Schuneman Wildlife Preserve Habitat Restoration

The intent of the project was to restore upland habitat along the nature trail on the northern area of the Schuneman Marsh. The focus was to emphasize marsh ecology, restore habitat for birds and butterflies, educate visitors to the use of sustainable practices through new trail signs, expanded trail guide, sample plots, and shelter displays. Activities included land preparation (grass and weed removal), plantings of native perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees.

Several planning meetings resulted in detailed planning based on DNR publications and consultations with professionals. The major initial efforts went toward reestablishing a native prairie on about four acres of upland. This area had at one time been farmed for hay and oats. The restoration schedule included a controlled burn in early to mid April, first herbicide application around June 1st, disking in mid June, second herbicide application in early to mid July, disking and seeding in mid to late July, and then hand planting of seedlings. ( Plant list).

A dry last half of the summer 2001 slowed progress on the Prairie Restoration Project. Two parcels were seeded on August 3 but because of lack of rain, nothing emerged. Planting of seedlings was finally accomplished September 14.

Maintenance of the plantings continues to this day. Trails are mowed and trial guides are updated as needed.

Maintenance the first three years : A prairie landscape takes time to develop, requiring patience and careful management the first few years.

Year one

Most prairie plants are perennials. Although perennial seeds will germinate the first year, the young seedlings' root growth will be two to three times their above-ground growth, and they may not flower until the second or third year. While this lack of visual growth can be frustrating, keep in mind that it is the strong root system of prairie perennials which enables them to be nearly maintenance-free at maturity.

During this early stage of growth, weeds will take advantage of the lack of above-ground vegetation and appear on your site. To minimize the effects of tall weeds shading prairie seedlings and to prevent these weeds from setting seed, you should plan to cut your planting one, two, or even three times during its first growing season. This is generally done on 30-day intervals using a scythe, mower or line trimmer. Scything is often best, as the cutting height should be kept between five to eight inches. Mowing is also effective, but it is important to keep the blade set as high as possible. Hand weeding is also useful during the first growing season, especially to remove individual noxious weeds. These and invading woody plants may have to be treated with spot spraying. At no time should fertilizers be used. Prairie plants are well-adapted to their environment and do not need fertilization. This expensive, time-consuming and often environmentally unfriendly procedure is not only unnecessary on a natural landscape but is detrimental because it can encourage weeds and other undesirable vegetation.

Year two

During the second season, residual seeds from the first season will germinate and some of the faster-growing native plants will flower and produce seed. There might still, however, be a need for weed control and one mowing might be necessary sometime between mid-June and mid-August. The height and density of the weed cover should help determine if and when to mow. In areas where weeds are especially dominant, the advantages of cutting the weeds and preventing them from setting seed offset any disadvantages of cutting prairie plants. Spot spraying might still be necessary this year.

Year three and following years

By the third year (and in the years to follow) your patience will begin to pay off. Both grasses and flowers will be mature, providing beautiful, low-maintenance returns. One cutting per year can be used as a clean-up procedure. The best time to cut off old prairie vegetation is in early May or late November (after you've enjoyed the gold, lavender, russets, and maroons of an autumn prairie). In areas where prairie plants were especially tall and dense, mulch or rake away the dead plant material.