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On Tuesday’s (March 11) Executive Committee, I brought forward a notice of motion to ask the City to develop a naturalization plan along roadways and pathways. It will be debated at Council on March 18th. The Problem Our roadsides have been largely planned and maintained to be low-care, single turf areas with little (re)investment and maintenance. Many roadsides no longer offer visual appeal and have reduced ecological benefits, being overcrowded by weeds and invasive species due to turf species poorly suited for the soil conditions of roadsides; Post construction or through targeted reinvestment, we have the opportunity to increase biodiversity, contribute to ecological resilience, and SAVE money long-term. As it is now, post construction, within current budget (which is nearly the same as what naturalization would cost), the planned turf (applied via spray seed) isn’t setting and instead weeds grow in its place.
With intentionality, we could use common native plant species to not only foster environments that prevent the growth and proliferation of weeds but also create a beautiful, low-maintenance space.  The City has done a few pilot projects and they’ve proven successful. With a multi-year program, we can do more and support the many objectives we have as a city. Let’s debunk some of the myths; What this isn’t… Direction to go rip up all the roadways immediately and naturalize. What this is… Direction to create a plan that selects the right location at the right time to naturalize. What this isn’t… A massive spending increase. What this is… A long term strategy that saves money over time as proven through the pilot*. *because the pilot included costs for studies and reporting on the outcomes, these costs would not be required going forward. What this isn’t… Letting the weeds and existing turf grow without mowing. What this is… Strategic and opportunistic replanting of native plant species (shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers) that choke out weeds, support biodiversity, naturally drought tolerant and require no, or less mowing. What this isn’t… An increase to allergens in the environment. What this is… Using species that are common to the prairie grasslands which are typically lower in histamine compared to aesthetic turf (ie Kentucky blue grass) What this isn’t… Ignoring the need for safety of sight lines and prevention of grass fires. What this is… Working with the teams within transportation and the fire department to create a safe strategy that balances opportunity with safety. This notice of motion is long term thinking for our city keeping in mind the alignment with other approved policies. Yes, it may require a shift in thinking and acceptance of what we deem to be visually appealing. I am confident though that because this is a city wide strategy, over many years, that we can adapt to the change and come to value the difference. 
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2025
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