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University of Saint Francis Restored and Extension Prairie

Restoration/Management Plan

By: Andrew Smith, Steve Kiermaier, Kyle Mathewson, Elizabeth Thompson, Michael

Doust, Emily Richardson

2701 Spring Street Fort Wayne, IN 46808

November 12, 2014 - University of Saint Francis Prairie

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………………….3

Purpose of Plan……………………………………………………………………………............4

Inventory and Map of Property……………………………………………………………...........5

Current Land Use.…………………………………………………………………………….…6-7

Natural Description………………………………………………………………………………..8

Goals………………………………………………………………………………………..….9-10

Prescribed Burn…………………………………………………………………………………..11

Step-down Outline for the USF Restored Prairie Restoration/Management Plan…....................11

Implementation Schedule………………………………………………………………...............12

Invasive Species List…………………….……………………………………………………….13

Native Species List……………………………………………………………………………....14

Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….....15

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Executive Summary

The ensuing action of this restoration/management plan is to assist the natural process of

restoration in the University of Saint Francis’ restored prairie and to extend it to the electrical

pole. Although it is dwarfed by larger prairies such as the Hoosier Prairie in Lake County,

Indiana, the USF restored prairie is particularly efficacious in its intention. The objective is to

create an entirely self-sustaining system, diverse in biota, which is capable of functioning with

little human interaction. The result of the implementation of this plan will enhance the quality of

learning for educational purposes related to the University of Saint Francis. The extension will

take longer to be self-sustainable only because it is not yet part of the current prairie.

Enhancing biodiversity of plants and habitats native to Midwestern prairies is at the

forefront of this plan. Methods to achieve this are possible, and they begin with seeding and

plugging the prairie in areas that are bare. Controlling the growth and spread of invasive species

by herbicide is also a laborious undertaking that must be completed to ensure a healthy prairie.

Lesser goals and strategies include the use of fire as a restoration strategy, inventory of floral

species for documentation purposes, and installation of land transects within the prairie to assist

in small sample research.

Also at the forefront of this plan is extending the prairie. After a survey of the area

neighboring the prairie it was concluded that Crab Grass, Green Foxtail, and Plantain are a few

well established invasive species that occupy the area which must be eradicated. Through the

establishment of native species and long-term management plans we hope to create healthy

conditions of the land to add more biodiversity and natural land to the University of Saint Francis

Prairie.

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Purpose of Plan

The purpose of this is to describe how we envision the future condition and use of the

University of Saint Francis’ restored prairie and how we plan to extend it. This plan describes the

current use of the USF prairie, its surrounding locations, and recommends management and

restoration actions needed to protect, preserve, and restore the prairie and its natural and native

biodiversity. We hope that, in conjunction with the natural wildlife, Eco club, USF students,

professors, and visitors of USF will be able to take advantage of the learning opportunities

provided by the prairie, as well as enjoy it for what it is and is intended to be.

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Inventory and Map of Property

Figure 1

Figure 2

Location – 2701 Spring St University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Size – Approximately 142ft x 72ft x 116ft x 93ft

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Current land use

The restored prairie is surrounded by a variety of land uses. Immediately North of the

restored prairie is the Hurley-Tieben Nature Area (HTNA). The HTNA is a dedicated preserve

that includes an assortment of native tree and understory plant species. The HTNA borders the

prairie creating a feathered edge of shrubs and trees. To the south of the prairie is a daily

functioning railroad track that not only serves as noise pollution, but as a biological breeding

ground for invasive plant species. It is important to note that along the railroad track is an

abundance of Canada Thistle, Teasel, and Queen Anne’s Lace - this could possibly be the main

source of these species found along the edge of the current USF restored prairie. To the east of

the prairie is the USF soccer field, in which soccer games and practices are conducted on a

weekly basis throughout the season. Also important to note is the abundance of Canada Thistle

(Cirsium arvense) located along the northern fence line – this could be an issue in the future as

seeds are wind spread and could possibly germinate in the prairie. The area west of the prairie,

the area we are proposing be converted into prairie as well, does not seem to be a threat; it is a

0.06 acre small grassy patch dominated by Canada Thistle, Common Plantain, English Plantain,

Green Foxtail, and Crab Grass. If the area stays as is, it is recommended that it be regularly

sprayed for control of the various clover and plantain species to prevent their germination within

the prairie. Located on the south side there is a gravel access road for service vehicles, the prairie

cannot extend any further south due to this access road. As for the prairie itself, the land is being

used as a restoration hotspot for native species diversity. The prairie is clearly marked with

yellow chains and the trail within the prairie is demarcated by a ~3ft wide path of woodchips.

