IRC neighbor Roger Viseur donates his time and equipment to mow the weedy hillside that will become a reconstructed prairie.
The 1.5 acre prairie site is mowed September 7th in preparation for restoration. Mowing should occur only after the nesting season, preferably after August 1st.
Non-native grasses and woody "weed" trees are removed from a flood plain which will be reforested with native trees.
Diary of a Restoration
On September 7th, 2002, the first step in the restoration of the Illinois Raptor Center's 15 acre property began. The panoramic photo above, stitched together from several images, shows a 360 degree look at the 1.5 acre field that will become a reconstructed prairie. A neighboring 5-acre parcel known as "Daffodil Valley" will be restored as woodland and savanna (a mix of prairie and oaks). Bottomland flood plain will be reforested with native trees.
September 7 Progress:
1. Prairie: Neighbor Roger Viseur mowed the 1.5 acre field that will be the site of our prairie. Later in the week, mowed grass was baled by another neighbor and removed. Grass will need to be mowed again before being professionally sprayed with "Roundup" to kill non-native vegetation.
2. Woodlands and Bottomland Forest: Roger also mowed grasses and weedy brush in the flood plain. The area is thought to have been forested in pre-settlement times, so we will plant the area with native trees appropriate to the habitat.
3. Daffodil Valley: The valley will take a more gentle approach. Due to sloping elevation and many mature oaks, native plants will likely be introduced by "interseeding" into existing vegetation. The valley will be addressed in more detail later on.
In the coming weeks, months and years we will update our progress here, sharing pictures and experiences. Hopefully, this diary will help others decide to restore native plants on their own property. Click here for the next installment of our restoration diary.
Why Restoration?
1. Restored prairie and woodlands can become a living museum and classroom. Students can learn about native Illinois biodiversity.
2. Careful restoration can increase the carrying capacity of the land, maximizing the number of birds, butterflies and others creatures that can benefit.
3. Restored land will offer a parade of colorful native wildflowers from spring until frost.
More activities are now in the planning stages. If you have questions about this unique partnership, email the Illinois Raptor Center at: barnowl@illinoisraptorcenter.org.
