Purple prairie clover and tick trefoil bloom only 13 months after the prairie was planted from seed June 4, 2003.

Black-eyed Susans bloom in profusion at the Illinois Raptor Center. The new prairie and its beauty has even slowed cars passing on the road.

Diary of a Restoration

13th Installment, July 5, 2004

The prairie planting is progressing so well, we thought we would invite the public out to see. On July 5 we hosted a pair of afternoon prairie walks. Thunderstorms in the area kept attendance down, but a private tour for members of the Illinois Native Plant Society held that morning was a great success.

The INPS central chapter donated $800 to cover the cost of seeding 1.5 acres with diverse prairie mixes. The tour of the new prairie and the rest of the IRC's 15-acre property was our way of saying thanks to INPS members for supporting our efforts.

Members of the Illinois Native Plant Society tour the prairie planting July 5.

Around 30 species of prairie wildflowers and grasses were included in the mixes that were planted.

Educational programs rich in prairie history, plant identification and lore, birds and more are planned now that our outdoor classroom has begun to bloom. Hats off to all of the partners who are helping to make this project a reality. It is gratifying to see how quickly nature has begun to heal itself, with a little help from its friends, of course. Click here for scenes from the prairie one month later.

Seeds were purchased from Earthskin Nursery in Mason City, Illinois. Visit http://www.earthskinnursery.com for more information and a pdf seed catalog.