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Understory restoration planned with Friendship Botanic Gardens; Hitachi to match district funds
Summary
The LaPorte County SWCD described an 8.5-acre understory restoration with Friendship Botanic Gardens and said Hitachi agreed to match the district's project funding, roughly doubling the grant-supported budget.
Board members described a planned 8.5-acre understory restoration in coordination with Friendship Botanic Gardens and said the project will include removal of invasive understory growth and planting to establish pollinator habitat.
A board member said Hitachi has agreed to match the district’s funds for the project; the board discussed looking for sustainable funding sources to maintain the site after grant dollars are spent. The presenter described the restoration plan as straightforward — marking which trees will remain, removing competing understory and then planting native species to recruit from the seed bank.
Board members also proposed a modest trail and passive-recreation amenities and discussed using the site for outdoor classrooms and farmer-focused outreach about practices such as buffer strips. Staff said project photography and reporting will support grant reimbursements and community promotion.
Next steps discussed include finalizing the restoration plan, coordinating matching funds, and pursuing possible grant or partner funding to support long-term maintenance.
