Native Plants
Wild Toledo
Prairie Initiative
Native Prairies
Plant Sales
Landscaping
Leaves
History
In the fall of 2014, Wild Toledo began converting previously mowed lawn and abandoned lots to environmentally beneficial urban prairies, which save resources through reduction of mowing, improve rain water management and reduces runoff. These plantings also provide aesthetically pleasing habitat for important native species like birds and pollinators.
Process
The progression of native prairie plant installations as detailed by our conservation biologist.
“In the first year you don’t really see much. The plants are just popping up and can be quite sparse. After the first year, results can be incredibly variable. Some second years, like the one at O-I headquarters, look awesome, while other still have some trouble spots. Some of the factors we have to take into consideration are the soil quality and the previous land usage. We always tell our partners the prairies really take 3-5 years to look their best. We are totally confident we can convert any local land over to a prairie given the right amount of time and resources. Just look at the Broadway prairie in its sixth year and the original plantings on the Anthony Wayne Trail. They look amazing now! It just takes time.”
Benefits
Increases pollinator population
Resting spots for migratory birds
Decreases carbon dioxide
Reduces upkeep
Reduces runoff
Food source
Beauty
Habitat
Seed Packet Information
Click below to learn proper planting techniques and to register your personal prairie
Prairie Locations
TOLEDO ZOO AREA PRAIRIES
Formal Gardens
VS (Volunteer Building)
Anthony Wayne Trail (3)
Savanna Drive (Pedestrian Bridge)
Eagle Hill (Near Bald Eagle Exhibit)
Railroad (North side)
Spencer Street
Education Building
Maintenance Building (2)
Seed Production
Broadway
Administration Building
Solar Array
OTTAWA HILLS PRAIRIES
OH 1
OH 2
OH 3
OH 4
PERRYSBURG PRAIRIES
Hull Prairie Intermediate School
Three Meadows Rivercrest
Rivercrest
Woodlands Park
MAUMEE PRAIRIES
Gateway Middle School
TOLEDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Toledo Public Schools Educational Campus
Mayfair Elementary School
Natural Science Technology Center 1
Natural Science Technology Center 2
Rogers High School
Beverly Elementary School
Newbury Elementary School
COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS
East Toledo Family Center
King Library
Owens Illinois
Prairie Partners
Our Zoo-grown native plants add beauty and benefits to your landscape. Select the size, color, bloom time and more to fit your needs. PS- planting a garden is a great homeschool science project and lesson in care and responsibility for the natural world.
MAKING OVER MANICURED
Restricted in space or desire a more manicured look? A Native Landscape is for you! These areas still provide food, larval development and shelter for bees, butterflies and more, just on a smaller scale. Check out our first planting in front of the Zoo’s new Carson Family Education Center.
Installation and management (one year) $40-100/sq.ft.
Management and maintenance (next two years) $1,500
Leave the Leaves!
The Toledo Zoo is participating in the national Leave the Leaves campaign to provide habitat for overwintering pollinators and other invertebrates. Many native butterflies, bees and other important invertebrate species overwinter in the leaf litter. On top of creating great habitat, the leaves provide great mulch for our plants and will break down in the spring returning nutrients to the soil. Please consider joining us to protect native pollinators and Leave the Leaves!
Be Our Next Prairie
For information about new prairie installations please contact the Zoo's conservation department, 419-385-5721 ext.2130
More Info
