5. Neyland Park Urban Planting

A LOCAL WATERSHED RESTORATION INITIATIVE

Even the smallest patches of native landscaping can make a big difference to wildlife, air and water quality, and the communities within the Teche-Vermilion Watershed. As a member of our watershed community, YOU can make a difference. Reviving Resilient Landscapes fosters community-led efforts by combining the resources, people power, and knowledge of conservation groups across the region.

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Our partners in preservation and Lafayette Consolidated Government chose Neyland Park becase the native tree planting would add value for patrons and complement planned infrastructure improvements. The tree planting plan, developed by volunteer biologists and environmental scientists, incorporated ten native upland and wetland tree species, including live oak (Quercus virginana), shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Volunteers from Trees Acadiana, Boy Scouts of America and the BVPA prepared the site for the event, and on February 8, 2020, members of our watershed community participated in a brief workshop about how native landscapes and plants can be used in watershed management. Workshop participants then planted and mulched 37 native trees in the park. Planted with resiliency in mind, the trees that stand before you today will continue to contribute to a healthy watershed for years to come.

MIMIC NATURE
MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS

The diversity of tree species mimics the native landscape, ensures resiliency of wildlife habitat, and improves stormwater management. Developed areas lacking vegetation and organic matter are unable to slow down and absorb stormwater, making soil more likely to erode. When soil erodes from developed areas, it compromises drainage and robs valuable nutrients from the land, causing pollution in our watershed. Native trees and plants in our home landscapes and urban developments help to re-establish natural conditions, both on land and in receiving waterways, by slowing down runoff, increasing infiltration of storm water, and holding the soil in place. Developing with nature in mind helps restore healthy connections between nature and people.