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Michiana reports on new park lawn, tree plantings and butterfly garden plans
Summary
Council members reported the park lawn installation is complete with no additional upkeep cost to residents; Tree Board and Garden Club planted five trees under an MDNR grant and plan mid‑November seeding for a butterfly garden with volunteer support and protective fencing installed.
Council members and the Tree Board provided several updates on park improvements during the Oct. 11 meeting. Mike Mumper said he has been working with contractors on the new park lawn and is pleased with the results; the council told a resident there will be no additional upkeep cost and routine mowing, leaf cleanup and tree watering will continue.
The Tree Board, represented by council member Nancy Thill, reported volunteer interest from about one‑third of the Garden Club membership for spring planting and described recent MDNR grant activity: Sawyer Garden planted five trees in the park on Sept. 25 (a Black Gum, two Ironwood, one Dogwood and one Sugar Maple). Metal fencing has been placed around the new trees to protect them from deer. Nancy said herbicide treatment of a butterfly garden area is complete and the site will be ready for hand seeding in mid‑November; she proposed a pergola at the park entrance as funding allows and thanked Boy Scout Troop 802 and Girls Scout Troop 8022 for presenting colors at an Arbor Day dedication attended by Rima Binder, president of the Botanical Gardens board.
Why it matters: the park improvements combine capital work (new lawn and tree plantings) with volunteer programs and a planned butterfly garden intended to increase native plantings and public enjoyment of the park.
What was decided: council confirmed there will be no additional routine maintenance cost to residents for the new lawn. The Tree Board will continue planning volunteer activities and finalize planting and seeding schedules for spring and mid‑November respectively.
Documentation and next steps: Nancy indicated the MDNR grant financial report was submitted and staff have fenced new plantings; additional funding or donations would be needed for features such as a pergola.
