The panelists included Brooks Landscape Design, Fiddlehead Creek Farm & Native Plant Nursery, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and Sandra S. Walck Garden Design.
During the hour-long panel discussion the presenters discussed the history and ecology of the Saratoga Sand Plains—the glacially scraped sandy area which gives many Saratoga County residents their unique sandy soils. Also discussed was how to design your landscape with native plants, planting and installation tips and local sources for native plants. Using native plants reduces time and energy, reduces costs, reduces the need for watering, does not require fertilizer or pesticides and promotes overall native biodiversity.
After the discussion the presenters led a demonstration planting of along the entryway to the Meadow Vista Estates. Meadow Vista is part of an innovative conservation subdivision project which includes the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve, a 45-acre area established in 2012. In addition to the entryway, the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve includes a wetland area and a public 1.5 mile trail system with a view of the Rowland Hollow Creek.
The project land was donated by Charlew Builders along with a stewardship fee to make sure PLAN can maintain the property in the long run. Financial support for the project also came from The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs which provided a major grant in 2012 to help fund the infrastructure of the Preserve. The City of Saratoga Springs also helped with the details of the conservation subdivision. Several volunteers maintain the trail and local company Torkelson & Associates donates plowing of the parking lot in the winter.
“This event was both fun and informative” said Maria Trabka, Executive Director, “Saratoga PLAN wants to demonstrate the ecological importance of using native plants in residential landscapes. Thanks to our expert panel and team of enthusiastic volunteers, the Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve now does just that.”
Saratoga PLAN is a nonprofit land trust that helps communities make long-term decisions for conserving our region as a great place to live, work, visit, and farm. PLAN assists landowners with fulfilling their conservation goals for their land and provides stewardship for over 3,500 acres of farmland, forest, natural habitat, trail corridors, historic places, and water resources in Saratoga County. For more information, visit www.saratogaplan.org or call (518) 587-5554.
