lake sullivan sports complex native prairie

Lake Sullivan Sports Complex Native Prairie

Prepared by: Vance Fletcher School of Math and Science, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration

Project Introduction and Background:Information on the Organization:

The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex known as The Indy Cycloplex is an Indianapolis city park that is being run by Marian University. The complex hosts many different cycling disciples including cyclo-cross, mountain, BMX, and is home of the Major Taylor Velodrome. Home of the Marian University Cycling team the complex is a key part in training and racing for the multi national championship team.

The Indy Cycloplex values their green space and currently runs an urban garden, weekly farmers’ market, daily programming, and more. In order to improve the environment, the Cycloplex wants to enhance a large space currently used for off road cycling by converting the overgrown space into a native prairie. The conversion of this space into prairie will create a better habitat for native species and allow for more water to be absorbed in this low lying plot as well as being aesthetically more pleasing while also decreasing the number of weed seeds. Marian University strongly believes in responsible stewardship and by utilizing the land will enhance the park both aesthetically and functionally for all of its users while taking care of its city’s’ parks. Planting native species allows for restoration while still allowing for cycling events and recreation to take place. Marian University’s vision is to create a Center for Sustainable Living. The complex can be used in collaboration with the Marian University EcoLab to promote fitness education, environmental education, and overall green living.

Location: This public venue is also a part of the Riverside Regional Park and hosts many recreational opportunities. Serving the greater Indianapolis area, this small park just outside of downtown is easy to access and promotes a natural and healthy lifestyle. The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is located at 3949 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222 just north of Marian University. Bordering to the west is the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, and to the south east the White River. Directly south is the Riverside Golf Course and north, the park is blocked off by Interstate 65.

History of the Site:Central Indiana is extremely flat due to the glacier till from the last ice age. Marion County especially was smoothed out by Tipton Till Plain that filled in the bedrock valleys. After the ice age the resulting postglacial flooding carved away a small valley while exposing natural springs on the site. Pre European settlement, central Indiana was covered in forest. The


Lake Sullivan Complex was likely covered in a Beech-maple forest. Historically this forest consisted of

After colonization in the 1800’s Marion county was turned from heavily covered forest into agriculture. Most of this farmland was drained and farmed until Indianapolis began to grow and industrialize the area in the 1900’s. During the great depression (1934) the Indianapolis mayor decided to create jobs and a waterfowl and nature park with the focus being Lake Sullivan. This worked well until the expansion of I-65 in the 1930’s. Eventually the land was turned into a fish hatchery with the lower basin left as swamp. Afterward little was done with the swampy land until 1995 when Indy Parks and the IUPUI Center for Earth and environmental Science agreement to manage the park as a center for wetland education. Recently Marian University has taken over control of the fragmented park using it as a recreational facility with an off-road cycling course, as can be seen from the aerial photo, letting the vegetation grow.

American beechWhite ash Sugar maple

40%11%11%

White oak Elm spp. Box elder

6%5%5%


Major Features:This low lying 12-acre plot of land has one major feature. Being in close proximity to the White River, the city of Indianapolis has added pipes from the Lake Sullivan low land in order to help with flooding during high water. When the White river rises the whole area is covered in water for several days in order to help with flooding lower down the river. This means the vegetation is submerged for up to a week at some times. Due to this feature along with Crooked Creek the east side of the park is very wet the majority of the time. This area is composed of Ua (Udorthentis, cut and filled) soil which is found in well drained areas with zero to three percent slopes. The foliage is not covered with any trees and has grown out from turf grass into weeds with the start of some small trees.

Site Characteristics: The three main soils on the site are:

Udorthents, cut and filled (Ua) soils are found on zero two three degree slopes. This land is well drained and contradictory to our previous knowledge never floods. Vegetation is diverse here with many natives doing well, especially woody plants.

Gessie silt loam (Ge) soil is found on the eastern side of the park. This soil is found on flood plains with the top eight inches consisting of silt loam. Below this is a deep layer of loam. This soil is well drained but experiences frequent flooding.

Miami complex (MxD2) is typically 0-8 inches of silt upon a clay loam. It is found on the steep slopes ranging from 12-18% along Cold Spring road. With a high run off and erosion the current turf grass planted here will not do well.


