The Mid-Missouri Wild Ones Chapter has adopted several sites around Columbia for native landscaping demonstrations.  Our goal is to show how beautiful and useful native plants can be in landscaping.  Many of our members also have wonderful wildflower gardens that they love to show off.  See our calendar for scheduled visits to home gardens.

Forum Nature Area

In cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of Columbia, we have planted two wildflower gardens in the 107 acre Forum Nature Area, one of the entry points to the MKT trail system.  In spring 2001, we prepared two mulched beds:  one near the parking lot and the other at the junction of the loop trail.  The Forum Nature Area is located at 2701 Forum Boulevard, just south of Chapel Hill.  These two beds were designed by Ann Wakeman.

We are also preparing a larger site at Forum Nature Area for planting by seed.  Approximately 1/3 acre was treated with Roundup, to remove the invasive exotics (which include Johnson grass and serecea lespedeza, unfortunately!) and seeded by volunteers in Jan. 2003.  As of 6/03, numerous small prairie seedlings have sprouted and appear healthy.  Next year, we should see our first flowers.  

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

In cooperation with the Bonne Femme Watershed Partnership, we have also planted a wildflower garden next to Hickam Cabin at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of Columbia.  This garden was designed by Diane Huneke, and includes both native plants and some non-invasive exotic species.  Care of the garden has been coordinated by Nancy Brakhage, who regularly applies a deer-repellent recipe.
 

Russell Elementary School

This project has been led by Jackie Shopland, a teacher at the school and Wild Ones member.  She has added a small wildflower and native grass meadow to the school's wonderful outdoor classroom area, with the help of students and parents.
 

Habitat for Humanity

In spring of 2002, we planted a garden in the front yard of a Habitat for Humanity homeowner in Columbia.  The garden was designed by Martha Folk of Insite, Inc. and landscaping rocks were generously donated and placed by Kurt Kreftmeyer of Kreftmeyer Fine Gardens.  Plants for the site were donated or provided at low cost by Devin Chandler (Prairie Hill Farm), Ann Wakeman (Rock Post Nursery), Mervin Wallace (Missouri Wildflower Nursery) and other Wild Ones members.

In June 2002, we hosted a wildflower workshop for Habitat for Humanity homeowners, and provided some wildflowers for their home gardens.
 

Capen Park Compost Demonstration Area Native Plant Garden

This team effort was led by Matthew Klein, a Boy Scout working on his Eagle Service Project and the City of Columbia Public Works Department, which provided funding to purchase native plants.   Mathhew is a member of troop 133 of Boonslick District of the Great Rivers Council.  Cindy Becker is coordinated the efforts of the Wild Ones, and John Weston (Johnny Dropseed, Inc.) designed the planting.  Plants were provided by Ann Wakeman (Rock Post Nursery) and Mervin Wallace (Missouri Wildflower Nursery), and other Wild Ones members.  This garden surrounds a new compost demonstration area built by the Public Works Dept.  More than 400 plants were put in place in April 2002 by scouts, Wild Ones members, and other volunteers.  Capen Park is just south of Stadium Boulevard off Rock Quarry Road.
 

MU prairie and wildflower bed

This is our newest project, spearheaded by Wild Ones treasurer Ann Thering.  The site is adjacent to the MU Recreation Trail and Green Tennis center at Epple field.  It is a collaboration with MU Landscape Services and the MU Botanic garden.  A former fescue field (approx. 1/3 acre) is being converted into a native prairie.  This area was planted by seed in Jan. 2003.  A mulched wildflower bed surrounding a drinking fountain off the MU Recreation Trail was planted from seedlings in April 2003, and is doing well.  Stop by to check out the progress of this exciting new project.