District 11

Roadsides Concept
by Jennifer Plaus

Roadsides Concept

Concept

Roadsides is a proposed project by the Conservation and Environment committee of the OHA. It will involve producing a booklet to advice Horticultural Societies about building roadside Islands of native plants that attract pollinators. There also might be another booklet that gives info for homeowners who want to attract pollinators not connected with roads.  It will involve all the information needed including “adopt a Road” safety training, Planting diagrams (see example included); Native plant lists for different areas etc. The idea right now is to do two pilot projects in order for us to learn from these and be able to do a better booklet. District 11 has been asked to run one of these projects. The other is in Barrie and possibly one in the north. I am looking for a society to spearhead this with my help. 

Jennifer Plaus

Fall 2010 Ideas:

1.    Will any of your societies do a pilot? One would be enough.

2.    Can you find out about your local Adopt-a-Highway program and have your pilot volunteers sign up for a session.

3.    I think I would like to stick to plants we know that are native.  Will you source them for your project?  I am attaching the list I've been working on. It isn't anywhere near final. There are many other natives we could use.  As I've said before, spring pollen sources are the hardest.

4.    With your volunteers, find suitable sites.  When you are looking for space to park off the highway and space to plant, there are not that many perfect spots available.  Work with your group to discuss possible sites with county (or township) transportation people and get their cooperation - allowing access, not spraying, not cutting, etc.

5.    Coordinate at least two fall cuttings - you'll need gasoline mowers.  Scything would probably be best before mowing.  Does anyone one a scythe anymore?

Let's get at least two projects on the way. 

Carol Dunk Head of C & E cmte.

Further to our telephone conversation of September 2, 2009, I have talked to Brian about the pollination gardens. He does not see any problem with this programme as long as proper measures are taken so that the members are not in harm’s way. Also, any vehicles, gardening tools, etc. should be kept away from any traffic on the roadways.