The Wet Meadows

Planted in 1997, expanded in 2011

Wet meadow 1, or "the wet meadow," was our first rodeo. We needed to learn all about hydrology, bulldozers, plants, and bureaucracy to get it done. Planting the extension was easier - we only had to contend with torrential rain.

Planted in 2004

Wet meadow 2 is behind the pool and ice rink. It has 3 tiers to allow rainwater and snowmelt to settle and nurture the wildflowers rather than flooding the lower parking lot.

Planted in 2010

Wet meadow 3 is at the northern end of the park where a sidewalk connects Essex Street and Allen Elementary School. The City of Ann Arbor shaped the land for wet meadow 3 as part of a sidewalk reconstruction project. The wet meadow team and many neighbors helped to plant 1600+ plants.

The original wet meadow has matured and now has more grass species and fewer wildflowers than when it was planted many years ago.

One of the most interesting features of wet meadow 2 is the sandy area at the north end. It supports different species including cacti!

Wet meadow 3 looks lovely throughout the spring and summer and can be observed from the surrounding sidewalks.