Ball Horticulture CO.

Ball Horticultural Company, a worldwide leader in breeding, producing, and distributing ornamental plants, wanted to set an example for other corporations by restoring areas on their corporate headquarters in West Chicago to an ecologically stable landscape. This includes improved erosion control, wildlife habitat, diversity, aesthetics, and air and water quality.

In planning the project, the property was divided into a wetland mitigation area, south woods, west woods, Oak savanna, existing lawn, tall-grass prairie, and an old field. In order to restore an area to its natural state, all of the invasive plants need to be removed, which can come as a shock to many. To gain acceptance within the community, in 2003 the company started the tall-grass prairie, which needed the least amount of removal and gave the quickest results, with flowers blooming the following spring. To connect the prairie to the wetland, the west woods and old-field were worked on next. With the opening of the canopy in the west woods, more sunlight reached the ground, stimulating the growth of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. Seed and woody plants were installed within the woods to enhance the remnant populations.

The wetland mitigation area was vegetated in 2004, as required by a DuPage County Stormwater permit. In accordance with the permit, clusters of trees and shrubs had to be planted in specific locations, and hydrology and vegetation monitoring must occur for two-years. A new detention basin and the existing lawn were seeded with native species, and clearing and seeding began in the South woods. After installation was complete, interpretive signs were installed as well as houses for Blue Birds, Wood Ducks, and Tree Swallows. Two miles of trails run throughout the areas, which employees are encouraged to use. The areas are also used to reach out to and educate the surrounding community.

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