Hydrology:Water is collected during rain fall with much of it being absorbed from the vegetation through deep root systems that non native plants do not have. After heavy rainfall water will sit for long periods of time, especially on the end of the basin, before evaporating. With continued heavy rainfall some of the water from the basin is carried to what is left of the Sullivan Lake and drained out to the White river. As mentioned before when the White River rises after abundant rainfall a series of pipes allow for the river to back up and flood the basin. This is the most extreme instance and seldom occurs.


Light:Much of the basin experiences full sunlight with only a few small trees lining the roads on both the north and south side of the park. Due to their orientation there is little to no light obscured during the day. Lining Cold Spring road there is a small patch of trees creating shade throughout most of the day.

Vegetation:

Left to grow, a plethora of weeds have taken over, of these include English plantains (Plantago lanceolata), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), goldenrod (Solidago), fescues (Festuca), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), teasel (Dipsacus), some of these plants are invasive while much of the others offer little environmental benefit. Low lying vegetation around the area include reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea), smartweed also know as knotweed (Polygonum), moneywort (Bacopa monnieri), softstem bul rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), bur-reed (Sparganium), small white aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate). Most of the ground is covered in Kentucky bluegrass and reed canary due to the moisture.

Current Uses:Now under management of Marian University the park is being used as part of their cycling facility. Currently there are ten-foot-wide paths cut into the basin with worn away paths for cycling practice and races. These paths are viewable from the most recent aerial photos taken. As shown these trails only occupy about half of the field. With a restoration plan these paths will still be cut to provide plenty of recreational space for the races and rides.


Major Areas (Figure, below) Area one: Lower Basin Area two: SE Basin drainage Area three: Hillside along Cold Spring road

Area One: Basin:

Soils/hydrology/sunThis area contains cut and fill soil, which is all zero to three percent slopes. This soil

is well drained and very typical in a developed location. Being the lowest lying portion of the area the basin collects some water and typically stays a little wet after rain. In extreme cases the basin will flood when the White river rises in order to reduce flooding. Surrounded on all sides by a road the basin is completely open and thus has full sun at all times.

Vegetation SurveyLeft to grow, a plethora of weeds have taken over of these include English plantains (Plantago lanceolata), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), goldenrod (Solidago), fescues (Festuca), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), teasel (Dipsacus), some of these plants are invasive while much of the others offer little environmental benefit.

Current useThe lower basin has a

winding 1-mile path 10ft. wide cut throughout, mostly on the west side. This path is utilized as an off road cycling course for

Area 3

Area 1Area 2


training and racing. Heavily used over 100 people a week and 1,000 on race day ride this loop. Removing the weeds and planting native habitat will not only increase the habitat value of the land but will help in reducing the number of weed seeds, help to reduce the amount of moisture, look better. The current uses will not be affected as it is simply the removal and replanting of a low stature prairie.

Area Two: SE Basin Drainage:

Soils/hydrology/sunThis area contains Gessie silt loam. This land is frequently flooded due to its location

in a flood plain. This soil has a profile with silt on the top 8 in. with loam underneath up to 80 in. Even though it is prone to flooding the land is well drained and runoff is very low. There is a little shade provided by the low lying brush with small infrequent trees.

Tree SurveyThe whole of the lower basin has about a dozen of trees above 6ft. tall. Of these the

species of callery pear, willow, white mulberry and ash could be identified.

Vegetation SurveyLow lying vegetation around the area include reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea),

smartweed also know as knotweed (Polygonum), moneywort (Bacopa monnieri), softstem bul rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), bur-reed (Sparganium), small white aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Most of the ground is covered in Kentucky bluegrass and reed canary due to the moisture.

Current useThis wet portion of the park currently has no use. What is left of the original Sullivan

Lake would tie in perfectly with the creation of a native prairie, allowing for two natural ecosystems to work together in close proximity. When flooded ducks and geese are among the species that utilize the land for migration and foraging. By removing the invasive reed canary and planting native wetland species we will create better habitat that can be utilized by these migratory birds as well as many other species in the area.

