Glendale Native Plantings

Native Plants for Cleaner Water

Across three sites in Glendale, more than 78,000 square feet were seeded with a diverse mix of Wisconsin native wildflowers and grasses, providing lasting benefits for water quality, wildlife, and climate resilience.

How do native plants help communities manage stormwater runoff? Unlike turf grass, native plants have deep, extensive root systems that allow rainwater to soak into the soil instead of flowing into storm drains. This natural process reduces stormwater runoff, filters pollutants before they reach local waterways, and helps municipalities better manage increasingly frequent heavy rain events.

Built Through Partnership

We worked alongside the City of Glendale, David J. Frank Landscape Contractors, volunteers, and community partners to restore these public spaces with nature-based solutions that create habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. The work included preserving healthy mature trees and native shrubs and removing invasive species. Johnson Controls committed to supporting maintenance during the gardens' critical three-year establishment period, helping ensure the native landscapes continue to thrive for years to come.

Educational signage and community outreach encourage residents to learn how native plantings can improve water quality, support pollinators, and create healthier neighborhoods. An unveiling event was hosted on the site for the neighborhood, funders, and partners. The mayor of Glendale spoke at the event, reiterating the importance of stormwater management. Attendees were able to ask questions, meet their neighbors, and take home free native plants courtesy of Johnson’s Nursery.

Restoring landscapes. Improving water quality. Creating healthier communities.

With a grant from America in Bloom, Sweet Water partnered with the City of Glendale and David J. Frank Landscape Contracting to transform three available green spaces with diverse native plantings in 2024. Replacing traditional turf with Wisconsin native flowers and grasses creates functional landscapes that improve stormwater management. The native plantings were designed to provide continuous blooms throughout the growing season, supporting pollinators while creating colorful, inviting public spaces for the community to enjoy.

Rendering courtesy of David J. Frank Landscaping

rendering courtesty David J Frank