wildflower meadow faq
What are we planting in the Wildflower meadows?
We buy our seeds from Native American Seed in Junction, Texas. All the wildflower seed we purchase is native to our ecoregion (Blackland Prairie) and native to Texas. The seed mixes we purchase are: Blackland Prairie Mix and Bee Happy Mix. There is a broad range of both grasses and flowering species, and annual and perennial plants.
Why are we planting these areas?
In addition to saving water, sequestering carbon, and reducing mowing resources, wildflower meadows are beautiful, not only for those of us who live near the trail, but also for the many insects (bees, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.), small mammals, and birds who call our area of North Dallas home. With so much asphalt and population density in our community, the trail can become a haven for the bees and butterflies and promote biodiversity instead of having a large monoculture of turfgrass. Many species of birds, bees, and butterflies are threatened with extinction due to the lack of native flora they need to survive. Without the native plants that co-evolved with the insects, birds cannot survive. Birds rely on insects to feed their young and insects are a large part of many birds’ diets. Read more about gardening for wildlife at the National Wildlife Federation.
What about fire danger?
We have not had a fire on the trail. The City of Dallas Parks Department is responsible for mowing the trail and will do so if there has been a prolonged drought or they feel there is a strong danger. You may report an issue on our website and when necessary, the issues are immediately routed to the city’s 311 service. The Friends group monitors the issues to make sure they are dealt with rapidly and in an appropriate fashion.
Why does it have so much tall grass?
Tall grasses are a natural part of the Blackland Prairie and they don’t look like normal turfgrass. Grasses are a critical part of a wildflower meadow.
What can we do to help?
We welcome community support and feedback. Please volunteer with us to help maintain the pollinator wildflower meadows. We can schedule work days with your neighborhood volunteers to keep the meadows in your area looking tidy. We could also use your financial support to maintain the trail and keep it looking beautiful. Friends of Northaven Trail is a 100% volunteer run organization and requires community support to function. You can reach out to us to plan your neighborhood workday or to sign up for our landscaping volunteers email list.
Will these plants spread into my garden?
Most of these plants either spread by underground rhizomes, or by dropping their seeds nearby. If any of these native plants make it into your garden and are unwanted, they are very easily removed by mowing. Anecdotal reports from people whose homes back up to the trail state that they have never had an issue with the plants from the trail “escaping” into their home landscapes.
RESOURCES:
https://www.wildflower.org/learn/plant-wildflower-meadow
https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation
https://xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/south-central
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/native-plants-101-stsetivw-vs~63218593