystem. These plants provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife populations. Certain pollinator species like the monarch butterfly are heavily specialized and cannot survive without the correct plants. Manicured lawns, exotic plantings, enticing hybrids, and cultivars often provide no value to pollinators. This wildlife requires native plant ecosystems.Pollinator species provide immense value to their surrounding ecosystems by transferring pollen between plants. As pollinators feed on plant nectar, pollen sticks to their bodies and travels with them between plants. Common examples of pollinator species include bats, bees, butterflies, and moths, though, other species like birds and beetles also play a role. Most pollinator species are in decline due to habitat loss, disease, and environmental contamination.Human agriculture is heavily dependent on the success of pollinator species. The USDA reports that 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of the world’s food crops are dependent on pollinator species to reproduce. If these plants are not pollinated, seeds and fruits will not develop, the plant cannot reproduce, and it eventually dies off without producing anything.WHAT DO POLLINATORS DO?4© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPAmerican bumblebee – species is experiencing extreme population dropsMonarch butterfly feeding on common milkweedPROJECT OVERVIEW
WHERE IN THE HQRAPollinator meadows can occur in any prairie or grassland where conditions are adequate for the growth of beneficial grasses, sedges, and forbs. At the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA), the primary pollinator meadow is located just north of lot 1, and spreads along the shoreline towards around lots 2 and 3. An additional pollinator meadow site is identified in the northeastern corner of the HQRA.PROJECT OVERVIEW5© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
WHY DO WE NEED POLLINATOR MEADOWS?Pollinators are a crucial part of the ecosystem that have a fundamental role in maintaining the continued livelihood of plants (and by effect, animals). While some plants can pollinate by wind, most species are directly reliant on the physical pollination process provided by pollinator species. They cannot reproduce and fruit without ample pollinator populations. This applies to human crops as well. If Earth were to lose its pollinators, we would be without food. The pollinator meadow sites at the HQRA are still largely overgrown, and do not contain adequate amounts of pollinator-supporting plants. Work has been conducted at the primary site north of lot 1, however, additional expansion and invasive species control is still needed. Invasive honeysuckle, multiflora rose, buckthorn, and tree-of-heaven can be found throughout the meadows, posing problems for native plants. Herbaceous invasive species such as garlic mustard and burdock are highly pervasive.Pollinator meadows provide a simple human benefit: they are aesthetically pleasing. The flowers are colorful, grasses aren’t just mowed turf grass, and the various wildlife attracted to the meadows are interesting. Green spaces are an inherent part of the HQRA, so we intend to maximize their value. Educational programs and walking tours are commonplace at the quarries. The Weeds to Seeds Education Pavilion is also being constructed by these meadows. We anticipate enriched, improved visitor experiences all around.Outside of aesthetics, pollinator meadows provide the same benefits as other grassland and prairie habitats. The various grasses and sedges benefit soil stability, erosion management, and water and air filtration capabilities. ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS?PROJECT OVERVIEW6© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP
7© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEWINVASIVE PLANT CONTROLRESEED AND PLUG PLANTPRESCRIBED BURNSSTEWARDSHIPv Opens space for the planting and propagation of beneficial plantsv Decreases competition over valuable water and nutrients v Reduces likelihood of invasive plant spread to other areasv Provides a healthy and beautiful natural environment the community will appreciate and supportv Supports the local ecosystem as native plant populations recoverv Matured plants provide food and shelter for various wildlifev Clears dead stems and leaves of prairie plants without killing rootsv Stimulates grassland ecosystem by recycling nutrients and maintaining prairie ‘openness’v Provides needed support for the developing ecosystemv Helps immature plants compete with invasive plants and weedsv Demonstrates a community example that will inspire future stewardsWHAT DO WE NEED?
8© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPPROJECT OVERVIEW10-YEAR BUDGETTask Task Frequency Est 10-year Cost DescriptionInvasive Woody Removal1 / year * 1(Winter year 1)$3,000.00Removal of invasive woody species (buckthorn, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, and multiflora rose are prime candidates). Requires cutting and herbicide treatment.Site preparation1 / year * 1(Spring / Summer year 1)$2,500.00 Clearing of debris and preparation of site grounds for conservation work.Herbaceous & Woody Invasive Control1 / year * 5(Spring / Summer)$10,500.00Removal of herbaceous invasive species (garlic mustard, burdock, other plants as identified).Native Seeding1 / year * 1(Spring year 2)$4,000.00Seeding of native plants to establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to seeding.Native Plant Installation (700 plants)1 / year * 1(Spring year 2)$3,000.00Plug planting of native plants to further establish restored native ecosystem. Requires ample removal of invasive species prior to introduction.Prescribed Fire1 / year * 2(Winter year 4, Fall year 5)$8,500.00Controlled burning of area to remove dead grasses, brush, and other detritus and open the landscape. Added benefit of returning nutrients to soil.Stewardship (years 5-10)1 / year * 5(Varies, year 5+)$9,000.00Long term stewardship to maintain and support restored ecosystem via weeding, further invasive plant control, pruning, and other upkeep.TOTAL: 10 years$40,500.00TFCA will hire and oversee licensed contractor to complete all pollinator meadow restoration. Work will consist of invasive woody removal, site preparation, herbaceous and woody invasive control, native seeding, native plant installation, prescribed fire, and stewardship. Cost estimates were provided by our environmental consultant, Stantec, and do not include administration or operating expenses. An additional timeline is provided in the appendix (page 12).
