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planning parameters



This list can give you good 'educated' answers to your questions.  As a prairie
'hobbyist' my answer(s) to your questions are:
  Why not put prairie every possible place you and your nature center can
afford?
Yes, some areas wouldn't be good for burning.  But I can't believe all the
native prairies got burned.  (and those areas could be mowed)
Shape?  who cares?  are you going to surround  the 'right shaped' prairie with
something like fescue to make the prairie 'look neat' and 'controlled'?
(I will concede dividing up areas with buffers so one area can be burned,
leaving habitat intact on unburned areas)
Soil type and slope?  Yes there are certain species that do better in certain
environments but I suggest species that are good for your general area will be
good for most areas in your nature center.  Yes, you could have a wet land area
that is quite different than a steeply sloped hillside.
Finally, the 'natural' areas I see here in Central Illinois don't have alot of
the 'big 3 tall grasses', Big bluestem,Indian grass and Switch grass.  Yes they
are there but they do not dominate the area.  I see these grasses more where we
have attempted to 'recreate' the 'tall grass' prairie....
Looking forward to others responses.....good luck!
---------------------- Forwarded by Alan Rider on 01/20/99 07:26 AM
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 (Embedded                                                        
 image moved   Theresa Mau <theresa.mau @ wmich.edu>              
 to file:      01/19/99 03:19 PM                                  
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Please respond to prairie@mallorn.com

To:   prairie @ mallorn.com
cc:    (bcc: Alan Rider)
Subject:  planning parameters




Hello All,
I am working on my master's thesis at Western Mich. U. and my project is
to help the local nature center here determine where on their property
would be the best place to restore a portion of tallgrass prairie.  I've
been searching the literature a great deal, and thought I'd turn to
those working in the field for supplemental info.

The parameters I am considering for choosing my site include the current
landcover, the soil type, and the slope, primarily.  Other
considerations include the distance of each plot from teh nearest trail
or road (for access and maintenance), adjacent vegetation type, aspect,
and the size.

Please let me know if you think I am missing something.  Also, has
anyone personally estabilished a minimum size for a viable prairie?  I
keep reading that "bigger is better" and that even a tiny plot can be
started, so maybe min. size is not something to fuss over.

Lastly, what about shape?  I've read a lot about round, compact reserves
being best to minimize edge effects, but newer preserve articles are
reccomending lobed patches.  This research has mainly been in the area
of forest, though, as far as I can tell.

I really appreciate your input and advice, thanks!
Theresa Mau

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