With less than 1% of Illinois’ original prairies left, sand prairies (prairies growing on sandy soils) are rare and important habitats. The sand prairies of southern Illinois are so rare and neglected that the remaining ones need extensive habitat enhancement and restoration.
Poag Sand Prairie is a sand prairie preserve in Madison County being restored to support wildlife that needs it for survival, like Ornate Box Turtles and bobwhite quails.
It Was A Losing Battle
This year, Poag Sand Prairie was facing a dire future. Invasive plants had taken over two-thirds of the prairie. A difficult choice had to be made – either cut down all the plants that were in bloom and providing nectar for pollinators or risk losing the prairie plants in the next growing year.
But The Prairie Is Prevailing…
The decision was made to do a mow in late spring to set back and inhibit the invaders from reseeding. The good news is that by September, native flowers and grasses rebounded, providing important cover and food for migratory birds and butterflies. To continue this momentum, targeted removal of invasive plants will be required over the next few years. In the meantime, small wetlands will be installed on the property to create breeding spots for the Illinois Chorus Frog.
Restoration of Poag Sand Prairie is only possible thanks to support from the community members who care about the special places and wildlife of southern Illinois.
