The MCA Meadow is a part of a green and sustainability initiative. We have partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore 0.27 acres of pollinator grassland habitat through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFW).

This project will increase the diversity of the available native pollinator habitat and enhance the habitat for wildlife. USFWS is collaborating with landowners and other partners on nearby projects, and this will create increased connectivity between habitats.

Project Goals:

• Increase native biodiversity

• Support pollinators and urban wildlife

• Beautify the neighborhood

• Provide environmental education opportunities

Why a Meadow?

Meadows are a highly beneficial natural setting that can be easily incorporated into urban environments. The closely packed grasses, flowers, and shrubs that populate a meadow help to prevent soil erosion and encourage water absorption, which keeps the soil healthy and prevents flooding that damages buildings.

Additionally, these habitats house a large number of plants, which increases the community's overall biodiversity. Increased biodiversity attracts pollinators like wild bees, butterflies, and other insects who help keep the meadow healthy. This makes the Marygrove Wildflower Meadow is a microforest.

Meadows are also a favorite growing spot for wildflowers, adding a beautiful source of color to the neighborhood. They provide a great place to relax and watch environmental processes take place right by your home.

Key Definitions:

biodiveristy: a measure of how many plant and animal species are in an area, as well as how many individuals in each of those species are found there

microfest: a dense, tiny vegetative area with high biodviersity, especially in an afforested area

afforested/afforestation: similar to reforestation, but when dense vegetation/forest is grown in an area where there none before, as opposed to repopulating a previously forested area after deforestation