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Another Year of Beauty at The Exploration Garden
… and what’s coming in 2024
The Exploration Garden at Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park looked incredible in 2023 despite the drought. The flowers planted at the garden are native to our region, which means they are well adapted to periods of drought. The flowers were also helped this year through a prescribed burn, which helped spread their seeds and knocked back some of the less desirable plants that could take over the meadow.
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If you visited the garden this past year, you probably noticed something new! The Raindrop’s Journey demonstration was installed. This rocky dry creek shows how water travels from our rooftops (like the pavilion by the parking lot) through a watershed and into a body of water (the lake). Plants and riffles throughout the journey help remove pollutants before they get to the pond. This makes the water healthier for the fish and reduces the amount of algae, which can become overgrown and cause problems for wildlife and humans.
What’s next for the Exploration Garden?
In the coming seasons we are working to secure funds to install a plaza- a spot that will be great for hosting educational programs, demonstrations, or having a small gathering. We’ll also continue enhancing the woodland forest, installing new walking paths through the garden, and including spots to rest and relax.
We also plan to include interactive public art elements in the garden in the future.
You may also notice a new trail along the west side of the garden. The Village of Swansea is creating an ADA-Accessible trail that connects to the bike path on Old Collinsville Road.
If you’d like to be a part of creating the next phases of the Exploration Garden, consider becoming a volunteer, information is on our website, or contact Mallory Ketcherside about how to financially support the garden:
(618) 566-4451 ex 10 or email at mallory.ketcherside@ heartlandsconservancy.org
A huge thank you to DJM Ecological Services who has been an integral part of creating the beautiful garden. DJM is HeartLands Conservancy’s 2023 Outstanding Business Partner because of their commitment to our region’s ecosystem and values.
