Ball Horticultural Company is a leader in all facets of horticulture with the home office located in West Chicago, Illinois. The global family of breeders, research and development teams, suppliers, and distribution companies has a strong presence on six continents in 20 countries. They live by their founder’s motto: “All the Best and Nothing Else.” It was only fitting to partner with Pizzo & Associates to ensure the best ecological restoration service.
Restoration efforts at Ball Horticulture included improved erosion control, wildlife habitat, diversity, aesthetics, and air and water quality. The project was divided into a wetland mitigation area, south woods, west woods, oak savanna, existing lawn, and tall-grass prairie. In order to restore the site, all of the invasive plants needed to be removed. In 2003 Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. began restoration of the tallgrass prairie, which needed the least amount of invasive species removal and gave the quickest results, with flowers blooming the following spring.
To connect the prairie to the wetland, the west woods canopy was opened, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground and stimulating the growth of native trees and understory herbaceous species. Extra seed and woody plants were installed within the woods to enhance the remnant populations.
The wetland mitigation area was vegetated in 2004, as required by a DuPage County Stormwater permit. In accordance with the permit, clusters of trees and shrub saplings had to be planted in specific locations, and hydrology and vegetation monitoring including meander surveys, transect and quadrat data and photo points were collected for two-years.
The detention basin and the existing lawn were seeded with native species, while clearing and seeding began in the South woods. Interpretive signs and bird houses were installed upon completion.
The restored outdoor areas are extensively utilized by employees for exercise and recreation.
Founded in 1988, Pizzo & Associates is one of the Midwest’s largest ecological restoration firms with over 170 industry awards. We have the experience and know-how to restore natural environments.
We work with a large variety of public and private landowners on habitat restoration projects of all sizes. We help with everything from installations to ongoing management, which is needed for optimal results.
We invite you to attend our annual Summer Solstice event. A day filled with engaging tours, presentations, industry discussions, and networking focused on ecological restoration and native plants.
