The Prairie Acre Restoration Plan

Methods and Procedures for Restoration and

Preservation of Prairie Acre

EVRN 615 Capstone class project

by Jordan Brandenburgh, James Conboy, Hannah Duff, Dylan Konek, Simon Madhavan,

Grant Myers, Anna Tatarko, Adam Timmerman, Allison Williams and Julia Yang

May 2014

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Acknowledgements

Our Capstone group would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Senior Curator at the R.L. McGregor Herbarium and Senior Scientist at the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory Dr. Craig Freeman, Graduate Teaching Assistants Rachel Craft and Anna Kern, KU Landscape Manager Michael Lang, and the staff at the Spencer Research Library. We would also like to thank our Professor Dr. Kelly Kindscher for his hard work and continued support in this endeavor. Cover Page image is copyright David McKinney and University Relations

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Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

a. Goals and Objectives

b. History and Dedication of Prairie Acre

2. Prairie Acre Site Assessment

a. Significance of Native Prairie Ecosystems

b. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Restoration

3. Restoration Methods and Long-Term Management Techniques

a. Obtaining Seeds and Propagation Methods

b. Prescribed Burning Methods and Safety

c. Competition and Takeover in Plant Communities and the Removal of

Invasive Species

d. Soil Nutrient Management

e. Assessing Restoration Progress

f. Future Management of Prairie Acre

g. Possible Expansion

4. Future Use

a. Hands-on Education and Fieldwork

b. Campus Aesthetics

c. Master Plan Accordance

d. Public Recreational Opportunities

5. References / Works Cited

Appendix

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1. Introduction

Prairie Acre is a small section of native prairie on the University of Kansas campus. This report outlines the history of the acre and includes recommendations for future restoration efforts. A small, fragmented site of only .35 acres, Prairie Acre once held a rich variety of 80-100 species, but the number dropped to only 28 species by 1992. The natural beauty of Prairie Acre is a remnant of what Mount Oread, the tall limestone hill on which the University of Kansas (KU) sits, once was; "a ridge covered with wind-blown grass and prairie flowers" (Harder 1992). Though Prairie Acre has been undervalued and degraded along with tallgrass prairies all across North America, it remains unplowed and resilient. As a rare remnant of native landscape on KU campus, Prairie Acre is well worth preserving. The Prairie Acre Restoration Plan is the result of a collaborative effort amongst students and faculty in the Environmental Studies Program at KU. The plan serves as both a historical and educational guide for Prairie Acre Site that was dedicated in 1932 through the efforts of four KU alumnae and Biochemistry Professor, C.F. Nelson. They hoped “to preserve the significance of the prairie hillside for future generations” (Hersey et al. 2011). This plan is divided into four sections: an Introduction, Prairie Acre Site Assessment, Restoration Methods and Long-Term Management Techniques, and finally a section dedicated to Future Use. Each of these sections outline the primary objectives of the Prairie Acre Restoration Project. A. Goals and Objectives The goal of this project is to restore Prairie Acre to a healthy tallgrass prairie ecosystem by establishing diverse communities of native wildflowers and grasses. Restoring the prairie will help us understand both the ecosystem being restored and our relationship to it. The first objective of Prairie Acre Restoration Project is to educate readers on the rich history and ecological diversity of Prairie Acre and all

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tallgrass prairie ecosystems. The second objective is to assess the current status of Prairie Acre and to evaluate its health as a tallgrass prairie. The third objective is to outline the proper procedures for the initial restoration and long-term management techniques that will enhance the biodiversity of the acre. The fourth objective is to create a comprehensive list of native prairie species that will be planted in this restoration. The fifth objective is to describe the future uses and benefits that Prairie Acre will offer KU and the Lawrence community and propose future expansion and development of the area. B. History and Dedication of Prairie Acre Set aside in 1932 for KU’s June commencement festivities, Prairie Acre is believed to be the last portion of Mount Oread that has never “been disturbed by plow, shovel, blasting powder nor other man-made device for reshaping the surface of the earth”. A campaign spearheaded by Agnes Thompson, Amida Stanton, Rose Morgan, and Hannah Oliver, and with the aid of Professor Carl F. Nelson of the KU Biochemistry Department, pushed for the protection of the “virgin soil”(Hersey et al. 2011, ). Their efforts were soon joined by fellow professors and alumni who also saw the importance of preserving the site (Hersey et al. 2011). The dedication of the site harkened back to the frontier days of Kansas, cultivating images of pioneers,

