Christ United

​ Expanding God's natural space​

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MEADOW PROJECT UPDATE!

Our Native Meadow Project is right on track for a vibrant explosion of floral color…next year.

Our “lawn” at the corner of US-27 and Webb Road in DeWitt might look like a spectacular crop of weeds—but don't worry, everything is going exactly to plan. Native meadow restoration takes three years and we’re halfway there this summer.

Michigan native wildflowers and grasses are playing the long game. This first year, they put almost all of their energy into growing deep, strong root systems. Above ground, they are just “sleeping."

The second year begins to yield some showy flowers throughout the growing season. But invasive species are competing, so two or three mowings are required the second year. It kills us to mow down those pretty flowers, but it has to be done to strengthen the natural grasses and flowers and to keep the undesirables from getting too tall and shading the meadow plants.

The third year, 2027, should begin as a you would expect a meadow to appear - lush, colorful and diverse with plants following the ancient rhythm of seasonal blooms. Hopefully, we’ll be able to create walking paths through the meadow for anyone to enjoy next year.

US Fish and Wildlife is guiding us through this project over ten years to make sure we get it right. The main portion of the meadow scores an estimated 75-80% success rate for the seed mixes used on the first try. Some areas, especially very wet zones, will get a different seed mix this Fall as well as an initial seeding of a mix for drier conditions on the road berms and hills.

This means most of the meadow will be established next year while a lesser amount will be growing in its second year in 2027, with fuller establishment in 2028.

Our main job in 2026: Patience, weed management, and waiting for nature do its work above and below ground.

Thank you for your support as we build a healthier local ecosystem for our pollinators, birds, and community.

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