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Findlay staff outlines $150,000 'Urban Prairie' grant with Toledo Zoo support
Summary
Staff told the committee the city received a one‑off $150,000 grant to create an 'Urban Prairie' on city‑owned flood‑remediation property; the grant covers planting, signage, walking paths and three years of maintenance by the Toledo Zoo's Wild Toledo program.
Council staff updated the finance committee on a one‑time grant opportunity identified through contacts at the US Conference of Mayors. The 'Urban Prairie' grant would fund a restoration and education project on city‑owned property on East Main Cross that requires flood remediation. The award, approximately $150,000, would cover seedling and planting costs, walking‑path materials, signage, and three years of establishment maintenance to be performed by the Toledo Zoo’s Wild Toledo program.
Staff said the grant requires no local match and that the city had discussed the project concept with partners (Blanchard River Watershed Partnership and the Toledo Zoo). The grant was not in the council packet because it had been embargoed until public announcement; staff said the city can sign contracts so the zoo can begin growing seedlings for fall planting and asked for committee support to move the contracting and any nonfinancial approvals forward.
Committee members asked whether maintenance and winter clearance obligations would fall to the city; staff said public works and the parks partner would assess operations and that some grants (e.g., TAP) can impose maintenance expectations that must be planned for before accepting funds.
Next steps: staff will present contract language and confirm operational responsibilities and maintenance funding before seeking final council acceptance of any appropriations required for ongoing maintenance.