Indians, buffalo, and the Oregon Trail and the settling of the West. Prairie Acre thrived during the three decades following its dedication. Eight years after the commencement in 1940, the Potter Lake limestone wall that currently surrounds Prairie Acre was built (Marsh n.d.). While surviving disturbances from construction on top of Mount Oread and losing part of its size due to new sidewalk, Prairie Acre still conjured fascination. An editorial in the 1956 Kansan declared that “the sightseer who visits Prairie Acre today will be greeted by a scene of untamed beauty”

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(Hersey et al. 2011). In 1966, a letter from Elmer F. Beth, a Professor at the School of Journalism, made its way to Chancellor Wescoe. The letter (Image 1.3) stated that “‘Prairie Acre’ at KU is probably the most unusual historical monument on ANY campus,” and suggested “that the University erect at that entrance a really attractive marker which will describe the acre… large enough so the heading could be read from a car at the traffic-check station (Beth 1966).” However, starting in the late 1960s, the state of Prairie Acre declined due to poor maintenance and neglect. The University started allowing the growth of trees at the site, blocking needed sunlight for prairie growth, and begun to mow the site. As a result, the biodiversity of Prairie Acre, which once supported between 80-100 native plant species, was diminished to a meager 28 species by 1992 (Kindscher 1999). In 1987, awareness about the degraded state of Prairie Acre was sparked by a professor in the Biology Department, who urged in a letter to Facilities & Operations that for restoration of the site (Hersey et al. 2011). In 1988, Architectural Services agreed that a project should be implemented to restore the site, but efforts were restricted by time and equipment availability of Facilities and Operations (Wade 1988). Finally in 1992, the Office of University Relations issued a press release which stated that the decision had been made to remove the trees and perform regular burnings on the prairie site (Harder 1992).

Unfortunately, under the excuse that fire codes prohibited the University from burning the site, the University began to question the significance of Prairie Acre. Despite this setback, Prairie Acre was burned in 2002, 2003, and 2011 (Hersey et al. 2011; Hyland 2011). In the campus plan of 1997, Prairie Acre was identified as a “primary expansion area”, since it is one of few buildable sites close to the academic core of campus (Hersey et al. 2011). In more recent years Prairie Acre has also received recommendations for restoration in both the 2008 Campus Heritage Plan and the 2011 Campus Sustainability Plan.

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2. Prairie Acre Site Assessment

Anthropogenic disturbances can often have negative effects on the natural environment, ranging from air and water pollution to the endangerment and extinction of species. Individuals and communities can play a significant role in the promotion of ecological health and well-being. Prairie Acre is not only an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of preserving native prairies here in Kansas, but for preserving the biodiversity of natural landscapes and their ecosystems everywhere on earth. The species diversity and ecological productivity of Prairie Acre has been greatly diminished but fortunately, Prairie Acre remains a terrific candidate for restoration. A. Significance of Native Prairie Ecosystems One hundred and fifty years ago, Mt. Oread was a sea of grasses and wildflowers teeming with wildlife. Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. Within a generation, the vast majority was plowed and developed. Today less than 4% of that Native Prairie remains, and most of it is found here in Kansas (National Park Service 2014). This reduction of prairie has been largely due to factors such as agriculture, overgrazing, invasive species, fire suppression, and habitat fragmentation and degradation. Native prairie grasslands are a vital ecosystem, particularly in the Midwest, as they support a diverse array of organisms. Prairies are rich in species, composed of a mixture of grasses and forbs (herbaceous flowering plants), with composites and legumes being especially well represented (Packard 1997). Prairie plants grow in close proximity, flowering at different times throughout the growing season. Prairie species are well adapted to extreme temperatures, drought, wind, high light

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intensity, fire, and grazing (Packard 1997). In addition, prairies provide shelter and food for many other species including insects, migratory birds, small mammals and pollinators.

