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Mounds View Ardan Park Ponds <br /> 3.3 Mowed Nonnative Grasses with Scattered Trees Existing Cover <br /> Type <br /> About 2.5 acres of upland vegetation were mapped as mowed, nonnative grasses with scattered <br /> landscape trees. Based on field observations and the City's tree inventory for this park, most of the trees <br /> in mowed areas are black walnut, white spruce, river birch, or crabapples. Additional observations within <br /> this cover type included a memorial bench with plaque located on the east side and a park entry sign on <br /> the west side of Pond AA-1.P1, as well as an unpaved maintenance access path and waste receptacle <br /> between the ponds. <br /> Converting mowed areas to native ground cover is recommended for about 1 acre on the west side of the <br /> north pond (Pond AA-1.P1). The native ground cover will enhance buffering for the ponds with deep- <br /> rooted native grass-dominated vegetation. Diverse native ground cover with short-statured grasses (such <br /> as little bluestem, sideoats grama, prairie dropseed), sedges, and forbs will provide improved water <br /> infiltration, year-round wildlife habitat, seasonal blooms, fall color, and winter beauty. After the initial 3-4- <br /> year establishment phase, annual maintenance for native plantings should provide cost savings over <br /> mowing maintenance. A mowed trail can be maintained through the planting to provide a walkable loop <br /> around the pond and access to the memorial bench on the east side. The route currently used to access <br /> the sand stockpile can also be kept mowed for maintenance vehicle access. <br /> Vegetation Management Goal <br /> • Native plant cover resembling short-statured prairie or savanna understory with improved water <br /> infiltration capacity, wildlife habitat, and native plant diversity. <br /> Vegetation Management Objectives <br /> • Continuous ground cover by diverse native herbaceous species, represented by deep-rooted, <br /> drought-tolerant grasses, sedges, and forbs. <br /> • Herbaceous ground cover is designed to match light availability—open canopy versus partial <br /> canopy/woodland edge. <br /> • Flowering plants provide blooms throughout the growing season to enhance pollinator habitat. <br /> Project <br /> ® Number: <br /> 193806462 11 <br />