The prairies are really starting to take off given mid summer rain and sun. Adaptive Restoration recently performed a site visit of each of the prairies on July 12. All in all, they are pleased with the post-burn and post-spray effects of the 2024 spring season. The crown vetch and woody re-sprouts were knocked back, allowing a lot of native plants to thrive.
A number of native species are currently in bloom or nearing bloom, as well as a number of weed species. The liatris (blazing star) will be spectacular this year and is nearing flowering stage in a couple of larger patches in the Upper Walnut Prairie.
Adaptive Restoration spent a few hours predating wild parsnip, sweet clover, and spotted knapweed during the site visit. Although nearly all of the parsnip was addressed in the spring, with the help of many volunteers, there is still a fair bit scattered. It’s difficult not to miss a few. Low-density patches of white sweet clover and at least two small patches of spotted knapweed were also seen.
Volunteer Opportunities
Much of the progress in the prairies could not be accomplished without the help of volunteers. Our next volunteer work party takes place on July 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. We will be working the Upper Walnut and Swain Prairies to predate and pull parsnip, white sweet clover, spotted knapweed, and bird’s-foot trefoil. The hope is to bag and remove parsnip and white sweet clover before they begin to seed.
Please reach out to [email protected] to let us know if you can volunteer or if you have any questions.
