10 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 255-3040
Reservoir Park Native Meadow
The City of Harrisburg is undertaking a transformative project to convert a 1-acre turf area into a thriving native grass and wildflower meadow in Reservoir Park. Currently, this area makes a minimal contribution to mitigating stormwater runoff. However, by introducing native grasses and wildflowers with deep-root systems, the project will significantly enhance the landscape’s ability to absorb and manage stormwater.
These deep-rooted plants are meant to capture and infiltrate rainwater more effectively, reducing runoff and improving overall water quality. This restoration not only supports sustainable stormwater management but also promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and provides ecological benefits to the community.
This naturalistic space is more than just a field of grasses and wildflowers; it’s a carefully planned ecosystem. Planted with grasses and wildflowers native to Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, this meadow mimics local natural habitats and plays a vital role in supporting wildlife.
Why Native Meadows Matter
- Supports Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Improves Soil Health: Deep-rooted native plants reduce erosion and enrich the soil.
- Reduces Water Use: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require little irrigation.
- Lowers Carbon Footprint: No mowing, no fertilizers, no pesticides.
- Enhances Biodiversity: Offers refuge to species threatened by habitat loss.
What You Might See Here
- Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators hard at work
- Birds such as goldfinches, sparrows, and meadowlarks
- Blooms that change with the seasons from spring through fall, such as Purple Coneflower, Oxeye Sunflower, and Milkweed
- Native grasses like Little Bluestem and Virginia Wildrye swaying in the breeze
Help Us Protect the Meadow
- Stay on designated paths
- Do not pick plants or flowers
- Enjoy the space quietly and respectfully
- This meadow is meant to look natural and may appear “overgrown”, that’s by design!
A Step Toward Sustainability
- This native meadow is part of our commitment to creating sustainable, low-maintenance, and ecologically resilient landscapes. By choosing native plants, we are restoring natural balance and promoting a healthier planet.