Prairie Restoration Management - Art or Science?
by Don Gardner
Use Quality Remnants as a Guide
So how are we to manage this attempt? It is no longer possible to find a large expanse of native prairie in Illinois to use as a guide. There are, however, small remnants. Here in east- central Illinois, there are sites such as Prospect, Loda, and Weston cemetery prairies, all dedicated nature preserves. Such sites are worth a visit. These and other quality native prairie remnants are essential resources for restoration management to learn to identify the native species that are present, to observe the mix of species that occur on a particular soil type, and to note how very few alien species reside in a quality remnant. Sites such as these should represent the standard by which restoration achievements are measured.
It is unlikely that we will ever be able to fully recreate prairie as it existed in presettlement times. Reasons why include possible climate changes, but probably the most significant inhibiting factor is the presence of great numbers of exotic species with which the presettlement prairie did not have to contend. These species were introduced inadvertently or intentionally from other parts of the world or other regions of the United States. However, this complication should not prevent attempts at prairie restoration. With time and persistence, it is possible to develop sites that approach the quality of native prairie. Anything less should not be described as a successful prairie restoration.
Fortunately, with the increased interest in prairie ecosystems, there are now nurseries that provide quality native ecotype seed and suggestions on how to establish a planting, with recommendations for appropriate seed mixes for a given site. For a listing of nurseries and the services they provide, go to Grand Prairie Friends-Prairie Grove Volunteers Web site at: www.prairienet.org/gpf. It should be understood that recreating prairie involves more than growing a certain number of native prairie species. The endeavor incorporates a growing appreciation for social and economic history as well as for the geology of the region. It must be considered as a very long-term, but rewarding, effort.
Since many prairie species are slow to become established, during the first 2 or 3 years there may be seemingly overwhelming numbers of weedy, mostly non-native annuals. Fortunately, these are mostly displaced when the natives make more vigorous growth. Once more natives appear, especially grasses, it becomes possible to burn the site successfully. Of all the management tools, fire is probably the most important. Prairie evolved with fire and once a new site is burned, the prairie species thrive. Burns conducted in February or March leave vegetation over most of the winter to provide wildlife cover and reduce the possibility of erosion. Once prairie species become established, it is best to burn only part of the site each year. This saves above-ground overwintering eggs or larvae of insects that become a vital part of the interactions of the prairie ecosystem. Also, an unburned area provides sites for certain early nesting birds and cover for reptiles that may emerge from rodent burrows after winter.
Prairie ecosystems have four essential requirements: periodic fire, a generous and diverse supply of prairie seed, the absence of repeated tillage, and the absence of frequent and intensive mowing or grazing. It is not surprising that prairie has disappeared considering that none of these requirements is met with the intensive grain-based agriculture of central Illinois. However, where these requirements are fulfilled, prairie species can become well established and readily exhibit their rugged, durable characteristics.
