2019 SWCS International Annual Conference July 28-31, 2019 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1. BEG Group's
Habitat
Pollinator
Project Update
Presented by Joe Greco
President/BEG Group LLC.
(724)681-4414 joe@Greco.tc

2. The purpose of this project was to find a way to plant slopes easily and with as little
harmful effect on the environment as possible along Ohio highways.
BEG Group's Bio Switch Switchgrass Erosion/Filtration Medium is a nationally certified USDA
biobased/ biopreferred product that has been engineered specifically for controlling erosion and
containing and/ or retaining sediment in disturbed areas.
It is a 100% biodegradable tube filled with milkweed seed and switchgrass material that is placed
perpendicular to sheet-flow runoff. These Switchgrass Filters are applicable to construction sites or
other disturbed areas where storm water runoff occurs as sheet flow.
The milkweed supercharged sock can be used on steeper slopes with faster flows if they are spaced
more closely, stacked beside and/or on top of each other, made in larger diameters, or used in
combination with other storm water Best Management Practices.
The reason the filter is supercharged with milkweed is to help the growth of this native wildflower
and benefit pollinators such as the Monarch butterfly.

3. BEG Group Bio Switch Milkweed erosion/filtration medium: To create these milkweed
socks, common milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) was mixed with switchgrass and
supercharged into our biodegradable sock. This sock can be secured on hillsides with
wooden stakes, minimizing erosion for a couple of years or so until the sock
biodegrades and the sock material decomposes.
Greenhouse Testing:
As a preliminary experiment, BEG Group's Bio Switch switchgrass filter
socks (100% switchgrass) which had milkweed seeds “supercharged in”
were under observation in The Wilds greenhouse, a Columbus Zoo
Property, in winter 2017. A few milkweed seedlings were observed by
spring. Milkweed germination trials were conducted at The Wilds in
varying ratios of switchgrass to soil to observe optimal combinations of
growth medium for milkweed germination. Some germination occurred
at every level including 100% switchgrass.

4. Field Testing:
September 2017 a site for placement of the Bio Switch switchgrass socks
as a trial was identified, the 169 exit of route 70 in Ohio, in an area which
needed erosion prevention after some construction work. BEG Group's
Bio Switch was placed by Ohio Department of Transportation crew
members.

5. Results:
On 9/26/17 a preliminary vegetation and pollinator survey was conducted by The Wilds. No common
milkweed was found on site. After some work, the Bio Switch switchgrass socks supercharged with
Asclepias Syriaca (Common Milkweed) seed were placed along contours of the roadside to reduce
erosion and promote growth. In July 2018, the top layer of the Bio Switch sock was removed and
milkweed was noted. The sock did well with erosion control, filtering and germination. The bottom of
the sock had already degraded and the remainder of the sock was really serving no purpose and was
removed. Site location for milkweed switchgrass sock installation.

6. On 8/23/18, a follow up survey found a number of Asclepias Syriaca growing from
within and below the Bio Switch sock. Some milkweed individuals produced seed
pods. The project was determined to be a success in terms of its ability to promote
milkweed growth in newly disturbed areas.
• Summer 2018 photos of milkweed and remaining switchgrass hay:

7. Final recommendations: Milkweed supercharged with
BEG Group's Bio Switch socks can be an effective method
of introducing milkweed into disturbed sites. This
increases habitat for Monarch butterflies as well as
adding native plants to the landscape. Given the proven
benefit of milkweed, the only host plants acceptable for
monarch caterpillars, this could be a way to improve
roadside habitat for Monarch, a species which has been
experiencing declines. To maximize the benefits, a 5’
buffer below the Bio Switch switchgrass sock should not
be mowed, this will avoid mowing over the milkweed.
.

8. .

9. Update
• As of May 29,2019 the project was growing well.

10. It was noted the project was mowed down
the last week of June 2019
BUT!

11. On July 11, 2019 the project was rebounding nicely!

12. Pa Trout Unlimited Spring Creek Chapter G.D.K. Meadow
Pollinator Project in State College, Pa.
May 30, 2019

13. The pollinator plot that the chapter worked on with U.S. Fish &
Wildlife was on a hillside and the worry was keeping the seed
from washing down before it can take hold. BEG Group’s Bio
Pollinator Bio Switch was brought on site to remedy this
situation with success.

14. Disclaimer:
The positive proof of concept information given above is specific to BEG Group’s Bio Switch
manufactured product. BEG Group’s compaction/density calculations, biodegradable fabric
used and per lineal foot amount of milkweed seed supercharged into the fabric will most
likely be different when a similar product may be offered from any other manufacturer. As
with any environmental erosion control plan, actual project field performance is critical and
will be monitored by Local, State and Federal inspectors so proper install protocol must be
used. BEG Group LLC is to be held harmless concerning where the product is used, how it is
used and how it is installed. Specifically, BEG Group only assures the quality of the
manufactured product.
THANK YOU!
Joe Greco
President/BEG Group LLC
(724) 681-4414 – joe@Greco.tc
www.biosecurity.biz