Volunteer restoration team hopes to improve pollinator habitat

Volunteers played an important role in the Friends of Crowell Hilaka Invasive Species Management Task Force’s efforts to help restore habitat in Richfield Heritage Preserve.

Said Beth Sanderson, who led the effort, “The project keeps RJRD in compliance with its Clean Ohio and Western Reserve Land Conservancy land management agreement.”

Sanderson, vice president of FoCH, said the organization is committed to the removal of non-native invasive plants and the addition of appropriate native plants beneficial to pollinators.

“We had trays of swamp milkweed, great blue lobelia, tall obedient plant and black-eyed Susan donated to the project, as well as some free outside expertise on how to plant them, from National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward Host Terry Duncan, who joined us for the day” Sanderson said.

Duncan provided some plants and gave planting instructions, but said native plants are pretty sturdy and should flourish with no care if planted in the right conditions.

Duncan hopes to hold NWF wildlife habitat classes for school and youth groups as well as help establish an educational trail and demonstration native garden with informational signs at the park.

“I’m amazed at all the partners the Friends group has brought in over the years,” Duncan said. “The Richfield Joint Recreation District’s governing board is lucky to have these partners as it sure saves taxpayer dollars too.”