Area Three: Hillside Along Cold Spring road:

Soils/hydrology/sun


On a steep slope (12-18%) the hillside consist of Miami complex (MxD2) soil that is highly eroded. Recently turf grass has been planted but will not do well due to the high erosion and tree cover. Hennepin loam (HeF) is also found on extreme slopes of 25-50%. It has a very high runoff and woody vegetation does well. As mentioned the tree cover is high with most of the ground being covered in shade the majority of the day. Due to this I would recommend replacing the turf grass with a woodland mix that will flourish under the shade of the trees and develop deep roots that will reduce erosion and runoff.

Vegetation SurveyCurrently there is little vegetation due to the steep slope and erosion. As mentioned

there is turf grass (Lolium multiflorum) along with the invasive Honey Suckle (Lonicera).

Current useThis steep portion of the park recently has a mountain bike trail cut into the hillside.

This is a narrow (4ft. wide) path that rises along the road and then cuts back down the hillside. After being built little was done with the ground around the path. Again we would leave the mountain bike trail and plant these native species along the hillside. This will increase habitat value, reduce erosion and runoff, create for a more appealing view from the road, as well as cut down on management.

Environmental RestorationAs can be seen little has been done with the site. Even so the site is in good

environmental shape and has plenty of potential. Three primary environmental restoration/management issues are recommended. Invasive plants need to be addressed before they become a further issue. Along with the removal of invasive species, the continued monitoring and removal of new plants when identified needs to occur. Secondly the removal of weeds and the planting of diverse natives in order to improve water absorption and increase the educational and wildlife value of the sites. Finally, the removal of turf grass and the planting of natives in order to decrease erosion along with reducing management cost and time.

Invasives:All three areas contain invasive species. Some of which include, honey Suckle

(Lonicera), reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), ), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), as well as the callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) to name a few.

Invasives management priorities:


Highest: Kill off and remove all species from the lower basin. It has become infested with invasives and is not worth the time and effort to save any native species. A complete spray and then removal to the ground will be necessary in order to plant new native species. This will be the only way to gain control of the area.

High: Removal of invasives along hillside. Due to the terrain invasive plants do not have as strong of a presence along the hillside but cannot be left as is. With time they will take over and wipe out the native species. Spraying and removing the undergrowth and then replanting with a undergrowth forest mix is recommended.

Medium-high: Along the hillside honeysuckle has been removed. The continued removal and treatment of stumps needs to be continued in order to stop the honeysuckle before it becomes a true naissance.

Medium: The continued inspection of land for invasives. Twice a year all of the property should be walked and spot sprayed in order to target invasives while reducing the collateral damage of the native species. This must be up kept in order to keep the invasives at bay. 1. Low stature prairie:

a. Currently the weed cover is providing nothing to the environment is is only increasing the weed seed count. A prairie will add color, educational opportunity, better rainfall infiltration, and habitat for butterfly’s, birds, and many other species. Low statue prairie would be most practical as you could still see the races and it would allow great views of the whole park.

To establish this prairie, the recommended rout would be to spray the weeds with a 2% roundup mix to kill it. Then removal of the weeds would be recommended in order to reach the soil. This could be done by disking, or possibly mowing at a very low height. Management would include spot spraying of invasives as well as prescribed burning every 1-3 years. The Hamilton County Urban Conservation Association provides a detailed maintenance and weed control plan at http://www.hamiltoncountyuca.org/ . A seed mix similar to the low stature prairie mix offered by Spence Restoration would be recommended:

Grassesoz/acre32 Bouteloua curtipendula (Side-Oats Grama)2 Carex bicknellii (Prairie Oval Sedge)2 Carex muhlenbergii (Sand-Bracted Sedge)32 Elymus canadensis (Canada Wild Rye)4 Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)48 Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

3 Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)1 Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower)2 Helianthus occidentalis (Western Sunflower)2 Lespedeza capitata (Bush Clover)1 Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)1 Liatris scariosa var nieuwlandii (Blazing Star)

http://www.hamiltoncountyuca.org/


8 Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)128 Forbs

1 Allium cernuum (Nodding Wild Onion)1 Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)1 Aster azureus (Sky Blue Aster)0.5 Aster ericoides (Heath Aster)2 Aster laevis (Smooth Aster)2 Baptisia leucantha (White False Indigo)3 Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-Leaf Coreopsis)2 Coreopsis palmata (Plains Coreopsis)3 Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)4 Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

