Exciting habitat improvements are happening in the eastern portion of Sunset Woods Park where the Firehouse Activity Center once stood. The woodland area, which surrounds the bridge that connects the park to the east side of town, will be part of an ecological restoration project by Park District contractor, Davey Resource Group. Work involves the removal of woody and herbaceous invasive species, followed by planting and seeding of native plant species. In addition to the woodland restoration, an upland meadow will be created by the installation of native seeds. Dead standing trees, away from walking paths, will remain in the woodland as they provide excellent habitat for a variety of bird species. Work will begin in January 2022 and end in December 2022.
Initial restoration of the Sunset Wood project area is complete. Native grasses and flowers are blooming in the meadow, wetlands and woodlands. District staff and contractors will continue to maintain the area in the years to come to establish native plants and control invasive weeds.
More than 1,800 native plants were installed along the stream in the Sunset Woods project area. Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Wild Geranium, and Columbine wildflowers were included along with Oak Sedge and Little Blue Stem grass.
Seeding took place the week of March 14 in the woodland and meadow areas of the project. Crews tilled the area and then hand-spread seeds. The woodland area was raked and seeded. Erosion control blankets are in place to protect the seeds. Grass trail edges will be mown to provide additional walking room.
