City of Findlay, OH
Home MenuUrban Prairie Project
Along the banks of the Blanchard River, the City of Findlay is transforming a portion of floodplain into a vibrant new natural space that will support wildlife, improve water quality, and create a unique community amenity.
The Urban Prairie Project will convert several acres of city-owned land along East Main Cross Street into a native prairie landscape featuring walking paths, trees, and educational elements. The project builds on years of community investment in flood mitigation and riverfront improvements, helping turn formerly flood-impacted land into a resilient and ecologically rich green space.
Supported by a Healthy and Sustainable Communities grant from the American Beverage Association through the United States Conference of Mayors, the project is being developed in partnership with WILD Toledo (Toledo Zoo) and the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership. The grant funding supports planting, trails, signage, and several years of establishment and maintenance to ensure the prairie thrives.
When complete, the prairie will feature native grasses, wildflowers, and more than 40 native trees designed to support birds, butterflies, and pollinators while helping the landscape absorb stormwater and reduce erosion. By replacing traditional turf with deep-rooted native plants, the prairie will also improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and significantly reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The Urban Prairie Project represents another step in the community’s effort to re-imagine the river corridor not just as infrastructure that manages flood risk, but as a natural asset that supports recreation, education, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Implementation Partners
- City of Findlay
- WILD Toledo, The Toledo Zoo
- Blanchard River Watershed Partnership
Funding Support
The grant funding allows the City to implement the project at no cost to local taxpayers while supporting long-term environmental benefits. Because of low-maintenance needs, the prairie will actually save taxpayer dollars!
Why a Prairie?
Prairies are one of Ohio's most valuable and historically significant ecosystems. Native prairie plants develop deep root systems that can reach several feel into the soil, allowing them to:
- Improve stormwater infiltration
- Stabilize soil and reduce erosion
- Support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife
- Improve water quality before runoff reaches the river
- Reduce mowing and long-term maintenance costs
One acre of traditional turf can absorb only about one inch of rainfall per hour, while one acre of prairie can absorb up to nine inches of rainfall in the same amount of time. In a floodplain environment, these characteristics make prairie landscapes particularly resilient and environmentally beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the area be accessible to the public?
Yes, the space will include walking paths, signage, and public parking so that visitors may learn about the prairie ecosystem and enjoy the scenery.
How long will it take to appear established?
Prairie ecosystems develop gradually. While plants begin growing in the first year, it typically takes 2-3 growing seasons for a prairie to reach its full visual impact. To help with this, WILD Toledo will plant a cover crop of wildflowers to provide a more appealing visual for the first few years.
I saw trees were torn down in the area, will there be more trees planted?
Yes, the grant funds cover costs for over 40 native trees to be planted in the area. The Public Works Department and WILD Toledo will work with the Shade Tree Commission to ensure that the best native trees will be chosen to be planted in the prairie area.
In the Press
Findlay Advances Flood Mitigation Project With $150,000 Grant, WTOL 11
Findlay Awarded $150,000 for Urban Prairie Pilot Project , City of Findlay
Downtown Findlay Urban Prairie Gets Green Light, The Courier
Community Foundation Awards $1.2M in Grants, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
City Addresses Concerns About Work Related to Urban Prairie Project, WFIN
5 Acres of Wild in Findlay?, The Courier
Natural Landscaping Permits
The Natural Landscaping Permit allows a property owner to maintain portions of their property in a natural state and be partially exempt from the requirements of Section 521.07(a), provided that the natural area is properly managed and does not create a nuisance or safety concern.