1 Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)0.5 Monarda fistulosa (Bergamot)2 Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine)1 Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)1 Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)2 Petalostemum purpureum (Prairie Clover)1 Potentilla arguta (Prairie Cinquefoil)0.5 Pycnanthemum virginianum (Mountain Mint)2 Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower)4 Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)1 Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)1 Solidago riddellii (Riddell's Goldenrod)1 Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod)0.5 Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root)48

b. An alternate less expensive option would be to use the Pheasant Forever mix which could possible be funded through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program that offers cost share. Additionally, Pheasant Forever offer a seed drill for a monetary donation. The Pheasants Forever Central Indiana Chapter CP Mix at $81 an acre is very economical. Although it is not as diverse, they also have a Forb upgrade (Pollinator) Mix offered at $128 and acre. The CP mix contains:

CP Mix

oz/acreBudheckia hirta(Black-Eyed Susan)Gray-Headed ConeflowerIllinois BundleflowerLanceleaf CoreopsisNew England AsterPartridge PeaEchinacea purpurea(Purple Coneflower)Purple Prairie CloverWhite Prairie CloverBig BluestemIndian GrassSchizachvrium scoparium(Little Bluestem)Bouteloua cutipendula(Side-Oats Grama)

Pollinator Upgrade Mix

oz/acreCanada MilkvetchCup PlantFalse SunflowerFoxglove BeardtongueHoary VrevainPale purple ConeflowerRattlesnake MasterRoundhead BushcloverSky Blue AsterStiff GoldenrodWild Bergamot

2. Early Successional Wetland mix:The lowest section of the basin is to the south east, due to this most of the rain fall

runs to this corner of the plot and keeps the ground damp most of the time. A wetland mix would create much more habitat and nutrients compared to the invasive plants currently. The native plants also have deeper reaching root system that allows better water absorption and help to keep the water table down and clean. Due to this a wetland seed mix is necessary especially during times of flooding.


The establishment of a wetland similar to the prairie all of the current vegetation would have to be removed in order for the seeds to reach the soil. After that a seed drill would be recommended. Spence Restoration has an Early Successional Wetland Mix that would work well. This mix contains:

Grasses and Sedges oz/acre

4 Carex frankii (Frank's Sedge)1 Carex hystericina (Porcupine Sedge)1 Carex granularis (Meadow Sedge)4 Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge)

10 Elymus riparius (Riverbank Wild Rye)64 Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)2 Glyceria striata (Fowl Manna Grass)2 Leersia oryzoides (Rice Cut Grass)2 Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)2 Scirpus atrovirens (Dark Green Bulrush)4 Spartina pectinata (Prairie Cordgrass)

96

Forbs

1 Alisma subcordatum (Water Plantain)2 Asclepia incarnatia (Swamp Mildweed)1 Aster firmus (Shining Aster)1 Aster simplex (Panicied Aster)1 Boltonia latisquama (False Aster)2 Cassia hebecarpa (Wild Senna)2 Eupatorium maculatum (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)1 Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)1 Helenium autumnaie (Autumn Sneezeweed)1 Lycopus americanus (Water Horehound)1 Mimulus ringens (Monkeyflower)1 Penstemon digitalis (goxglove Penstemon)3 Silphium perfoliatum (Cupplant)1 Solidago gigantean (Late Goldenrod)1 Solidago riddelli (Riddell’s Goldenrod)2 Verbena hastate (Blue Vervain)2 Vernonia fasciculata (Smooth Ironweed)24

3. Upland Woodland MixWith steep slopes little water is held on the north-west side of the park. As well as

being covered in 80-100% of tree cover the current grasses will not do well. Instead native forbs and sedges will thrive while also eliminating soil erosion and he deeper root systems will also help with runoff. This seed mix by Spence Restoration Nursery would be a perfect fit.

