5 acres of wild in Findlay?

FINDLAY — A now-vacant stretch of land along East Main Cross Street could soon burst into color and life, as Findlay officials consider planting a blooming urban prairie. The proposal would convert five acres of floodplain property into an urban prairie filled with native plants and pollinator habitats. The project, backed by the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership and Toledo Zoo's Wild Toledo Native Plants Program, would reduce maintenance costs, support biodiversity and create a new public green space. City officials discussed the plan during a Sept. 30 strategic planning meeting, just weeks after a public event highlighted the ecological and economic benefits of prairie restoration across northwest Ohio. The plan would transform the city-owned land — where homes were previously demolished — into a naturalized area featuring native plants, walking paths and educational signage. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $98,000, which includes installation, plantings, signage and first-year maintenance. Additional options include planting trees along sidewalks and funding two more years of maintenance to ensure the prairie becomes well-established. The city's Public Works Department would take over long-term care of the site, with training in prairie management techniques such as weed control and prescribed burns. Mayor Christina Muryn said the project offers multiple benefits. "Once established, it could be a beautiful amenity," she told the committee. "It helps with pollinator habitats, reduces mowing needs and provides educational opportunities." The proposal came just two weeks after a community event titled "Plant the Future" was held Sept. 15 at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, hosted by the BRWP and Toledo Zoo's Wild Toledo Prairie Program. "Prairies are more than wildflowers," said Jane McCleary, president of the BRWP Board of Directors. "They are resilient landscapes that support pollinators, save communities money and restore Ohio's natural heritage." McCleary noted that native prairies, once dominant across northwest Ohio, offer deep-rooted systems that absorb floodwaters, stabilize soil and filter water more effectively than traditional turfgrass. "Flood mitigation properties that currently demand expensive upkeep could be transformed into thriving prairie landscapes—functional, beautiful and sustainable," she said. In addition to environmental benefits, McCleary emphasized the cost savings for municipalities. Native prairies require minimal mowing and maintenance, reducing labor, fuel and equipment expenses. "Across Ohio, municipalities are finding that native plantings not only cut costs but also enhance the visual appeal and identity of public spaces," she said. The East Main Cross site is currently zoned residential but cannot be redeveloped for housing due to its acquisition through flood mitigation funding. The committee expressed general support for the project, and Muryn said she plans to conduct neighborhood outreach before moving forward with grant applications and additional planning.