Honey Creek Native Plant Restoration Project Partners of Greenfield Parks & Recreation Introduction The Partners of Greenfield Parks & Recreation is a member supported, non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to fulfilling the community's need for the preservation and improvements of our local parks and recreation environment. The organization assists in beautifying green spaces and waterways, securing park amenities and developing park site activity areas for the benefit of the Greenfield community. Project Highlights The foundation of this restoration project relies on harnessing the power of trees to improve the effectiveness of storm water practices, while simultaneously providing other health benefits to the community, such as: educational resources cooling and shade enhanced aesthetics shoreline habitat for wildlife In the summer of 2017, the Honey Creek Native Plant Restoration Project will join forces with Greenfield’s 27th Arbor Day Celebration in order to attract more residents and draw attention to the importance of trees and the rolls they play in storm water management. Education Goals Public involvement and education are important aspects of the restoration project. In order to better educate the public about water quality issues, project partners will organize public tree planting events and conservation talks in Konkel Park. Additionally, conservation education booths at the Farmer’s Market will educate residents about storm water issues and resource management efforts. Greenfield City Arborist, Dennis Fermenich (right), involves the community as much as possible in tree planting events. Dennis believes that, “People are more invested in something if they had a hand in making it happen.” The largest Arbor Day Celebration in Wisconsin is sponsored annually by the Greenfield Beautification Committee. Greenfield residents have helped to change the face of Greenfield with the “Adopt a Tree” plantings in parks, schools and streets throughout the City. Project Mission Konkel Park is the most-visited park in Greenfield, with one of its key features being a corridor of Honey Creek that runs along the southern end of the park. Sparsely-vegetated areas near the creek have been identified where planting trees will considerably mitigate storm water runoff. Through planting native tree species, the Honey Creek Native Plant Restoration Project aims to decrease the amount of storm water runoff and pollutants that reach Honey Creek, improve watershed health in our local waters and enhance aesthetics in Konkel Park. Residents will be able to learn more information about the restoration project by visiting the City Arborist and other partners at booths stationed at Greenfield’s popular Sunday Farmers Market. Konkel Park is the most visited park in Greenfield. The wetland walking paths are popular with residents for exercise and science classes for learning opportunities. Trees being planted for this project will act as educational resources for teachers. Conclusion The Honey Creek Native Plant Restoration program embraces the mission of Sweet Water by: Working to improve water quality in the Menomonee Watershed Implementing conservation efforts by mitigating storm water runoff Restoring natural habitats near the Honey Creek Educating residents about the importance of water-quality management Planting of Native Tree Species Trees planted in the wetland areas of Honey Creek will slow and filter water entering the creek, while improving the aesthetics in the park. Tree varieties will include: Catalpa (Catalpa Speciosa) Hickory (Carya Ovata) Linden (Tilia Americana) Tamarack (Larix Laricina) Project Location Konkel Park is located in the heart of Greenfield’s newly developed City Center and is situated between Greenfield High School and Edgewood Elementary School. High levels of pedestrian traffic can be observed daily in the park, with peak times occurring before and after school. Acknowledgements This project was made possible through support from Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc., the Greenfield Beautification Committee, the Partners of Greenfield Parks & Recreation and the City of Greenfield, WI.