Grasses and Sedgesoz/acre

1Carex cephalophora (Short-Headed Bracted Sedge)

1Carex gracillima (Graceful Wood Sedge)1Carex sparganioides (Burreed Sedge)8Diarrhena americana (Beak Grass)3Elymus riparius (Riverbank Wild Rye)2Elymus villosus (Silky Wild Rye)

64Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)16Hystrix patula (Bottlebrush Grass)96

Forbesoz/acre

1Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine)2Aster cordifolius (Heart-leaved Blue Wood Aster)

1Aster lateriflorus (Side-Flowering Aster)2Aster shortii (Short's Aster)2Eupatorium purpureum (Sweet Joe-Pye Weed)

2Eupatorium rugosum (White Snakeroot)3Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower)2Penstemon calycosus (Smooth


Penstemon)1Solidago caesia (Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod)

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Recreation, Fitness, and Environmental EducationBeing a sports complex fitness is a major focus. Marian University also would like to

emphasize the educational side of the project. To do this the current trails cut into the lower basin and backside of the velodrome will be recreated or left in place. This gives a total of just over a mile of trail. The trails can be accompanied by the addition of signs, an outdoor fitness station, park benches, and educational activities in order to enhance the overall wellness and education of the property.

Fitness stations:In order to promote a well-rounded athlete and to bring in more disciplines than just cycling the inclusion of outdoor fitness stations would be a perfect fit. The NorwallRunner package would increase the number of athletes while promoting the fitness of the whole athlete. The NorwallRunner package from Norwell Outdoor Fitness includes six pieces made from 100% recyclable steel that are long lasting.

NW 103 Sit Up – Norwall Outdoor Fitness (http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) Made of 100% steel this durable piece like all others has a 15 year warranty on all pipes and welds. The Sit Up strengthens your abdomen, thighs and hips and the difficulty is determined by level of experience.

NW 104 Pull Up – Norwall Outdoor Fitness(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) The Pull Up helps to increase strength in your shoulders, arms, shoulder, back and core. The piece can also be utilized for stretching.NW 105 Bar – Norwall Outdoor Fitness(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) Polished and glass blasted just like all of their products the bar is a simple piece that can be

http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/)




used to strengthen your chest, triceps, core and front of the shoulders simply and efficiently.

NW 401 Stretch – Norwall Outdoor Fitness (http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) An essential part to any workout is proper stretching. The Stretch helps with the flexibility of your hamstrings, calves, and gluteus, especially after exercisingNW 51 Bench – Norwall Outdoor Fitness(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) Multi-purpose, the bench can be utilized for training working your arms, back, abdomen, and legs. Of course it can also be used for simply resting

NW 503 Sign – Norwall Outdoor Fitness(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) The Norwall Sign gives specific information on training and the concept of the park. It also features Norwell’s App which features workouts and training ideas. Each sign is customized specifically for the park.

Environmental Education Activities:The lake Sullivan complex can be tied in with the Nina Mason Ecolab located across the street. A native prairie would be great to include with the Ecolab for field trips and classes.

E1 Installing a large sign at the front of the prairie to show the paths and layout of the land along with some history and facts about native prairies would be a great way to introduce new comers to the park.

E2 Along the paths specific plugs can be planted. With the placement of signs these plants can teach about their uses. Including their uses by Native Americans as food, and medicine.

E3 Having a habitat display with pictures of animals that the park supports would be a great learning experience. Teaching about the ecosystem and how each species plays a particular role within it. From the soil to the plants, insects, birds, and mammals.

E4 Along the path having a small mowed section that included a couple of benches for walkers and runner to take a brake and appreciate nature. Ask what do they see?





Colors, flowers, birds, animals. You can even create a scavenger hunt. Encourage people to look, feel, and smell.

E5 To tie in with the current Ecolab trails the fitness stations can be utilized to create a fitness trail. Creating a gravel trail in the basin that would connect different stations would promote exercise and utilize some of the space.

E6 In order to educate people they must know what is happening. Placing native habitat signs around the boarders of the park, especially the roads, will inform that that the site is currently being maintained as a restoration project.

Literature Cited: Dolan, Rebecca W., "Two Hundred Years of Forest Change: Effects of Urbanization on Tree Species Composition and Structure" Arboriculture & Urban Forestry / (2015): 136-145. Hamlett, Ryan. "A Room with a View - Lake Reginald Sullivan." Historic Indianapolis All Things Indianapolis History RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

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lake sullivan sports complex native prairie

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