Local Media Covers Summer 2013 Restoration Work

The Oshkosh Scene dedicated a full page to the shoreland restoration efforts of summer and fall 2013, opening with the following quotes from Anne and David Ruby, who live across the street from the restoration site:

"I am so pleased that this kind of work to improve native habitat and improve water quality is happening in my neighborhood,” shared Miller’s Bay neighbor Anne Ruby. Ruby volunteered in April 2013 to help out at the shoreland restoration site at the northern edge of Menominee Park. 

“I love how the site has become a learning tool for me and my daughter. On severaloccasions in the last year, my daughter and I have walked past the area, and we’ve observed and identified songbirds, butterflies, and blooms that we don’t see nearby.” 

Ruby is one of over 200 community volunteers that have helped out at the site sincework first began October 2011, joining park neighbors, high school and UW Oshkoshstudents, Boy Scouts, city counselors and the mayor, local nature and gardening organizations, and many others who together have made this project possible."

The article ran in the August 2013 edition of the Oshkosh Scene. Founder and Director of Growing Oshkosh Dani Stolley was also quoted in the piece, voicing strong support for the restoration efforts.

Local boy scouts complete some hands on work at the site, planting native Iris plants along the shore

Use of Natives

The restoration site utilizes native plants, which are plants that originally grew in the area prior to the destruction of habitat.  These plants are adapted for our climate and environment, and support the health system of other living things such as birds and certain insects.

Native plants tend to have extensive root systems that can reach 20+ feet in depth, compared to about 6 inches for the current sod cover present in the park.  These root systems help to hold the soil in place while absorbing water and nutrients.  The impact is a both a filter and a buffer, protecting the lake from pollutants and excess nutrients that otherwise flow into the lake and damage water quality.