Federal and state endangered species: rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis)© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP9
APPENDIX© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPTitle picture – stiff leaved goldenrod
11© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPCURRENT STATUSGrasses and SedgesBouteloua curtipendulaSide Oats GramaSchizachyrium scopariumLittle BluestemBromus kalmiiPrairie BromeSorghastrum nutansIndian GrassCarex bickneliiPrairie SedgeSporobulus heterolepsisPrairie DropseedElymus canadensisCanada Wild Rye--ForbsAllium cernuumNodding OnionPenstemon digitalisFoxglove Beard TongueAmorpha canescensLead PlantPycanthemum virginianumCommon Mountain MintAsclepias tuberosaButterfly MilkweedOenothera pilosellaPrairie SundropsAsclepias sulivantiiSulivant’s MilkweedRudbeckia hirtaBlack-eyed SusanAsclepias verticillataWhorled MilkweedSilene regiaRoyal CatchflyBaptisia lacteaWhite Wild IndigoSolidago junceaEarly GoldenrodCoreopsis palmataPrairie CoreopsisSolidago nemoralisOld Field GoldenrodDalea candidaWhite Prairie CloverSolidago speciosaShowy GoldenrodDalea purpureaPurple Prairie CloverSymphyotrichum laevisSmooth Blue AsterDesmodium illinoienseIllinois Tick TrefoilTradescantia ohiensisSpiderwortDryocallis argutaPrairie CinquefoilVerbena strictaHoary VervainEchinacea pallidaPale Purple ConeflowerVernonia fasiculataIronweedErygnium yuccifoliumRattlesnake MasterVeronicastrum virginicumCulver’s RootLiatris pycnostachyaPrairie Blazing StarZizea aureaGolden AlexandersLiatris spicataMarsh Blazing Star--Recommended plants for reseeding (Stantec):The 3.5 acres of pollinator meadow land requires invasive species control and reseeding efforts. Some work has already been completed near the primary lot 1 site. Some plants have been reseeded, and many of the invasive plants have been cut back and removed. Additional treatments are required to manage resprouts. Areas to be expanded need full woody management, site preparation, and reseeding efforts.Rattlesnake masterAPPENDIX
The pollinator meadows will be deemed as ‘successfully restored’ once invasive plant species have been removed and controlled, and native plants have been reseeded and reestablished in the ecosystem. True success will be met with the influx of pollinator species.12© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPRESTORATION TIMELINEInvasive common burdockInvasive garlic mustardInvasive multiflora roseAPPENDIX
© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFP13Royal catchfly (Silene regia) and sphinx moths (Hyles lineata)
OUR VALUESThe Outdoors MatterWe believe the outdoors is an integral part of the human experience that enriches and enlivens us. Our commitment to protecting the natural landscape is uncompromising, and we are committed to enhancing, preserving, and sharing naturally beautiful outdoor experiences with our neighbors for generations to come.Well-being is a Lifestyle to be Enjoyed by EveryoneWell-being is not just a jog around the block. Well-being is a mental and physical journey that fluctuates and changes daily. We are dedicated to crafting spaces that enable this life-long mental and physical journey. Moreover, we are committed to providing access and opportunity to enjoy nature to people of all ages and abilities.Conservation Goes Beyond the LandWe are committed to preserving history and restoring the natural landscape of the locations we choose to support for generations to come. This promise fuels our operating strategy and is fundamental to our mission.The Forge Charitable Adventures exists to help IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITIES by RESTORING and PRESERVING NATURE, PROMOTING ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, and PROVIDING ACCESS TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND RECREATION to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.14© The Forge Charitable Adventures, NFPEstablished in 2019 by Jeremie Bacon, Chris Gladwin, Bart Loethen, and Jeanette Virgilio, The Forge Charitable Adventures (TFCA) is a unique environment-focused non-profit serving a dual mission to: 1) protect, restore, and re-invigorate natural ecosystems that have been degraded by overuse and under investment, while 2) partnering with local governments, stakeholders, and companies to develop outdoor education and recreation resources that can be enjoyed and maintained in cooperation with their residents.As a long-term focused, conservation-minded organization, we seek to produce and promote impactful programs that help TFCA achieve:v Significant impact by engaging our local communities in conservation and personal health & wellness effortsv A respected presence as a devoted caretaker in the places we servev Long-lasting partnerships with communities, companies, and individualsv Enlightened communities where conservation, restoration, and wellness are cherished as core valuesOur vision is a future where people of all ages, abilities, and economic circumstances can freely enjoy authentic outdoor experiences while learning to respect the diversity of life and developing an appreciation for conserving the scarce resources and fragile ecosystems required to support it.We accomplish our mission by identifying projects and raising funds from private and public sources to execute them. We consider ourselves successful when we are able to:v Restore and protect natural areas that jointly serve as wildlife habitats and places where people can enjoy nature foreverv Establish and nurture public and private partnerships that accelerate the pace of land preservation for the enrichment of allv Deliver social benefits in the form of clean and healthy forests, streams, wetlands and lakesv Provide people with opportunities to understand and embrace conservation, and act to preserve the environment
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