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sop-non mowing wildflower areas1

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City of Austin,Environmental Conservation Information Specialist, Natural Resources Division,
City of Austin,Environmental Conservation Information Specialist, Natural Resources Division,

This document outlines standard operating procedures for establishing and maintaining designated wildflower areas to promote conservation of native plants and grasslands. It discusses allowing annual and perennial wildflowers to go to seed to encourage natural regeneration. The procedures apply only to approved wildflower areas, which will be inventoried. Timing of mowing is important to allow seed maturation. A perimeter path will be mowed for safety and appearance. Mowing heights will be set to minimize damage to emerging plants. Steep slopes and drainage areas will not be disturbed. Invasive species will be removed by hand or herbicide. Signage will educate the public. Non-mowed areas provide environmental benefits like reducing carbon and supporting pollinators.

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Subject: Wildflower Non Mow Areas SOP #: Initiated: Revised: A. PURPOSE: To establish standard operating procedures that will foster conservation of native wildflowers and native grass communities. All safety procedures for public right of way and limited sight areas still apply. Wildflowers are an attractive amenity for any public area. Many appreciate our regions beautiful wildflower shows throughout the spring, summer and fall. Peak blooming periods are usually from mid April, early summer and end in late fall, although exact time is difficult to predict due to many environmental factors. ANNUALS: Since many of these wildflowers are annuals, this means they will need to go to seed in order to come back in the next year. Strategic control of mowing will allow natural regeneration of native seed banks. PERENNIALS: These species are highly valued and return each year from expanded clumps. Starting from seed most perennials do not bloom until they have lived through at least one growing seasons and a winter. During the first year they develop small top growth, while developing deep root systems. This growing process allows the plant to survive its first winter and then enables natural development of the plant in the second season. B. SCOPE: Any Parks and Recreation Department employee responsible for performing tasks, functions or activities associated with this standard operating procedure shall also follow Standard Operating Procedure for Mowing. These procedures apply only to pre approved designated wildflower areas. A GIS inventory of all wildflower bed, areas, buffer strips and meadow shall be documented. C. PROCEDURE: Establishing Wildflower designated areas will provide numerous benefits for citizens, the department and for the natural environment. Native wildflower communities help in the conservation of water, erosion control, pollination and provide habitat for wildlife. In order to achieve healthy biologically diverse native wildflower communities it is important to maintain the following conditions with regard to mowing: Timing: Wildflowers emerge at certain times of the year and bloom months later. Once the bloom cycle is complete the next stage is seed development. At this stage seeds develop mature seed heads or pods and start to dry, turning beige, brown and yellow. It is now an appropriate time to mow. By mowing after seeds have matured, this allows the plant to spread its seed bank for the next year. Mowing helps spread desirable seeds and creates mulch protecting the area as a natural weed barrier. Austin Parks and Recreation Department Standard Operating Procedure OPERATIONS DIVISION
Mowing set backs and heights: In order to provide an element of safety and the appearance of active management/ maintenance it is important to mow approximately seventy two inch wide path along the perimeter of the wildflower area. This practice will apply to areas adjacent to sidewalks, street right of way and designated trails, when appropriate. Note: Seventy two inches is the standard width of a Grass Master mowing equipment. Wildflower boundaries will be predetermined by District managers and easily identified by mowing crews. (See signage) Mowing heights should be set to minimize scarring of new wildflower growth and to protect emerging rosettes of wildflowers such as our state flower the Texas bluebonnet. Scarring attracts disturbance weed species and non native species. Erosion control: In order to minimize and or reduce scarring of natural slopes, drainage swales and designated stream corridors mowing equipment shall be restricted. Steep slopes with an aspect of 21% or more will not be disturbed by equipment. Drainage swales shall be left undisturbed in order to preserve their functional values of infiltration, erosion control and capture of sediment. It may be necessary to temporarily fence off or sign areas in order to protect the area. Invasive non native species: Careful removal of non native invasive species should be done by trained staff and or approved volunteer groups. This can be done by hand or by hand pulling, cutting of individual species. For more resistant species herbicide may be required and must be done by a licensed applicator under the supervision of the specific district. (See IPM plan) Signage: Successful awareness of non mow wildflower locations requires public education. Simple signage and that identifies a site as a Wildflower Area can be installed in a subtle manner. A QR Code may be used to provide additional information such as name of species, butterflies and blooming periods. Sustainability: Non mowed areas help remove particulates from the air, serve as pollination and nectar sources, help soil sequester carbon and reduce urban heat island. Native landscapes utilize less water and require fewer chemicals such as herbicides and fertilizers. Native wildflower areas require significantly less mowing and trimming, which helps reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our overall energy cost. D. SAFETY PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT: Gloves, eye protection, vests, steel toed boots, etc. E. ATTACHMENTS: NA.

