With hundreds of plants now in the ground, the demonstration habitat garden at the corner of Ridge and Leonard Place is beginning to put down roots. Jenn Engelke of Living Habitats was there today to lay out the plants (here, with the help of Antonio Guzman of the Public Works Department). More than 60 kinds of plants native to this region are part of the garden, which is designed to provide layered habitat—trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses—friendly to birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Working with Jenn and project volunteers were other members of the forestry and greenways staff, who had just returned from helping with clean-up after yesterday’s heavy storms. With the city committed to expanding bird and butterfly habitat, the crew (here, from left, Rich, Roy, Adam, and Carlos) is expanding their knowledge and skill in working with native plants.
A list of the plants is available on request, and interpretive signs will be added later in the year.
— Wendy Pollock
