Tallgrass Prairie Restoration in the Midwestern and Eastern United States: A Hands-On Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Sections numbered

Section 1. PREFACE

An introduction outlining past work by the author and volunteers, and gives compelling arguments for using methods outlined in the book to restore prairie.

Section 2. WHY PRAIRIE?

This section describes the aesthetic beauty of prairies and historical accounts of their former grandeur.

Section 3. PRAIRIE ORIGINS

This section discusses the origins of prairie millennia before present, and the role of fire.

Section 4. ECO-SYSTEM DIVERSITY

Description of several different plant communities dependent on moisture, soil-type, degree of disturbance, and amount of available light; that is, prairies are rarely identical. Several eco-typical prairies are illustrated from wet-mesic to "dry" sands.

Section 5. PRAIRIES ATTRACT WILDLIFE

This section outlines the varieties of wildlife, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects, the latter being critical to sustain higher forms, except herbivores.

Section 6. FULL SUN AND PARTIAL SHADE NATIVE SPECIES

193 plants are described and fully illustrated with high quality photos. In addition, 34 other species are described without photos, but often accompanied by computer scans of fresh herbarium samples and/or seed-head/seeds on CD. The plants described are typical of those found on prairies or open areas in the Midwest and East plus several plants of special interest. Descriptions are given of their ranges by states and Canadian provinces. Also outlined are methods of their restoration, such as their growth preferences, tolerance for disturbance, and methods of seed collection, and critical conditions for seed germination. Most species can be easily grown in the mid-latitudes, including the south and west. Most often, the typical species is found in its northern limit from Maine to Ontario west to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska ranging south and east from this northern limit to all states, often excluding Louisiana, Florida, and South Carolina. Species gradually change as conditions become drier, warmer, or cooler, but most species persist over a large area of a region compatible to tallgrass and associated wildflowers. This section of the book represents the major portion of the work (131 pages of the 215 pages total).

Section 7. RESTORATION METHODS

1. Landscaping Your Home with Wildflowers

This section gives suggestions on methods of using native plants to enhance the appearance and increase native wildlife in suburban settings. Tips are given to avoid the appearance of "a weed patch."

2. Where and What to Plant

It is critical to know the soil type and average moisture availability in planning the type of species to restore. Tolerance to disturbance is discussed with reference to the Coefficient of Conservatism introduced by Taft et al.

3. Seed Production

Seed production is an essential prerequisite of every restoration. Starter seeds can be collected from the wild or purchased from nurseries.

4. Seed Suppliers

If the seeds of certain species are not readily available, seeds can be purchased from nurseries, of which several are recommended.

5. Seed Collection

Since wild seeds shatter with a seeming degree of unpredictability, methods of seed collection are outlined, including the crucial optimal dates of collection.

6. Seed Treatment

Each species has a specific requirement for successful seed germination. Most seeds require over-wintering with a period of cool-moist conditions. Others need light, dry storage, specific temperatures, a hole in the seed coat, de-hulling, etc. Successful restoration requires knowledge of seed germination requirements.

7. Soil Preparation and Planting Rates

M