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sop-non mowing wildflower areas1

  • 1. Subject: Wildflower Non Mow Areas SOP #: Initiated: Revised: A. PURPOSE: To establish standard operating procedures that will foster conservation of native wildflowers and native grass communities. All safety procedures for public right of way and limited sight areas still apply. Wildflowers are an attractive amenity for any public area. Many appreciate our regions beautiful wildflower shows throughout the spring, summer and fall. Peak blooming periods are usually from mid April, early summer and end in late fall, although exact time is difficult to predict due to many environmental factors. ANNUALS: Since many of these wildflowers are annuals, this means they will need to go to seed in order to come back in the next year. Strategic control of mowing will allow natural regeneration of native seed banks. PERENNIALS: These species are highly valued and return each year from expanded clumps. Starting from seed most perennials do not bloom until they have lived through at least one growing seasons and a winter. During the first year they develop small top growth, while developing deep root systems. This growing process allows the plant to survive its first winter and then enables natural development of the plant in the second season. B. SCOPE: Any Parks and Recreation Department employee responsible for performing tasks, functions or activities associated with this standard operating procedure shall also follow Standard Operating Procedure for Mowing. These procedures apply only to pre approved designated wildflower areas. A GIS inventory of all wildflower bed, areas, buffer strips and meadow shall be documented. C. PROCEDURE: Establishing Wildflower designated areas will provide numerous benefits for citizens, the department and for the natural environment. Native wildflower communities help in the conservation of water, erosion control, pollination and provide habitat for wildlife. In order to achieve healthy biologically diverse native wildflower communities it is important to maintain the following conditions with regard to mowing: Timing: Wildflowers emerge at certain times of the year and bloom months later. Once the bloom cycle is complete the next stage is seed development. At this stage seeds develop mature seed heads or pods and start to dry, turning beige, brown and yellow. It is now an appropriate time to mow. By mowing after seeds have matured, this allows the plant to spread its seed bank for the next year. Mowing helps spread desirable seeds and creates mulch protecting the area as a natural weed barrier. Austin Parks and Recreation Department Standard Operating Procedure OPERATIONS DIVISION
  • 2. Mowing set backs and heights: In order to provide an element of safety and the appearance of active management/ maintenance it is important to mow approximately seventy two inch wide path along the perimeter of the wildflower area. This practice will apply to areas adjacent to sidewalks, street right of way and designated trails, when appropriate. Note: Seventy two inches is the standard width of a Grass Master mowing equipment. Wildflower boundaries will be predetermined by District managers and easily identified by mowing crews. (See signage) Mowing heights should be set to minimize scarring of new wildflower growth and to protect emerging rosettes of wildflowers such as our state flower the Texas bluebonnet. Scarring attracts disturbance weed species and non native species. Erosion control: In order to minimize and or reduce scarring of natural slopes, drainage swales and designated stream corridors mowing equipment shall be restricted. Steep slopes with an aspect of 21% or more will not be disturbed by equipment. Drainage swales shall be left undisturbed in order to preserve their functional values of infiltration, erosion control and capture of sediment. It may be necessary to temporarily fence off or sign areas in order to protect the area. Invasive non native species: Careful removal of non native invasive species should be done by trained staff and or approved volunteer groups. This can be done by hand or by hand pulling, cutting of individual species. For more resistant species herbicide may be required and must be done by a licensed applicator under the supervision of the specific district. (See IPM plan) Signage: Successful awareness of non mow wildflower locations requires public education. Simple signage and that identifies a site as a Wildflower Area can be installed in a subtle manner. A QR Code may be used to provide additional information such as name of species, butterflies and blooming periods. Sustainability: Non mowed areas help remove particulates from the air, serve as pollination and nectar sources, help soil sequester carbon and reduce urban heat island. Native landscapes utilize less water and require fewer chemicals such as herbicides and fertilizers. Native wildflower areas require significantly less mowing and trimming, which helps reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our overall energy cost. D. SAFETY PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT: Gloves, eye protection, vests, steel toed boots, etc. E. ATTACHMENTS: NA.