Native Gardens
Host Garden
Bordering the path to the Neustadter Nature Center is our Host Garden. We selected 5 butterflies native to our area to showcase- The Eastern Black Swallowtail, Buckeye, Pearly Crescentspot, Great Spangled Fritillary and Monarch. Each butterfly has a row of dedicated host plants–where their eggs are laid, caterpillars feeds and chrysalis’ develop –and an adjacent row of nectar plants which provide energy for the butterflies.
With a generous donation by Pine River Sportsman’s Club, interpretive signs were installed depicting the stages of Butterfly development- caterpillar and chrysalis- in hopes visitors will be able to spot their emergence in the garden as they make their way down the paths
Pollinator Garden
Wrapping around the Nature Center to the east and north is a Pollinator Garden made possible by a generous grant from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Fund and countless volunteer hours. 45 native flower and 3 grass species were selected for bloom time, height, and color and laid out in a planned grid to provide a pollen and nectar source throughout the growing season plus protected nesting and overwintering sites for bumblebees. The 1920 native plants were installed in 2022 and each year the garden changes a bit as the plants spread and compete. With all the resources in abundance the garden is registered as a Monarch Waystation. Monarch waystation Future plans include saving seeds and increasing surveys for bumblebees.
Tower Seeding
In fall of 2023 the opportunity to add to our pollinator plantings arose when we were given the go ahead to surround the Observation Tower with ¼ acre of native seeding.
The site was prepared with an herbicide and frost seeded in December with a Pollinator Conservation Mix. Beginning a native planting from seed presents its own challenges but we are eager to watch its progress throughout the coming years.
Shrub Plantings
In 2024, with the remaining Pollinator Protection Fund dollars, we purchased a wide variety of native shrubs to augment our offerings to the bees and birds. Native shrubs do it all: sheltering habitat, berries and nuts for birds, with easy foraging for our native bee pollinators. Some are also host plants, playing a vital role in the life cycle of butterflies and moths.
We selected 15 varieties of shrubs for a total of 48 plants. Most were purchased and installed in groups of 3 or 5. A single pagoda dogwood and wild rose shrub were purchased as specimen plants. Initial placement of 6 sets of shrubs was encircling the 6 birdhouses located along the Nature Center Loop Trail. These shrubs provide a convenient landing spot for fledgling birds.
Another set compliments the kiosk in the parking area. Climbing native clematis were placed along the Tower fence, The remaining shrubs were installed around the buildings to compliment or hide unsightly structures (i.e. propane tank)
To encourage the public to acquaint themselves with our new plantings we purchased descriptive signs from the grower for each of the species. Each sign features the wildlife benefitted by the shrub, growing information and a QR code taking you to a webpage on the species. Hopefully we’ll inspire viewers to select native shrubs for their home landscapes. The signs will be installed in 2025.