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Aside from the Sallow Sedge, it appears that most of the non -woody plants in this section of the park are non-native and/or invasive species: • Non-native grasses • Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) • Burdock (Arctium spp.) • Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) • Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis) There is also a small amount of young buckthorn trees along the edge of the woods and a lot of bare soil under the large basswood tree, where it is too dry and shady for the mown grass to grow. Reference Ecosystem: Though this area was historically oak savanna, it would not be reasonable to try to restore this particular location to pre -European -settlement vegetation because the Elm/Cottonwood forest plant community has been established for 70+ years. Based on the soil type and the current native vegetation, this area now best fits the category of Southern Terrace Forest. [See the attachment on FFs59] Some plant species have made it to this site —by wind or animal dispersal —but adding additional species would improve biodiversity and ecosystem health. Current Maintenance: The maintenance of this section is minimal, consisting primarily of mowing the grassy slope between the trail and the woods. Current Use: This is one of the wooded areas of the park that neighborhood children like to explore: climbing on logs and making forts. Goals 1. Elimination of invasive species and reduction of non-native species to < 5% within two years. 2. In the woods around the vernal pond (zones 3&4), try to replicate the plant community that would be found in a Southern Terrace Forest (FFs59). Between the woods and the trail (zones 1-2 & 5-7 combined), increase the diversity of native grasses, sedges and forbs to > 30 species within one year. 3. Maximize genetic diversity when feasible by ordering from multiple nurseries. 4. Have a continuous succession of flowering plants to support pollinators —such as the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee —throughout the growing season within three years. 5. Maintain visibility between the northern and western edges of the woods and the trail for both safety and aesthetics. Also, maintain an area of short vegetation (2' or shorter) within 2' of the trail on the northern and western edges which are currently sod. 6. Stabilize the soil to prevent further erosion along the southern edge —using rhizomatous plants —within three years. 7. Create opportunities for community engagement and education. 8. Create a model of responsible land stewardship for park visitors. 9. Leave some areas unaltered for children (and adults) to explore. no