Improve Your Wildlife Habitat

A prairie is a community of grasses, forbs (wildflowers), shrubs, animals, and microorganisms. It is an important part of our heritage in the Midwest. It has created the beautiful and productive soils that dominate Iowa. The prairie provides wildlife habitat. You may see signs of badgers, butterflies, bobolinks, red fox, opossums, northern harriers, rabbits, raccoons, American toads, leopard frogs, and many nesting birds. Due to their massive root systems, prairies prevent erosion while rebuilding worn out soil. The predominance of perennial plants in the prairie help control weeds. Since less than 0.1% of our prairie heritage remains, it is important to begin restoring and reconstructing prairie where it is appropriate.

In Iowa, prairie is restored and reconstructed in wildlife areas, parks and preserves as well as on private property by enthusiastic landowners. Other examples of prairie restoration in Iowa are the many roadsides that have been planted with native prairie to prevent erosion, reduce the maintenance costs of traditional mowing, and for beautification.

Source: Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “Prairie Management and Restoration in Iowa.” 2013.

To help you in planting prairie, the Warren County Conservation Board (WCCB) has a Truax grass drill available for rent. The Traux grass drill plants native grasses and forbs (wildflowers). The drill has hoppers for fine seeds, fluffy seeds and cover crops such as rye or oats. Cost is $100 for two days and a $100 damage deposit. Reservation arrangements can be made with Director Mark Wilson.