Native Plants Dressing Up Roadsides

Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Public Works is helping the environment as it dresses up provincial roadways.

The department is promoting the use of native plants to inhabit the roadsides, increasing species diversity and native habitats. The use of low-growing native plants also reduces the cost of maintenance mowing. A small test site is at Exit 2 on Highway 102.

"We are on the leading edge of vegetation management practices in North America and Europe," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We are promoting species native to our province and restoring natural ecosystems. The days of mowing frequently to achieve a park-like look are gone."

Other techniques the department is using can be seen along Highway 101, where twinning is under way. Nova Scotia products, such as bark and compost, are being used to help stabilize the slopes. Before construction began, crews removed low-growing native vegetation and moved it to nearby slopes.

To maintain sight lines for motorists, roadside shoulders are mowed at least once a year along 100-series highways. Herbicide is rarely used. Only plants that pose a continuing safety hazard for motorists are selectively treated, using an environmentally safe procedure.

Nova Scotia is at an advantage because many of our native species are salt-tolerant, so winter road salting doesn't harm them.

By reducing erosion, protecting natural watercourses and increasing species diversity and natural habitats, the department is practising ecological restoration along its rights-of-way. Native trees, shrubs, ferns, lichens, mosses and wildflowers, along with insects and birds, are finding a home on the highways' back slopes.