Planting Of The Plateau At The Blue Route Interchange And Lancaster Avenue In Township Of Radnor

Press release from the Township of Radnor:

August 13, 2021

The Township has been fielding questions about the planting of meadow grasses and wildflowers on the Blue Route plateau. We would like to share following summary to update all on the planting project.

Background

Members of the Shade Tree Commission, local Landscape Architect Jonathan Alderson, and Brian O’Neil, president of Weeds Inc., put forth a planting plan for the plateau. Understanding that the plateau is owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the plan would have to be approved by PennDOT. During the review process, PennDOT made it clear that they did not wish to have trees replanted on the property and had specific requirements for planting of the slopes. The final plan approved by PennDOT, and ultimately the Board of Commissioners, consisted of the following: removing the weeds that were on the site, spreading out the woodchip piles, seeding with meadow grass and wildflower mix, and seeding the banks along Lancaster Avenue with PennDOT Type L seed mix. This plan was approved, and the work was performed, pro bono by Weeds, Inc.

Update

At Township Manager Bill White’s direction, a meeting was scheduled with Weeds, Inc. (the firm that performed the work pro bono) to review the site and obtain information regarding the status of the project. The Manager and staff met with Brian O’Neil, president of Weeds, Inc. on August 9th, 2021, at the site. The site visit included walking the plateau and slopes. The following information puts forth where the project is currently as well as moving forward:

In summary, various species of grasses and wildflowers are in different stages of growth on the plateau. Due to the wood chips (not recommended to be removed), it will take 2-3 years before the site is fully covered in the various species that were planted, at there full height. Mr. O’Neil noted that at this time, patience is needed.

This press release was produced by the Township of Radnor. The views expressed here are the author’s own.