The 0.06 acres plot of land west of the current prairie has mainly been used for passive

recreational activity such as birding, dog walking, hiking and commuting to class. The current

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trails are mainly on the outer edges of the prairie. Although one could walk directly through the

prairie for closer observation; prairies are prone to disturbance. As stated before, the area we

mapped out west of the current prairie is completely dominated by Green Foxtail, Canada

Thistle, Common Plantain, and Crab Grass. The soil is dominated by clay, gravel and rocks. The

soil quality in this area is so poor that the prairie has not naturally reseeded.

This area before development was dominated by weeds and other invasive species.

During rain we noticed a notable amount of drainage to the proposed prairie extension area with

standing water near the access road. The water runs off the eastern part of the prairie and heads

west down to Mirror Lake due to the 5ft drop in elevation (Figure 2). The slope elevation may

determine what native prairie species we can plant due to moisture levels.

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Natural Description

The USF restored prairie is currently in a stable condition. The plant diversity is near 30

species and seems to be flourishing. Some plants flower during certain seasons. In the fall of

2014, the prairie was dominated by Small White Aster. According to USF biology professor, Dr.

Lou Weber, the reason for the Small White Aster domination in the fall is because it is the only

prairie species that blooms in October.

A few changes that would be beneficial to the prairie and the proposed extension area

would be to introduce more native species for the sole purpose of enhancing diversity, and

maybe removing small populations of the species, such as small white aster, that are

overabundant to make room for the addition of native plugs.

A recommended list of native flora additions include, but are not limited to:

- Little Bluestem (Shizachyrium scoparium)

- Big Bluestem (Andropogan gerardi)

- Hoary Puccoon (Lithospermum canascens)

- Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

- Additional Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

- Royal Catchfly (Silene regia)

- Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)

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Goals

I. Enhance biodiversity of plants and habitats native to the Midwest region.

By controlling the growth and distribution of invasive/introduced plant species, the potential

for native species to thrive in their native habitat is increased. Future plans for an increase in

plant diversity include the implementation of plugs, as well as seeds in bare areas within the

prairie. For record keeping, a yearly inventory of species should be maintained. The prairie

should be monitored biannually by USF students and faculty to determine the need for

continued efforts.

A. Assess nearby faunal populations (Birds, Insects, Mammals etc.)

More than likely, as a result of the above implementations, faunal populations will

be affected. For example, an increased population of common milkweed and

butterfly weed will bring about an increase in butterfly diversity and population

during the summer months. Continued native plant introduction could be

detrimental or beneficial to the prairie. Record and maintain records of changes

resulting from additions or subtractions of native species.

B. Maintain constant blooming from May through October

Constant rejuvenation of floral activity from May through October will keep the

USF restored prairie diverse in nature, appealing to the eye, and ever-changing.

C. Species Inventory

Tracking progress of biodiversity over time.

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II. Extension of prairie

Extending the prairie to the west by 0.06 acres will add more land to the prairie are

and will enhance amount of wildlife that comes and plant biodiversity available. By

doing this we hope to re-establish more nutrient rich topsoil with proper loam that

will also help control erosion into the pond. By establishing adequate topsoil we hope

to control the invasive plant populations and promote native populations. Enhancing

the land would likely to make the USF Prairie more user friendly, more pleasing to

the eye, and more likely to be appreciated by all.

III. Install permanent transects

Successful installment of transects will allow for more divided monitoring of biota within

the USF restored prairie.

