Valley Grove Prairie

VALLEY GROVE:

Restoration of short grass, mixed height, and tall grass prairie

HISTORY

CURRENT COMPOSITION

RESTORATION METHODS

HISTORY

The prairie that existed was cleared for corn and soybean agriculture. A decline in farming has caused a push for restoration to presettlement state.

The significance of the Valley Grove area becomes apparent when one learns the history of the area and makes a current connection with what has occurred in the past, giving a temporal reality to an area that does not simply exist in the present time. Valley Grove is a registered national historic site, and was the religious center of a farming community until 1973, whereby new churches and a decline in agriculture promoted community break-up. The Valley Grove Cemetery Association became church owner, and in 1974 was made into a non-profit organization called the Preservation of Valley Grove Church. In 2001 the name was changed to the Valley Grove Preservation Society when prairie restoration started (Valley Grove Preservation Society).

CURRENT COMPOSITION

Valley Grove, located in Rice County, is a mosaic of three prairie types, all which contain unique species that are adapted to specific conditions.

Dry, Short grass Prairies grow in sandy, gravel soils or where appropriate, such as along pathways and buildings. They are composed of Little bluestem and grama grasses with Leadplant, Purple prairie clover, and Black-eyed susan flowers (Prairie Restorations, Inc.).

Mixed Height Mesic Prairies are versatile to just about any soil type and include Big bluestem, Little bluestem, and Indiangrass. Common wildflowers include Purple prairie coneflower, Hoary vervain, Black-eyed susan, and Wild lupine (Prairie Restorations, Inc.).

Tall grass Wet Prairies grow in wetland and riparian areas, dominated by Big bluestem, Blue joint grass, Canada wild rye, Switch grass, and Cord grass. Blue vervain, Black-eyed susan, Boneset, and Joe-pye weed are prevalent wildflowers (Prairie Restorations, Inc.).

RESTORATION METHODS

The restoration of a prairie takes deliberate work as well as time, requiring several steps. The once-existing prairie of the region was brought back to life after years of absence, by the same human species that contributed to its decline. Its species and its existence has become a part of a community and a region, changing the shape and texture of the Cannon River Watershed.
Site Selection/Preparation: Prairies thrive in open areas free of trees. Pre-existing vegetation is removed using herbicide (Glyophosphate, ie. roundup), burning, and/or mowing followed by mulching or raking. I seed bed is created by tilling 1-4 inches, followed by raking. If unwanted vegetation is thick, the process is repeated after re-germination.

Seeding/Mulching: Seeding occurs in spring (thaw-early August) or fall (September 20-freeze up). Grass seed is planted first and raked lightly, after which wildflowers are dispersed without raking. Hand seeding is recommended, and required for wildflowers. Potted seedlings are put in last. Planted seeds are watered during the first ten days if conditions are dry. Mulching with clean oat or wheat straw to controls erosion and retains soil moisture.

Maintenance: The 1st year seedlings grow mainly underground, so weeds are cut 1-3 times at a height of 5-8". Fertilizing is discouraged because it promotes pre-existing invasives, which are sprayed with herbicide. In the 2nd year some seedlings flower, mow once between mid-June and mid-August. If invasives persist, add another treatment of spot spraying. In the 3rd year, grasses and flowers are mature and maintenance very low. Cutting and rotated burning once per removes invasives and stimulates prairie growth (Prairie Restorations, Inc.).

Home Page Works Cited

The restoration of a prairie takes deliberate work as well as time, requiring several steps. The once-existing prairie of the region was brought back to life after years of absence, by the same human species that contributed to its decline. Its species and its existence has become a part of a community and a region, changing the shape and texture of the Cannon River Watershed.

Seeding/Mulching: Seeding occurs in spring (thaw-early August) or fall (September 20-freeze up). Grass seed is planted first and raked lightly, after which wildflowers are dispersed without raking. Hand seeding is recommended, and required for wildflowers. Potted seedlings are put in last. Planted seeds are watered during the first ten days if conditions are dry. Mulching with clean oat or wheat straw to controls erosion and retains soil moisture.

Maintenance: The 1st year seedlings grow mainly underground, so weeds are cut 1-3 times at a height of 5-8". Fertilizing is discouraged because it promotes pre-existing invasives, which are sprayed with herbicide. In the 2nd year some seedlings flower, mow once between mid-June and mid-August. If invasives persist, add another treatment of spot spraying. In the 3rd year, grasses and flowers are mature and maintenance very low. Cutting and rotated burning once per removes invasives and stimulates prairie growth (Prairie Restorations, Inc.).