OTTAWA COUNTY

Ottawa County enlisted Native Edge to assist in their initiative to re-landscape by transforming turf grass at various County facilities into appealing, low-maintenance, and water-efficient landscapes. The pilot project took place at the Fillmore Administrative Complex from Summer 2023 to Fall 2024. The DSI has partnered with Native Edge, LLC to design a variety of purposefully planted native gardens around the building and restore the campus drive shoulders to native prairie.

The gardens feature different native designs to meet various needs and preferences, which residents and business owners can replicate. This initiative will also decrease water usage, as well as reduce the time and money spent on landscaping maintenance after the plants are established.

Now that the native plants are established they require minimal to no additional irrigation or maintenance. The project is projected to save approximately $16,000 annually in fuel (mowing) and water costs, and conserve over 5.1 million gallons of water. Over 15 years, the total savings in money and water will exceed $240,000 and 76.5 million gallons, respectively. With the project's success, future initiatives at other County campuses may be introduced to further reduce water and maintenance expenses.