PRAIRIE HABITAT

A prairie is a complex ecosystem primarily consisting of grasses and wildflowers. Native prairies once covered 15% of Indiana. In addition, grassland habitat grew as settlers inhabited the area and cleared much of the land for pasture. As the area has continued to grow and develop, the amount of prairie or grassland habitat has substantially reduced. In fact, grassland bird populations are decreasing faster than any other type. Many species of wildlife and plant life are facing extinction due to the loss of prairie habitat.

        

While not all of us can install a large, majestic prairie habitat, we can still implement the same concepts on a smaller scale in our suburban neighborhoods and yards. When you consider a prairie is just a habitat of flowers and grass, you can see how easy it is to establish a small prairie. You can set aside a corner of the yard for a butterfly garden or even convert your neighborhood’s mowed common area to a meadow. This will also reduce the burden of mowing your lawn or the neighborhood common area.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Prairies

Attract Wildlife: Songbirds and butterflies find it increasingly difficult to find food, cover, and nesting sites in our area due to the tremendous amount of

habitat loss. Native prairies are comprised of native grasses and wildflowers that provide food and shelter for many species of butterflies, songbirds, and other wildlife. Therefore, the addition of a native prairie could attract wildlife to the area.

 

Cost Savings: Depending upon the level of landowner participation, the initial cost to restore a native prairie can be less than the annual cost to mow and maintain

turf grass. Therefore, the project could potentially pay for itself in the first year. Because of the significant environmental benefits, State and local cost share funds may be available to help pay for the installation in your neighborhood’s common area.

 

Non-native plants, including lawn grass, generally require a great deal of water, fertilizer and human labor to maintain. The native plants used in native prairies have evolved in our area so they are better adapted to our soils, weather, and other biological and physical conditions. As a result, the deep root systems which provide tremendous environmental benefits also allow them to grow well on poor soils and do not require fertilizers or watering. Furthermore, the native prairies would not need to be mowed once established. Therefore, native prairies can provide significant long-term cost and resource savings. Instead of spending $9,000 a year to maintain their common area, the Ridgefield subdivision now spends  less than $1,000 a year to maintain their prairie. (Visit our Prairie Project Participants page to see this project).

 

Environmental Benefits: Due to the deep root system of native plants, native prairies help improve water quality, soil quality, and air quality which ultimately improves the environment.

 

Outdoor Recreation and Education: Prairies provide an area where families and neighbors can gather for outdoor activities. In addition, prairies provide areas where children can interact and discover nature.