Intention: With support and guidance from Pheasants Forever, we will be converting the large field on the east of the First Baptist Church property to a wildflower pollinator habitat, with a grass border on all sides, particularly along the fence line with our neighbors.
Why we’re creating a Pollinator Habitat:
Timeline / What to expect:
To re-establish native grasses and flowers, the ground will need to be prepared by removing the existing grasses and weeds through spraying treatments in the late fall of 2023 and spring of 2024. Pollinator seed mixes will be applied in the summer of 2024, with periodic high mowing to take care of the non-native weeds. A grass border of 25 feet along the fence line will be mowed and maintained on an ongoing basis.
During the first year, the field will look rough, as native wildflowers can take a year to germinate and become established.
After the grasses and flowers are fully established, every three years, a controlled burn or mowing will be needed to prevent the encroachment of non-native grasses and plants, as the city does with prairie restoration areas at Tipton Park. FBC will be in communication with the city and our neighbors about the timing and process.
Future Plans: Depending on public interest and ability, we may add walking paths through the field and other enhancements in this area to increase its utility and benefit to the neighborhood. We welcome your input and ideas in this regard.
From Pheasants Forever Brochure on High Quality Habitat Establishment)
