The prairie in early spring.                                                      Switchgrass, one of the "Big 4"

Toad Flax, and early spring flower.                      Field Investigations Day Program

"Tell me, Iwill forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me, I will understand."  This is the idea upon which the Returning to Our Roots program has been founded.

Learning the Experimental Method - Data is gathered from three treatments on 20m x 20m plots.   Students observe the influence of disturbances by comparing a burned plot, mowed plot and a control plot.  There three replicates of each plot in our prairie.

Cover boards are used to monitor the occurance of small animals.  Most of the time we only find insects.  However, occasionally there is a mouse, a skink or a snake.

Drift fences are also an effective method for monitoring small animals.   We catch a lot of snakes, rodents and frogs.

"Seed balls" are one of the recommended ways to plant a prairie.  Seeds are mixed with powdered potters clay and compost in the rotating plastic drum.  As the drum turns, water is sprayed on the mixture and balls begin to form.  The kids have a good time throwing them!

Thanks to the grant form the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation we have been able to purchase seeds and equipment, hire staff, install drinking water, build picnic tables and signs.

The Bobby Curtis Pavilion has been donated by Tyler Building Systems to provide shelter from the rain and hot summer sun.  TylerTransit Mix, Rudd Plumbing, and Billy Moss Concrete also made significant contributions to the project.  Many thanks!