Spring Township Fall 2021 - 14

Meadows
of Shiloh Hills
Spring Township is committed to keeping our land and watershed healthy. Converting an area to its natural state is
an affordable way to create a healthy, vibrant landscape. A meadow is defined as open habitat, or field, vegetated by
grass, herbs and other non-woody plants largely composed of species native to the region, with only limited human
intervention to maintain. Meadows offer a host of environmental, financial and aesthetic benefits.
Benefits of a Meadow
Water Absorption
Meadows are more effective than lawns at absorbing
stormwater and preventing flooding. The root systems
of meadow plants and flowers increase rainwater
infiltration, which in turn recharges groundwater
supplies and supports stream flow during dry seasons.
Prevents Pollution
Meadows improve water quality by intercepting
pollutants that are not absorbed by grass. A buffer
of native vegetation along a stream can keep more
pollutants and sediment out of the water than grass in
the same area.
Irrigation
The plants and flowers that comprise meadows are
adapted to the native climate and can thrive without
watering. When meadows replace lawns, especially in
drought-prone areas, communities can save clean water
for essential uses like drinking.
Birds
Wildflowers are a source of food and nesting material
for birds. Some birds like to eat seeds while others like
to eat caterpillars and insects. All of these can be found
in wildflower meadows. Meadows attract a diversity
of birds such as the redwing blackbird and American
goldfinch.
Check out these new Educational Signs at Shiloh Hills Park!
Attracting Birds at Home
Benefits of a Meadow
Spring Township is committed to keeping our land and watershed healthy. Converting an area to
its natural state is an affordable way to create a healthy, vibrant landscape. A meadow is defined as
open habitat, or field, vegetated by grass, herbs and other non-woody plants largely composed of
species native to the region, with only limited human intervention to maintain. Meadows offer a
host of environmental, financial, and aesthetic benefits.
Visual Appeal
Meadows offer a sensory experience!
On a breezy summer day, a meadow is a
beautiful scene, abuzz with activity. There
is so much to observe: birds searching for
meals, bees flying from flower to flower,
the colorful flight of butterflies, the steady
chatter of crickets. Many meadow
wildflowers persist into fall and attract
songbirds who feast on drying seed heads.
Even in winter, the dried stalks of meadow
grasses and perennial flowers are striking.
Water Absorption
Meadows are more effective than
lawns at absorbing stormwater
and preventing flooding. The root
systems of meadow plants and
flowers increase rainwater infiltration,
which in turn recharges groundwater
supplies and supports stream flow
during dry seasons.
Prevents Pollution
Meadows improve water quality by
intercepting pollutants that are not
absorbed by grass. A buffer of native
vegetation along a stream can keep
more pollutants and sediment out
of the water than grass in the same
area.
Irrigation
The plants and flowers that comprise
meadows are adapted to the native
climate and can thrive without
watering. When meadows replace
lawns, especially in drought-prone
areas, communities can save clean
water for essential uses like drinking.
Cost-Effectiveness
While grass is necessary for some public
areas and event spaces, it is worth
considering the cost of management to
municipalities and taxpayers. Besides the
large up-front price tag of lawnmowers and
other machines, grass requires continual
mowing and maintenance; over time, the
costs of labor and fuel add up. However,
meadows require very little maintenance.
Converting a portion of a park's turf areas
to meadow can offer substantial cost
savings to a municipality.
Spring Township's natural areas provide a great habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and birds
year-round. There are resident birds, as well as migrating raptors and warblers to see.
Look around and listen to the birds of Shiloh Hills Park and the meadow.
Downy
How Do You Design a Bird-Friendly Lawn at Home?
Screech
Owl
Woodpecker
Red-Winged
Blackbird
Native Plants
Bluebird
The best types of plants to use to
attract local birds are the plants
they are most familiar with. Native
landscaping uses local and regional
trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses, and
those are the same plants that birds
recognize as rich food sources and
appropriate shelter.
Killdeer
Layered Vegetation
A bird-friendly landscape is one
that offers different layers of plants
for different birds to use. Some birds
may prefer foraging on the ground
for food, while others seek out food
sources in low shrubbery. Some birds
may nest in bushes, while others
prefer tall trees and greater heights.
Dense Plants
Birds will feel more secure and safe
when there is adequate shelter in
your backyard. Create dense areas
of vegetation that will shield smaller
birds from hawks or other predators.
It is also more suitable for nesting,
which can make your backyard birds
permanent residents.
Cardinal
Carolina
Wren
Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow
Plant Diversity
Reduce Open Areas
Different birds prefer different types of plants, and if you
choose to landscape with a wider range of plant species
you will also be able to attract more types of birds. Add
water features, birdhouses, dust baths or feeding stations for
even more bird attractors.
Birds
Wildflowers are a source of food and nesting material
for birds. Some birds like to eat seeds while others like to
eat caterpillars and insects. All of these can be found in
wildflower meadows. Meadows attract a diversity of birds
such as the redwing blackbird and American goldfinch.
Pollinators
Beneficial pollinators have very basic habitat requirements:
flowers to forage, host plants on which to lay their eggs, and
an environment free of pesticides. Wildflower meadows,
grasslands, and other areas rich in native plants offer these
essentials.
www.springtwpberks.org
610-678-5399
Open areas have the least food and virtually no shelter,
making them poor resources for birds as well as being
vulnerable to predators. Widen flower beds, plant trees,
and add shrubbery instead of grass.
www.springtwpberks.org
610-678-5399
12
Spring Township Fall 2021

http://www.springtwpberks.org http://www.springtwpberks.org

Spring Township Fall 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring Township Fall 2021