December 16, 2021 at 10:39 AM on Facebook
Our restoration work is in full swing at the Prairie Moraine Dog Park! In several areas of the park, invasive species have taken over and diminished the use of the area where dogs can run, blocked views of significant geologic features and crowded out native vegetation. Volunteers have worked for many years to remove invasives and restore the three primary natural resource communities which historically existed in the park: prairies, oak savannas/openings, and oak woodlands. The restored landscape will provide more space for dogs to run, improve ecosystem benefits such as water infiltration and pollinator habitat, and offer a biologically diverse landscape.
In October, we added a temporary fence in the southwest corner of the park where active restoration is occurring. Fencing off the restoration area means volunteers can work on removing invasive species and planting oak trees and woodland vegetation without having to close the park for work days. That means less disruption for park users. The fence will remain in place through the fall of 2022 so volunteers can continue to remove invasives, treat any resprouts and plant native vegetation in accordance with the vegetation management plan.
We are excited to report some of the project accomplishments, including:
- All invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle has been removed from the project area. Native shrubs including hazelnut, elderberry and plum will be planted in 2022.
- Twenty-four oaks have been planted in the oak woodland unit.
- Around 50 dying ash trees, infested by emerald ash borer, have been removed.
- A grove of young oaks, a stand of American plum, and several American hazelnut were uncovered from the invasive brush, helping to ensure their long term survival.
- Several gorgeous views of the terminal moraine have been opened up.
To learn more about this project, visit: https://lwrd.countyofdane.com/LwrdProjects/Detail/40/0