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LLltvof <br />Louisville <br />PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE <br />Memorandum <br />To: Open Space Advisory Board <br />From: Steve Roels, Senior Natural Resource Specialist <br />Date: December 8th, 2021 <br />Subject: Action Item 8: Pocket Prairies Program Proposal <br />Purpose: <br />The purpose of this action item is to review, discuss, and approve the proposed Louisville Open Space Pocket <br />Prairies Program, including the overall concept, list of prospective locations, and 2022 sites. <br />Background: <br />Native plants have significant wildlife habitat and aesthetic values. In a landscape dominated by non-native <br />vegetation on both Open Space and adjacent land, a network of species -rich native plant installations ("Pocket <br />Prairies") would meaningfully increase habitat availability and connectivity for native pollinators. In addition, <br />pocket prairies raise public awareness and appreciation for native biodiversity and may inspire Louisville <br />residents to increase use of native plants on their own properties. <br />The Dutch Creek pocket prairies, installed in May 2020, have thrived and the community has responded to <br />them enthusiastically. Through this pilot project, staff have learned about construction logistics, species - <br />specific plant performance, and maintenance needs. <br />Staff propose expanding efforts to reintroduce native plants to Open Space landscapes via an ongoing <br />program, with 3-4 pocket prairies installed each of the next six years. In concert with pocket prairie <br />installation, staff will develop a volunteer program to support site maintenance and educational programming <br />to enhance appreciation for these new features on Open Space. <br />Next Steps: <br />Staff will install two pocket prairies next spring and prepare sites for 2023 planting during the 2022 growing <br />season. <br />Documents Attached: <br />Louisville Open Space Pocket Prairies Program 2022-2027 <br />Dutch Creek Pocket Prairie Design Plan <br />Guide to the Dutch Creek Pocket Prairies <br />11 <br />