The Friends of the Meadow Committee anticipates having to raise $150,000 to $250,000 over the next two years to complete and maintain the work being done to restore City Meadow.
Since spring much work has been done to restore the area under the direction of Beth Romaker, project manager for Meadowscapes, an organic landscaping company. Located in the village center, City Meadow is a wildlife habitat and recreational area that also serves as a filter for ground water runoff before it reaches the Blackberry River.
Many invasives have been cleared, and 400 woody plants of 21 different species have been installed, mostly small native shrubs that produce berries and provide cover for wildlife. A few sycamore trees were added to the edge of the woodland.
Romaker reported to the Friends of City Meadow committee that the shrubbery will put on beautiful floral displays in the spring and will help stabilize the hillside where invasives were removed.
A $110,000 private donation funded the first year’s work. To continue the work, the Friends anticipate starting a fund drive in May.
A subgroup of the committee met prior to the December 10 meeting to discuss beautification of Robertson Plaza, including turning the fountain into a planter and installing additional plantings around the trees.