These are the folks who are contributing their observations to this project. Here are short descriptions of the prairies they monitor. To see more details and photos of their prairies, click on the links.
Marcie O’Connor – I live on 500 acres of old farmland in west-central Wisconsin. I’ve planted prairies in 150 acres of old crop fields beginning in 2000. The prairies are mowed when necessary to keep out invading brush or trees, or to control weeds, but (with one exception) none have been burned. There are remnant prairies and overgrown remnant savannas throughout the property, often adjacent to the planted prairies. I’m also working to open up and expand these remnants.
MJ Hatfield – Possibly as a direct result of a dear botanist friend referring to my original planting as fake, I wondered if life knew the prairie was fake. The areas are not large enough for grassland birds, but what about insects? So in 2001, tentatively, slowly, I began to look closer at insects in the planted prairies. I still have lots to learn, but I know that insects are fascinating and much remains to be discovered about them.
Bill & Dottie Zales – We purchased 45 acres in 1999 of which 33 were cultivated. Those 33 acres were planted late fall 2003 with 39 forb species and 6 grass species –
all seed collected from other local prairies.
Shan Sasser – My husband and I live on 10 acres, with approximately 6 acres planted in prairie plants in 2009. We have burned twice, but generally mow or use manual labor to control weeds and shrubs. Observing the changes in the planting from year to year, learning about the birds it attracts, and maintaining the area has been a fun hobby. I am excited to learn about the insects and more about the plants!