Image 1.6: Rockefeller Prairie at KU Field Station

Restoring native prairie ecosystems has become increasingly important as they continue to be lost to other land uses (Heslinga 2010). The goal of prairie restoration is to recreate the patterns of plant species richness found in virgin prairies. Consequently, restorations are monitored primarily for the number of native species that are present (Polley 2005). However, this goal has often proven difficult to achieve (Howe 1994), because mechanisms responsible for diversity in prairie communities are not fully understood (Polley 2005). One review of prairie restorations found that only 68 studies out of 468 reported restoration success after planting (Ruiz-Jaen 2005). Fortunately, according to historical data, our small acre is a degraded remnant prairie-meaning it still has components of its natural character surviving, (Packard 1997). Healthy prairie remnants can contain as many as 150 to 180 species (Allen 2007), but a floristic survey done by Dr. Kelly Kindscher in 1992 found only 28 native species in Prairie Acre. Thus in our case, it is not the survival of diverse native vegetation that qualifies Prairie Acre as a remnant; instead, it is considered a remnant because of its intact soils. The fact that its thick high quality soils are still intact housing diverse microbial communities means Prairie Acre will be better suited to achieve our goal of restoration (Allen 2007). Plant ecologists comparing restored prairie to remnants have shown that species richness tends to decline over time in restored prairies, but remarkably less so in prairies that are remnants (Allen 2007). Furthermore, many prairie plants mature rapidly and most will flower within 5 years (Packard 1997). While the prairie itself once covered vast areas, it is, in many respects a fine-textured community meaning it is possible to reproduce many of the attributes of a native prairie in one acre or

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less (Packard 1997). All these qualities are positive indicators that Prairie Acre has great potential to undergo a successful restoration. We hope to restore the Acre’s plant community from its present species count of just 28 species to over a hundred different native prairie wildflowers and grasses that will contribute to a multitude of diverse ecosystem functions (See Appendix 1 for a complete list of proposed species). With this plan, the simple restoration of an important historical ecosystem is sure to have lasting success.

B. Cost Benefit Analysis of Restoration

Prairie Acre is a degraded remnant prairie and its restoration will necessitate the investment of time and resources but the benefits of such a restoration will be felt throughout the local ecosystems, the University, and the community as a whole.

Costs Benefits

● Time / Labor

A labor force will be required to

begin restoration efforts and

upkeep the acre in the future according to the long-term

restoration plan. ● Capital

The exact funds needed to complete

the project are uncertain, $10,000

from University endowment is

desired to hire a full time

coordinator for initial restoration

efforts.

Management Continued upkeep of the site by

Facilities & Operations,

purchasing seeds or plants which

are no longer found on site, and

possible fees for obtaining a license

for prairie burning.

● History

Prairie Acre has been an officially

dedicated site on campus for over

80 years. Restoring it to its former glory would communicate its value

to the campus environment and KU

history. ● Education

A prairie restoration/management

class could benefit the University

with a free maintenance team and

benefit students with educational

fieldwork. ● Environment

Prairie Acre is both aesthetically

pleasing and a vital ecological

habitat that is currently threatened

in the Midwest.

