To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING OPTIONS TO INCREASE THE INSTALLATION OF NATIVE PLANTS AND POLLINATORS IN THE CITY AND CONSIDERATION OF THE INPUT PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION ON THE OPTIONS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Habitat Gardening is an approach to landscaping that prioritizes the use of native plant and pollinator species along with pollinator fountains to attract and support native birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. The practice can also reduce irrigation demand, potentially increasing the sustainability of landscaping investments in periods of drought. It also supports water conservation. The City Council Strategic Plan includes a staff presentation focused on the options to implement native plant and pollinator requirements in the City, including feedback provided by the Public Works and Sustainability Commission (PWSC) on the subject.
For landscaping activities in public spaces, the City has the opportunity to directly select plant species as part of its capital projects and through regular maintenance operations. The City can also educate, encourage, or mandate the use of native plants through the community development review process when projects require approval of a landscaping plan on public or private property. The City has certain policies and practices in place, but there is room for more strict controls, as discussed below, if desired by the City Council.
The increased use of native plants in City maintained spaces will require an investment of staff time and energy to train on new maintenance practices, irrigation changes, soil remediation and plant material replacement techniques and to educate the public on the seasonal bloom, growth, and dormancy cycles of native plants and the affect they have on landscape appearance. These investments in staff time and energy will be necessary for a successful tr...
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