You may know someone who has restored a prairie or tried to with limited success. Perhaps you have done it yourself or had it done by a professional. In any case, chances are you have seen a restored native prairie, heard about them, or seen pictures in a magazine, book or other publication.
Prairies are becoming more and more popular for many reasons. The most obvious, to most people, is that they are beautiful when successful. A successfully restored native prairie will include a variety of native grasses and forbs (wild flowers) that flower all summer and into the fall. The native grasses also stand tall through the fall and winter and add tan to bronze tones to the landscape. There’s no doubt about it – a restored native prairie is a beautiful thing.
For others, the primary motivation is to provide wildlife habitat, food and cover. Native prairie species provide an abundant and renewable food source for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. The butterflies and birds can sometimes be more colorful than the wildflowers they are benefitting from.
Restoring a prairie is also a practical decision. Maybe you have an acre (or more) area out back that you are tired of mowing and you don’t know what to do with it. Once established, a native prairie requires very little maintenance and saves you hours that you used to spend on the lawn mower.
Whatever your reason(s), making the decision and planning to restore a native prairie is the fun part. That’s when the real work begins. Make no mistake, unless you are only doing a “garden” sized area, this is not a task for the faint of heart. Don’t be too intimidated – you can do it yourself if you have a strong back and some equipment. Many also choose to work with a professional and have it done for them. In either case, the most important thing in having your project succeed is weed control.
Mike Graham
