Morris WMD Prairie Establishment

Historically, prairie reconstruction seeding on the Morris WMD has lacked diversity due to insufficient funds and a focus on waterfowl nesting. Recently, with the availability of grant funding we have been able to restore degraded or woody encroached grasslands to prairies with a much richer floral and structural diversity that appeals to a wider array of prairie fauna including critical or rare bird and invertebrate species. The mixes used for this project will emphasize high-diversity, local-ecotype pollinating plants from early spring through late fall on 3 sites totaling 45 acres. Prior to seeding, weedy vegetation will be treated to reduce competition. Sites will be monitored closely throughout the first five years of establishment, with spot spraying of invasive weeds and trees as needed. Long term management will utilize strategies to promote forbs by reducing shading from aggressive tallgrass species whether they are natives such as big bluestem or exotics such as smooth brome.