Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2000

Thesis Director

Gordon C. Tucker

Abstract

Five restored prairie sites at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area in Jasper County were studied during the growing season of 1998. These sites varied in age from two years to thirty years and in size from 4 acres to 10 acres. Key areas of data recorded were an overall and site specific vascular species lists, phenology of various species, and cover analysis of each site. Frequency cover and importance values of the taxa were determined using randomly located quadrats along line transects. Prairie quality of each site was determined, as well as a similarity index that compared the sites to each other.

Prairie Ridge State Natural Area is approximately 2,500 acres. About half of this land is under the ownership of The Nature Conservancy, and about 200 acres is owned by AmerenCIPS, a power company. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) owns the rest and manages the entire 2,500 acres. Approximately 567 acres are dedicated as nature preserves. Although the area was originally established for the greater prairie chicken, Prairie Ridge State Natural Area now consists of several diverse habitats, including wetland, native grasslands, and introduced grasslands. Currently, 35 species of special concern have been documented at PRSNA. Of these, 30 are birds, 2 are reptiles, and 3 are plants.

The study area included five separate restored prairie sites scattered throughout the PRSNA in Jasper County. All of these sites were previously agricultural land, with the main crops being corn, soybeans, and wheat. These areas were reconditioned and were seeded with native grasses. They have been maintained by occasional burns, mowing, and grazing. Soils in this area are composed of Illinoian glacial till overlain with loess deposits. This grayish brown soil has a high clay content with poor drainage.

Prairie quality was determined and compared with age of the restored prairie. No direct correlation between age and quality was found. This is probably due to variations in establishment and management of the prairie sites. The best quality site was the second oldest site. This site had more management techniques done to it, a more diverse beginning seed source, and is situated in the middle of other natural sites. This study also included a restored prairie site that was one year old. This site had a diverse seed source, but did not show a lot of diversity the first year. Some of these species may need a couple of years to establish themselves. This study involved prairie restoration sites with various management techniques.

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