OVERVIEW

The Bee Prairie, named after its proximity to the honey bee hives, is a patch of tallgrass prairie separate from the main prairie restoration. The established part of the prairie (Phase 1) is dominated primarily by Stiff Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod, Echinacea, and Sweet Black-Eyed Susan. There is also a presence of Indian Grass, but the area could benefit from the introduction of more grass diversity. In the summer of 2022, we started smothering grass to expand the Bee Prairie with plug plantings (Phase 2), and in 2023, even more turf will begin the conversion process (Phase 3).

Ecosystem Model: Tallgrass Prairie

STEWARDSHIP PLAN

Winter:

  • Start plugs of the following species (overwintering required): Rattlesnake Master, Purple Coneflower, Stiff Goldenrod, Purple Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Gray-Headed Coneflower, Sweet Black-Eyed Susan, False Sunflower [Completed 12.09.22]
  • Start plugs of the following species: Indian Grass, Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem June Grass, Wild Bergamot, Blue Sage, Aromatic Aster [Completed 02.14.23]
  • Start plugs of the following species (late): Lead Plant, Western Sunflower

Spring:

  • Replace cardboard with weed-suppression fabric
  • Plant plugs in Phase 2

Summer:

  • Cardboard and mulch on Phase 3
  • Start plugs

Fall:

  • Plant plugs in Phase 3