Grasses for grazing, crops are replacing prairies
August 12, 2001

"Prairie" is the name of a unique geological system characterized by a plant cover of grasses and wildflowers, rather than trees or shrubs. It is the french word for "meadow."

The plants and animals of the prairie are interrelated with the climate. A particular combination of rainfall and temperature promote the growth of prairie grasses. Prairie plants have evolved with and adapted to their specific climate, which is often harsh. In the past, tall grass prairie habitat extended into southern Wisconsin. Today the prairie has largely disappeared. Grasses suitable for grazing and crops have replaced the native prairie plants.

Among the grasses, many wildflowers grew. Gardeners might call them weeds, but they brightened the prairies throughout spring and summer with successive blooms until October frosts.

The term "prairie restoration" is bandied about today. However, restoring a prairie would mean including all the mammals, birds, insects and even decomposers that were originally present. Fortunately, the seeds and plants of the original prairie are still available. Plots of suitable land can be converted to a colorful wildflower garden, including some native grasses.

Woodland Dunes has created such a habitat. A pond was dug about 17 years ago along Goldenrod Trail. Mounds of sandy excavated soil surrounded the pond. It was decided to convert the area to an example of prairie vegetation.

Prairie plants were used rather than seds, and in less than six years the plants flourished and multiplied, now providing a lovely area abloom with color. Offspring of the plants have escaped the original area and have spread into surrounding Woodland Dunes naturalized habitats. Other prairie plantings are being established near the Marsh Haus.

Coneflowers and blazing stars, along with some grasses, are the dominant features. The plot is an excellent example of what might be accomplished on other sites, such as the landscaping of large areas along roadsides.

because of the tendency of these flowers to put down deep roots and their long life spans, they need little care once they are established. Eventually they take over, and annual weeds and less desirable imports are displaced.

Occasional control of invading shrubs can be accomplished by burning (which does not injure the deep roots of prairie perennials) or mowing.

If you visit Woodland Dunes, walk the Goldenrod Trail through the yet unnamed prairie around Todd's Pond. If you have any ideas for a name for the prairie, stop in at the Marsh Haus.