Restoring Prairie Acre will require a time commitment from the party or parties involved in the restoration. A proper restoration may take several seasons. In addition, funds will be required for purchasing seeds and hiring staff to facilitate the restoration and maintaining the site. A burn license may be required to ensure appropriate management of Prairie Acre. Despite these costs, this important historical and ecological landmark at the University of Kansas and may also provide

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various educational opportunities such as classes, research, and community outreach.

3. Restoration Methods and Maintenance Techniques

One of the primary goals of the restoration plan is to restore the biodiversity of Prairie Acre with beautiful wildflowers that would not only be aesthetically pleasing, but ecologically productive. Proper maintenance will allow the biodiversity of Prairie Acre to flourish in a productive, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Maintenance procedures for successful restoration include burning, weeding, and runoff prevention. The initial restoration procedures, such as consistent and vigilant weeding of any observed invasive species, is paramount to both the immediate and long-term health and success of the Prairie Acre restoration. The figure below lays out a proposed 2-year timetable for restoration efforts.

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A. Obtaining Seeds and Propagation Methods Perhaps the most important aspect of this restoration will be the sowing and transplanting of native grasses and wildflower species. Simply sowing or broadcasting native seeds can cause major shifts in species and functional group compositions, an increase in native species abundance and floristic quality, and a decline in abundance of non-native species, with associated increases in plant diversity (Foster et al. 2007). The establishment of vast, diverse tallgrass prairie plants is a primary goal of the restoration efforts (See Appendix 1). Seeds should be collected from neighboring prairie remnants as close to Mount Oread as possible in order preserve local gene pools. In addition, naturally selected ecotypes, or genetic variants adapted to local conditions, exist within these local species of prairie plants (Schramm 1990). The most viable source to collect seeds are at the KU Field Station Rockefeller Prairie, or the Akins Prairie southeast of

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Lawrence. To ensure that the seeds are strong seeds, only seeds that the internal kernel is fat and filled out should be collected (Schramm 1990). Weak seed will have low germination, and those that do germinate will be unlikely to survive and reproduce in the future. After seeds are collected, they should be stratified (cold damp conditioning) to help break dormancy and assure prompt germination after planting. Most of the prairie forbs used in restoration need 6-8 weeks of this cold-damp treatment to germinate properly (Schramm 1990). The grass seeds, however, should be cold-dry treated, leaving them somewhat more dormant to give the forbs an advantage in the initial stages of establishment (Schramm 1990). Less than one pound of mixed species seeds containing a diverse variety of both wildflowers and grasses is required when transplanting or broadcasting seeds by hand during the initial restoration. It is recommended that the broadcasting of seeds take place in fall or spring when higher levels of moisture are present in the soil. Access to water that can be used for irrigation will be necessary during the first year of the project when immature wildflower plants are being established. Tallgrass species such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) have some of the largest populations established on Prairie Acre but they are not considered ‘Conservative’ species. These species quickly colonize and populate areas by outcompeting wildflowers, which threatens the potential success of the restoration. (The subject of Competition and Takeover in plant communities is discussed with greater detail in Part C of this chapter). Placing an emphasis on planting a higher proportion of wildflowers to grasses will help ensure desirable ecological succession of the site and will result in a more complete and diverse plant community (Packard 1997). Mosaic planting is the simplest way to prevent tall grasses from overpowering forbs during prairie plant succession, which involves inserting one or more forb plantings into a general prairie planting (Schramm 1990). One or more areas of the planting are loaded with a forb mix while reducing tall grasses to only a pound per acre or less (Schramm 1990). Using a specially modified Nisbet rangeland grass drill to drill round and round over the selected portions of the site can achieve the desired mosaic placement (Schramm 1990). Mosaic planting is the best method for duplicating the patterns of diversity we observe in nature. When broadcasting seeds by hand, a seed mix ratio of 70:30 or even 80:20 forbs to grasses is ideal, as there are mainly dominant Native grasses already present and established at Prairie Acre site. As native biodiversity of Prairie Acre increases, its aesthetic appeal will simultaneously improve as it becomes populated with a myriad of wildflower fragrances and hues that will not only attract visitors, students and faculty alike but also favorable insect pollinators such as butterflies. Below are a few examples of wildflower species that are included in our seed list.

