Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan - OSEH - University ...

Case Study: Wayne County, MI
Ford Road Outer Drive Vegetated Filter Strip
In 2006, Wayne County Parks eliminated the existing turf grass and seed
bank on 5.3 acres of Hines Park along Ford Road and Outer Drive by applying
herbicide and tilling the area. Preparation of the areas included shallow
tilling and reseeding with native plant species to create a vegetated filter
strip along a transportation corridor and to reduce maintenance costs of
traditional turf grass. Occasional mowing and managing for invasive species
are the only maintenance procedures anticipated.
Research on native landscapes suggest the maintenance cost for 5.3 acres of
grow zone will be approximately 80 percent less than managing the previous
turf grass land cover. A list of the 40-plus native plant species used for
this project is available upon request. The species mix was specific to match
the habitat of the planted area. Planted native trees and shrubs along with
grow zone signage help to delineate the grow zone as a managed, important
part of Edward Hines Park. This project has become a welcome addition to
the park’s natural environment.
The Ford Road/Outer Drive Grow Zone after the first growth
Source: Wayne County Department of Environment
Cost
The total cost of the project was $8,584. This cost covered the design, plant
material, seed, signage, and herbicide. The site benefited by having Pheasants
Forever, Ford Motor Company, and Wayne County provide in-kind
service for the physical preparation and installation of the planting area.
This project was part of a larger grow zone effort that took place across
Edward Hines Park in the spring and summer of 2006.
Case Study Site Considerations
Project Type Vegetated filter strip
Estimated Total
Project Cost
$8,584
Maintenance
Responsibility
Wayne County Department of Environment
Project Contact Noel Mullett, 734-326-4486
Materials Used
• Herbicide, tractor, and
seed drill
• Shovels, rakes, landscape
mulch
• Design consultant services
• 55 trees and shrubs, 500 plugs
and 59 lbs of native plant seed
• 10 large grow zone signs with
logo decal and 30 small grow
zone boundary signs.
LID Manual for Michigan – Chapter 7 Page 290