The City has been working on improving green infrastructure and using sustainable methods to reduce our environmental impact and operational costs. We’re also starting to convert certain areas into naturalized spaces. These spaces will become prairie grass ecosystems, which will better support the local environment.
Benefits of Naturalization
Naturalized areas require far less watering, are drought-tolerant, and do not require mowing. Consequently, this approach is better for the environment and frees up city staff to focus on other core functions. Currently, the city spends approximately 300 hours per week cutting grass. Therefore, naturalizing these areas would eventually drastically reduce that time.
Selkirk’s Strategic Plan calls for the city to be environmental stewards by improving city practices and services, encouraging water conservation, and protecting natural features and resources. Furthermore, those actions paired with others like planting drought-resistant plants all help in preparation for future droughts and climate change. Additionally, the city’s award-winning Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is being integrated into day-to-day operations. As a result, the city has been recognized as a leader in climate adaptation nationally.
Past Additions to the Project
A starting example is the northmost boulevard on Main Street. Notably, a portion of that boulevard was naturalized into a wildflower boulevard in 2020. Although it’s taking some time to become established, the results should pay off soon.
In 2022, the city planted three varieties of clover next to the wildflower boulevard. These will be monitored to determine the viability of establishing no-mow zones along the city’s medians.
Recently, the city added another wildflower test plot south of the existing one on North Main Street. They will remove the existing turf grass and plant a mix of wildflowers, clover, and salt-tolerant grasses from seed.
Moreover, the city has cultivated three more projects in Selkirk Park, using about 5,000 square feet for wildflower meadow, tall grass prairie, and organic sports turf test plots. The wildflower meadow will consist of two plots. These plots will help determine the viability of converting underutilized turf spaces into wildflower meadows containing a mix of short prairie grasses and wildflowers that won’t exceed three feet in height. Learn more here.
The first trial combines existing grass with a white and red clover mix. The second trial uses only white and red clover, and the third uses micro clover. Red and white clover are taller, growing to about four or five inches when established. In contrast, micro clover resembles mowed grass and grows to about two inches.
