Prairie Facts
The native tall grass prairie is located on the eastern border of the corporation property and is between 3-4 acres in size. The idea came about in 2006. After speaking with DNR Wildlife Biologist Bob Porch, I learned there was an opportunity to plant indigenous plants from seed and be reimbursed by the department of natural resources for the total cost. All that needed to be done was write a proposal for a grant and get it approved. After completion, the site would be inspected by Bob Porch and shortly after the corporation would be reimbursed all expenses. The idea was to use some of the vacant corporation land for interdisciplinary instruction and an outdoor lab. At the same time, it would become home to wildlife and provide natural beauty to walkers and passers by.
Superintendent George Letz was in favor of the prairie project from the very beginning. Before the April 2007 school board meeting Board President Don Fry perused the grounds with me, thinking it was a great idea. After that, the proposal was finalized. In May, Maintenance Director Kyle Kinne and assistant Mark Fry sprayed the grounds with the herbicide Roundup. Meanwhile, several eco-type mixtures of wild flowers and grasses were formulated by Spence Nursery and Kevin Tungestick. It was no-till planted in June of 2007, with a Pheasants Forever planter, offered free on loan by Clem Grover, the local Pheasants Forever chapter president.
This is the fifth full year for the prairie, and it has reached maturity. It was approved for a 'controlled burn' by the Indiana Clean Air Department. The burn will take place in mid to late March.---STAY TUNED FOR NEWS OF A NATIVE PLANT SALE!
Superintendent George Letz was in favor of the prairie project from the very beginning. Before the April 2007 school board meeting Board President Don Fry perused the grounds with me, thinking it was a great idea. After that, the proposal was finalized. In May, Maintenance Director Kyle Kinne and assistant Mark Fry sprayed the grounds with the herbicide Roundup. Meanwhile, several eco-type mixtures of wild flowers and grasses were formulated by Spence Nursery and Kevin Tungestick. It was no-till planted in June of 2007, with a Pheasants Forever planter, offered free on loan by Clem Grover, the local Pheasants Forever chapter president.
This is the fifth full year for the prairie, and it has reached maturity. It was approved for a 'controlled burn' by the Indiana Clean Air Department. The burn will take place in mid to late March.---STAY TUNED FOR NEWS OF A NATIVE PLANT SALE!
This year our middle school is planning to have a native plant sale. We will begin transplanting seedlings in March and pot them for a May sale. The sale will provide a mini-economy for the students.
In summary, the prairie is what the pioneers observed and struggled with as they crossed the great plains. On a walk by, you can observe birds and small mammals unique to the area.
In summary, the prairie is what the pioneers observed and struggled with as they crossed the great plains. On a walk by, you can observe birds and small mammals unique to the area.