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Prescribed Burn

In order to do the prescribed burn, we will need to have someone who has a burning

permit issued by the DNR. The burn can greatly impact our prairie in a variety of ways,

mainly to germinate desired species seeds. It would also help control species that are invasive

or not desired in the prairie. The only down side of a prescribed burn in the prairie is if the

tree nursery goes in before the burn. The tree nursery will not make it through a prescribed

burn. We would have to fill out a request for variance from 326 IAC 4-1. This tells us how

far we are from certain things for safety reasons, such as power lines. We would also have to

fill out a form that identifies people who would be directly affected by this burn (with this

being on campus we should not have any problems). The best time to do a prescribed burn

would be in spring, from March 15-April 15. The higher the humidity, the easier the burn

will be, along with low winds.

Step-down Outline for the USF Restored Prairie Restoration/Management Plan

I. Enhance biodiversity of plants and habitats native to the Midwest region.

a. Maintain control of invasive species

i. Use of herbicides

ii. Controlled burning

b. Introduce native plugs to increase floral diversity

i. Assess nearby faunal populations (Birds, Insects, Mammals etc.)

ii. Record and maintain records of changes

c. Maintain constant blooming from May through October

d. Species Inventory

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Implementation Schedule

Task # Task Crew

Responsibility

Task

Duration

Costs Comments

I.A.I Spray invasive

species in

proposed

extension area

with herbicide

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

3 or more

years

$20/

bottle of

herbicide

I.A.II. Remove whatever

rocks and clay

that is possible.

Replace with top

soil

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

once N/A

I.A. III. Introduce new

native species

populations

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

4-5 years N/A

I.B.I. Cut and Bag

Seed Head

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

3 or more

years

N/A Burn or

compost

clippings

1 B.II. Spray invasive

plants with

herbicide

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

3 or more

years

$20/

bottle of

herbicide

Check once a

week for new

plants to

spray

I.B.III. Prescribed

Burning

Forestry Dept.,

DNR, Fire Dept.

Annual/bi-

annual

$300-

$500

I.C.I Cut stem

treatment on

railroad invasive

species

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

Annually

per

growing

season

$20/

bottle of

herbicide

Must monitor

these species

I.C. II. Introduce new

native species

populations

Ecology Club/

Volunteers

1-2 years N/A

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Invasive Species in or around USF Prairie and Proposed Extension

Species Blooming Month

Canada Wild Rhy July

English Plantain July

Common Plantain July

Honeysuckle July

Queen Anns Lace July

Green Foxtail September

Teasle September

Crab Grass September

Garlic Mustard September

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Native Species in or around USF Prairie and Proposed Extension

Species Blooming Month

Amur July

Black-eyed Susan July

Canada Wild Rye July

Common Ragweed July

Cup Plant July

English and Common Plantain July

New Jersey Tea July

Honeysuckle July

Orange Milkweed July

Prairie Dock July

Purple/Yellow/White Clover July

Queen Anne's Lace July

Rattlesnake Master July

Thin-leaved Coneflower July

Yarrow July

Wild Bergamot July

Calico Aster September

Common Evening Primrose September

False Solomon's Seal September

Green Foxtail September

Indian Grass September

Nodding, Pale, or Dock-leaved Smartweed September

Purple/White Clover September

Rough-leaved Goldenrod September

Slender-leaved Goldenrod September

Stiff Goldenrod September

Teasel September

Virgina Creeper September

Wild Grape September

Crabgrass Unknown

Garlic Mustard Unknown

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Appendices

- List of Appendices

A. Bibliography

B. Acronyms and Glossary

C. Species Lists

D. Maps

A. Bibliography

Cougar Emblem/Logo

http://football.victorysportsnetwork.com/userdata/Clip/uploads/ij0wg8f6xndgln3w

rssu7kvxjuu05w.jpg

B. Acronyms and Glossary

USF – University of Saint Francis

HTNA - Hurley-Tieben Nature Area

DNR – Department of Natural Resources

C. Maps (All maps and pictures courtesy of Google Maps)

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