Several years ago, a large basin was built on the Princeton High School campus to better manage flooding that had plagued that part of Walnut Lane. As is not uncommon across New Jersey, the basin was immediately seeded by the contractor with turf. Now several years later, a wet meadow is in the making. 

Thanks to members of the Friends of Herrontown Woods and the PHS Environmental Science students, the meadow is actively in the process of being seeded and planted with a variety of native plants that are uniquely suited for this wet environment. In contrast to turf grass, these native plants actually help to improve the stormwater management of the basin. Their deep roots act as a sponge, soaking up stormwater and releasing it gradually. They also help pull up water when it is scarce, filter out pollutants, and minimize erosion.

Native plants also help to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators and provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Plants that are native to our region have evolved to coexist with local wildlife and the regional climate and soil. This means that they don’t need excess fertilizer or pesticides.

 

Rather than receiving weekly mowing by busy staff, community volunteers and students maintain the basin. They remove invasive weeds as they appear and continuously add new native seeds and plants. Thanks to a $2,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the New Jersey Education Association, an educational message board helps to explain the many benefits of basin naturalization to the community. This grant also provided a set of tools that students use for basin maintenance.

Over time, the PHS wet meadow will gain more native meadow plants as the weeds and invasive plants are removed. Check it often and enjoy the changing growth with the seasons.