Howard Marsh Metropark Mowing along Howard Road

Questions have arisen regarding mowing at Howard Marsh Metropark of the areas visible from  Howard Road. Lucas County contracts for mowing of the right-of-way (from road edge to the telephone poles) four times per year. However, you may notice that beyond the right-of-way, Metropark mowing is limited to entrance and signage areas. There are valid reasons for this.

Many young trees have been planted in Howard Marsh Metropark. The various grasses and ground foliage growing around the trees provide an excellent habitat for grassland birds. These various grasses are all native species. The area is periodically inspected for invasive weeds and when detected, these invasive weeds are removed. The most recent inspection and removal of invasive weeds occurred on September 7-8, 2023.

Grassland bird species have declined 50% in recent years. Howard Marsh Metropark is working to provide grassland habitat which is beneficial for birds as well as pollinators. To the untrained eye, it may look like a weed patch, but these grassland restoration projects provide critical prairie habitat for many different species.

For more information, please visit the following link to the September 6, 2023 Metroparks Meet-up: https://www.13abc.com/2023/09/06/metroparks-meetup-declining-bird-populations/

Thank you for your support of Jerusalem Township and the Howard Marsh Metropark.