Sustainability

Pocket Prairies

Creating natural beauty and vital habitats in our local parks.

Enhancing Our Parks

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative coming to New Albany’s parks: the installation of “Pocket Prairies”! This sustainable landscaping project, approved by City Council through the 2025 budget for the Sustainability Advisory Board, will bring beautiful and ecologically beneficial native plant habitats to our community.

Check out the conceptual drawings of the parks here:

Planters Grove
James River
Taylor Farm Park
Collage of wildlife images featuring a bird nest with chicks, a bird resting on the ground among grass, and a bumblebee on yellow flowers, with text in the center reading 'Wildlife Habitat in progress' and 'Native plants added to support pollinators and birds!' along with illustrations of colorful flowers at the bottom.
A field of tall green plants with clusters of small purple flowers on the left and numerous yellow daisy-like flowers on the right under a partly cloudy sky with trees in the background.

What Are Pocket Prairies?

Working in partnership with Mad Scientist Associates LLC, we’ll be designing and installing these specialized native plant habitats at three local parks:

  • Taylor Farm Park
  • Planters Grove Park
  • James River Park

These prairies will feature a diverse mix of native grasses and wildflowers. Each site will have tailored plant mixes, including wetland and upland varieties like Swamp Milkweed, Blue Flag Iris, and New England Aster.

These beautiful native plant installations are more than just pretty spaces; they’re vital for our local ecosystem and community well-being. They will:

  • Support pollinators crucial for local biodiversity
  • Reduce maintenance and mowing needs in our parks
  • Improve soil and water quality by naturally filtering runoff
  • Bring natural beauty and unique habitats to our neighborhoods
A field with tall grasses and clusters of purple and yellow wildflowers under a clear sky, with a few trees in the background and a small hill on the horizon.

Project Timeline & What to Expect

You’ll start seeing activity soon!

  • Initial site preparation will begin as early as July 2025. This crucial first step involves spot treatments to control invasive species and, weather permitting, will continue through November 2025.
  • Seed installation will take place around November and December 2025, where site preparers will broadcast seed, harrow, and cover with light straw.

  • Planting of native seeds and young plants (plugs) is scheduled for Spring 2026.

You may notice signage at these parks soon, along with initial site preparation work like turf treatment and mowing adjustments. This phase is essential for the long-term success of these native plantings, helping them thrive and become a beautiful addition to our parks.

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PO Box 188
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-3913

Public Service

7800 Bevelhymer Road
PO Box 188
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-0076

Police Department

50 Village Hall Road
PO Box 271
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-1234

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7815 Walton Parkway
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 939-2254

Please send mail to Village Hall address

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Village Hall

99 W. Main St.
PO Box 188
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-3913

Public Service

7800 Bevelhymer Road
PO Box 188
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-0076

Police Department

50 Village Hall Rd.
PO Box 271
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-1234

Community Development

7815 Walton Parkway
New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 939-2254

Please send mail to Village Hall address

Quick Links

City Council & Mayor
Permitting & Inspections
Careers
Forms

Connect With Us

Facebook Instagram Youtube X-twitter Linkedin
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