At TES our Adaptive Research Models (ARM) and use of intelligent systems to guide our programs enable us to provide expert analytics of management of our greenspaces. As Environmental Stewards our work is challenging and by utilizing tried and true knowledge and being able to attach metrics and track success we can better guide workflow and longer term planning and policy.
Land managers are faced with increasingly important issues in our ecosystems, including climate change, variable weather systems, invasive plant species, and biodiversity. As land stewards, we must do our utmost to address these challenges and implement solutions that encourage vibrant ecosystems.
At National Grid, our transmission corridors are large, interconnected green spaces teeming with native plant communities, pollinators, and wildlife. Since the 1950s, we have been utilizing integrated vegetation management (IVM) practices to enhance ROW plant and wildlife biodiversity. However, this has never been more important than today with pollinators in decline and invasive species continuing to threaten native vegetation.
With responsibility for more than 1,600 miles of utility transmission corridors, we are always working judiciously to ensure each site is managed using the right strategies and to implement the latest advancements in science into our programs. Our goals include:
IVM: Program Overview and Enhancement of native plant populations
UVM: Stability and Reliability
Molecules and Meristems: Herbicide and Low Risk Targeted Use
Invasive Plants: Population dynamics and countering spread
Soil and Solar : Solar farm and soil mitigation programs
ECOSystem Habitat Value: System wide avian and pollinator mapping
Policy and Mitigation: Future proofing our systems
The rights-of-way (ROWs) across National Grid territory are home to a number of species of plants, all of which have different characteristics, growth requirements, and other properties. Here, you can download overviews of these plants (or the entire collection) to help you identify them and help spread the word about the beautiful flora that makes up our thriving landscape.
Look for our signs at locations that are part of the biodiversity study. These sites are important and are special grow-out areas that allow for desirable plant communities to flourish.
Note that not all pollinator plants bloom — in addition to colorful blooms, our pollinators need refuge and overwintering sites that may be found in grasses, trees, stalks, and snags.
Above all, pass on the message for the conservation of our native plants and insects! Wildlife — and all of us — benefit from working together. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
