The prairies and grasslands of this part of Dane, Iowa, and Green Counties remain because of decades of responsible stewardship by resident farmers and landowners. The agricultural history of the area has helped to keep the landscape much as it was when the first settlers saw it and has made it possible for plants and animals to survive that have disappeared in more developed parts of the Midwest. Local landowners continue to play an important role in the conservation of this area. Whether you live in the project area or not, own hundreds of acres or a small lot, there are ways you can help.
Manage your land: There are several management activities that can benefit prairie, grassland, and associated wildlife. The first step is to know what you already have and what your options area. MRPHA landowners can contact the project coordinator for a site visit and one-on-one help. BMAP members can receive site visits from the ecologist. People who own prairie remnants may be able to get help from your local TPE chapter. See the Resources page for a list of contractors, nurseries, and helpful links. Follow the links below for more information on specific land management activities:
- Prairie/grass planting: Protecting existing prairie and grasslands is critical, but if you don’t have one, or want more, reconstruction is the only option. Planting a prairie or grassland from scratch requires four steps: planning, site preparation, seeding, and maintenance.
Planning must take into account your goals, current site conditions, and budget. Based on these factors, you will choose your seed mix and techniques for the remaining steps. Seed mixes should be chosen based on the soil type, soil moisture, and amount of shade. The ratio of grasses to forbs will depend on your goals, but native prairies have a higher ratio of forbs and a large variety of species (hundreds!). Also consider each plant's blooming time and the source of the seed.
Site preparation is a very important step in the restoration process. Techniques depend on existing site conditions, such as if it is a crop field, old field, or pasture. The keys are to ensure good seed to soil contact, proper seed depth, and reduced competition from weeds. Preparation may include techniques such as burning, herbiciding, mowing, and/or tilling.
Once the site is prepared, the seed can be planted by either broadcasting or using a no-till drill designed for prairie seed. Once planted, the prairie must be carefully maintained for several years to keep weed competition down. Prairie seeds grow roots before they bolt and flower, so it may take a few years before the site starts looking like a prairie. Patience is key! Just because you can’t see much happening doesn’t mean the planting was unsuccessful. Keep the prairie mowed throughout the growing season to allow plenty of light to hit the seedlings, prevent weeds from shading them out, and keep weeds from going to seed. Once the prairie is established it will still need to be maintained through spot weed control (pulling or mowing) and periodic prescribed burns.
- Tree/brush removal
- Prescribed burning
- Invasive species
- Stream management
- Land management schedule
Sign-up for a program: Taking on a land management project can be intimidating, and costly! Luckily, there are many sources of technical and financial assistance. See the landowner’s toolbox for information about these opportunities. Contact the MRPHA coordinator for more details.
Protect your land: Development pressure is high in this area. Too much, or poorly planned, development can severely impact rare species and ecosystems by direct destruction or by fragmenting existing habitat and creating physical barriers to nesting and movement. Landowners can reduce this threat by donating or selling the development rights on their properties. This can be in the form of a conservation easement or a farm easement, which only restricts development and not the ability to farm. Because organizations must apply for grants to pay for easements, selling an easement is a competitive process. Factors that make a property competitive include being adjacent to another protected property and/or harboring important habitat or rare species. If you are able to donate the development rights to your property you may be able to claim income tax deductions, plus organizations can use donations as leverage when applying for grants to protect other properties (so not only is your property protected from development, but it will help another one be protcted as well). An easement is a legal restriction attached to the deed of the property, and specific terms of easements are negotiable. Read more about conservation options on the Gathering Waters website, or contact the MRPHA coordinator.
Come to an event: The MPRHA partnership and other area organizations hold numerous events throughout the year, including field trips and workshops. See the current calendar of events, or visit the following websites:
Blue Mounds Area project
Madison Audubon Society
The Nature Conservancy
The Prairie Enthusiasts
The
Woodland School
Volunteer: Our history of successful land management in the MRPHA would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. Workdays are held throughout the year to improve area prairies and grasslands, plus there are always opportunities to help with office work, lend your expertise, or join a board of directors. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, learn about our natural resources, and get to know some of the best remaining grassland habitat in the state! See the following websites for a list of workdays and volunteer opportunities:
The Nature Conservancy
The Prairie Enthusiasts
Donate: The non-profit partners of the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area depend on memberships, donations and grant money to continue their operations and successful conservation. Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Occasionally there are also needs for equipment or tools. Visit the websites of the non-profit partners for more information:
Blue Mounds Area Project
Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Pheasants Forever
Southwest Badger Resource Conservation and Development Council
The Nature Conservancy
The Prairie Enthusiasts
Find a job/internship: Southwest Wisconsin is a great place to work, particularly in conservation! Check out the following links for current job openings:
Gathering Waters
Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin
The Nature Conservancy
