4 minute read
WisDOT Turns To Native Plants
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Whether you’re a Wisconsinite hitting the road for a summer trip or a visitor traveling in the Badger State, you’ll probably notice how Wisconsin’s roadsides blossom throughout the growing season.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation manages more than 150,000 acres of highway roadsides statewide using a natural roadside philosophy to protect, restore and maintain native plant communities. These efforts preserve the native Wisconsin landscape, efficiently manage vegetation and increase travelers’ enjoyment.
“Millions of people travel on Wisconsin highways every year and witness the natural beauty of our state,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Our natural roadside philosophy reinforces our commitment to keep Wisconsin beautiful for current and future generations.”
Roadsides are defined as the vegetated areas in highway medians and along a highway, typically between the edge of pavement and the adjacent property line. WisDOT dedicates resources to maintaining these spaces for traveler safety, partnering with county highway departments and other specialized contractors on routine maintenance such as mowing, litter cleanup, vegetation management and roadway repairs.
NATURAL ROADSIDE EFFORTS
Roadside projects have significantly grown and evolved over the years. These days, WisDOT emphasizes using native plants when planting trees and shrubs for construction or maintenance projects, part of the natural roadside philosophy that began in the 1950s. Some of this work includes collaboration with the DNR.
Current projects include:
• Karner blue butterfly habitat conservation. Since the 1990s, WisDOT has adjusted roadside maintenance activities in identified Karner blue conservation areas to help ensure survival of this federally endangered species, partnering with the DNR to fine-tune ongoing work. In 2016, Karner blue numbers reportedly doubled in Wisconsin.
• Living snow fence program. Native shrubs are installed along sections of Wisconsin highway rightsof-way to create a buffer that traps blowing and drifting snow before it reaches a road, waterway, farmstead or community. The vegetation also provides resources for pollinators. Watch for black weed barrier fabric along the roadside, a key indicator of a living snow fence.
• Pollinator gardens. More than 30 species of grasses and flowering plants have been planted to enhance state rest areas and provide pollinator resources, including milkweed, blackeyed Susan and purple coneflowers. Recent pollinator garden additions can be found at rest areas along I-39/90/94 near Poynette in Columbia County.
• Remnant prairie sites. WisDOT works to maintain presettlement prairie landscapes with an integrated vegetation management approach that benefits pollinators. In January 2022, WisDOT became a partner in the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances, an initiative of the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group to help monarch butterflies. This voluntary agreement approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages land management measures benefiting monarchs, such as prairie burns and invasive species control, along highway rights-of-way.
On your next drive through the state, enjoy the native Wisconsin landscape and look for these projects.
LEARN MORE
Using native plants for roadsides has important benefits. Among other things, these plants:
• Provide habitat for pollinators.
• Absorb storm water runoff and aid erosion control.
• Preserve Wisconsin’s natural heritage.
• Reduce costs, with less maintenance required once established.
For more on WisDOT’s natural roadside efforts, go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2666.
