Derecho Clean-Up a Multi-Year Project
posted on 8/6/22 
Visitors to Central Park have probably noticed several changes to the landscape within the park including between the lake and the Nature Center and the pine area NW of the Nature Center. The 2020 Derecho severely damaged trees throughout the park.
Over the years since park staff and contractors have worked to clear damaged trees and open up closed trails and sections of the park. Several areas cleared will be restored to native vegetation including prairie and savannah prairie. Keeping pollinators, including the Monarch butterfly, in mind these plantings will include many beautiful native flowers. Currently work is being done to control erosion in areas where trees were removed with silt fencing, erosion control socks and temporary cover crops. Prairie plantings will take place over the next few years. Even with work that has been accomplished several areas still remain closed to the public due to safety concerns. Work on these areas will be ongoing until completed. In the mean time you can still enjoy Central Park and the beautify it offers. Camp, hike, bike, swim, paddle, or float.
