Audubon Vermont in partnership with Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront and the University of Vermont are working to restore two wetlands at Burlington's Oakledge Park using a no-mow approach combined with native bird-friendly plantings.

In the spring of 2018, more than 130 volunteers came together to plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs at our Tree Planting Day. Volunteers at three additional planting events in the spring of 2019 helped us plant 455 more native trees and shrubs. Each year, additional plantings help diversity the habitat. Invasive species removal from adjacent woodlands provides additional benefit to wildlife. 

Climate change predictions project increased flooding and water-erosion events in Burlington. The restored wetlands will provide climate resilience by slowing the flow of water into Lake Champlain, providing erosion control for heavy rainstorms, and capturing and filtering nutrients and sediment.

We looked to the surrounding natural areas and chose native plants that will thrive in the restored wetlands while providing a variety of food, shelter, and nesting sites throughout the year for birds. Plants were purchased from Intervale Conservation Nursery. Find a list of local native plant nurseries in Audubon’s Plants for Birds database.

Native Tree Species planted:
• Serviceberry
• Black Willow
• Red Maple
• Grey Birch
• Red Oak
• Green Ash

Native Shrub Species planted:
• Silky Dogwood
• Red-osier Dogwood
• Shrub Willow
• American Elderberry
• Common Winterberry
• Highbush Cranberry
• Arrowwood Viburnum
• Nannyberry
• Chokecherry
• Buttonbush