Engineering Teamwork: South Point Biobasin Planting Success!

This spring, the Engineering Division installed over 9,000 plants in two, newly-constructed biobasins at the far west side’s South Point Facility. We had the exciting opportunity to invite all of our Engineering Division staff to join the planting efforts, which made quick work of this massive undertaking. We loved getting the chance to work alongside coworkers that we don’t normally get to work directly with; it was great to have experts from all areas of the Engineering Department help with the plant installment phase of this stormwater feature.  

The site was given plenty of water throughout this hot, exceptionally dry summer as well as some weed maintenance as is typical for a first year planting. We are happy to share that the plants are thriving and many even flowering in their first year. One clear indication of success was spotting a federally-endangered rusty patch bumble bee (Bombus affinis) enjoying the resources from a flowering mountain mint. Congratulations to Emily Jorgensen for coordinating with the DNR Bumblebee Brigade bumblebee monitoring project and implementing bee surveys with conservation field work in 2024!   

The native vegetation in the South Point biobasin serves not only to fulfill stormwater requirements, but will be a beautiful addition to the City facility and provide numerous habitat benefits. We thank everyone who helped make this collaboration possible. Great job, everyone!