In order to quantify the success of a prairie restoration
process, annual vegetation surveys must be conducted. Prior to the restoration
process, Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization conducted a vegetation
survey of the prairie. This information, which was gathered by volunteer
biologists and enthusiast, allowed us to quantify the vegetational composition
of the prairie prior to restoration.
Results of that original survey showed that the 40 acre prairie
was dominated by just three invasive, exotic species – Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) and King Ranch bluestem
(Andropogon ischaemum). These species are often planted by ranchers
as fodder for cattle. However, none of these species has much value for
wildlife. In addition, they also tend to out compete native grass and forb
species. Before the restoration, the Commons Ford Prairie was a desert of
exotic grasses and offered little benefit for native birds and other wildlife.
Our prairie restoration process was designed by wildlife
ecologists in order to eliminate these target species so that native grasses
could begin to regain control of the prairie. Our native seed mix included
native, fast growing grass species that would quickly germinate and out-compete
the invasive species. Our first post restoration vegetation survey was
conducted in June of 2013. The results were incredible – a rich variety of
grass and forb species had emerged. Along with the native grasses came the
wildlife.
Our first post-restoration bird survey showed a tenfold increase in
bird species actively using the 40 acre prairie.However, surveyors also found a high re-emergence of the big
three exotics that had been there before. The emergence of the exotics was not
entirely unexpected; these aggressive grasses are hard to stop with just one
treatment. Consistent monitoring of the prairie is needed in order to create
effective management plants for maintaining the prairies health and vitality.
On June 22, volunteers will conduct a third vegetation
survey. This survey is crucial to the restoration process. We need to find out
what is emerging on the prairie this summer, especially the percentage of
re-emerging exotics. This information will allow us to design a follow up
treatment for the prairie, so that it will not be once again overtaken by the aggressive
exotic grass species.
We could still use some volunteers for the vegetation survey
on June 22, 2013. If you would like to volunteer for the survey, please email
us at commonsfordpro@gmail.com.
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