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Image 3.1 Upright Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) Image 3.2 Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Image 3.5 Eastern Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana)

Image 3.3 Showy Goldenrod Image 3.4 Lead Plant (Amorpha (Solidago speciosa) canadense) B. Prescribed Burning Methods and Safety To rehabilitate a native prairie is to restore the desirable native plants and eradicate any exotic or invasive species. The method proven to be most effective is a controlled burn (Schramm 1990). Fire has always been part of natural ecosystems, as it is a natural catalyst for diversity and is critical for ecosystem stability. Without fire, native prairies can shift to monocultures as fire suppression can result in an increase of invasive species that can quickly colonize and dominate desirable native species bringing with them unwanted insects and diseases. This undesired ecological succession can cause inadequate reproduction, excessive biomass accumulation, and loss in key nutrients (Wright 1982). Suppression can also allow trees and shrubs to thrive, resulting in a decline of biodiversity. The best time to burn is in early spring. Early spring burns provide several benefits for the prairie: it leaves winter cover for wildlife, clears away accumulated litter,

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and produces black ash, which allows the sun to warm the soil and stimulate early prairie plant growth effectively lengthening the growing season for warm-season prairie plants (Schramm 1990). Long-term research on ecological stability at the Konza Prairie near Manhattan, Kansas shows that 4-6 year intervals between burning produce maximum productivity and diversity on the tallgrass prairie (Kolata 1984). However, because our remnant prairie has been neglected, it will need regular yearly burning to regain its original quality. This initial yearly burning will speed up establishment and progression of prairie plant succession. Due to the modest size of the site, it is our recommendation that when burning Prairie Acre there should be a small 5x5 sq. meter area that is randomly designated to not be burned and will serve as an ecological refugee for small overwintering insects and animals. Burning should take place in the early spring for the first few years, but the overall diversity of plant communities, especially wildflowers, will benefit from occasional fall burns (Packard 1997). For a typical remnant, at least half the area should be burned each year (Schramm 1990). If recovery is successful after a decade, burning should take place alternate years on one half of the area. If the restoration continues to be successful after two decades, segments of the restored prairie should be burned once every 3-4 years to encourage progression to a climax equilibrium (Schramm 1990). Ecologists from KU and the Kansas Biological Station, the Facilities Operations, and Lawrence Fire Department must work together to ensure proper burning methods. Before the fire has ignited, the conditions of fuel load and moisture, climate, and topography must be determined. Controlling the fire includes the use of proper safety equipment, such as protective gear to shield potential fire-starters from flames, and the creation of ditches or “fire-breaks” to protect areas outside of the prescribed burn area. Fire-breaks can be created by simply clearing or raking leaf litter and other combustible materials from the immediate area. In addition, the limestone rock wall already in place has the potential to help serve as a fire break. Proper supervision is also required, which would mandate a burn permit and appropriate oversight by the Lawrence Fire Department. It is important to keep the University and Facilities & Operations updated on all plans of burn management. Finally, regular burns of Prairie Acre have the potential to become a University tradition where both students and the Lawrence community gather to watch a spectacular event and embrace a Kansas tradition. C. Competition and Takeover in Plant Communities and the Removal of Invasive Species Plant communities must be continually assessed to understand the changes in

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species proportionality, native species abundance, and total species richness. Negative correlation patterns between Big Bluestem and species richness may indicate problems in competition and takeover during the restoration process (Heslinga 2010). Some of the invasive and competitive plant species afflicting Prairie Acre include: Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis) and Spindle (Euonymus europaeus). These invasive plants will cause a ‘blanket’ type effect that smothers other plant species and reduce their sunlight capacity, propelling the deterioration of native plant communities (Bahm, 2011). The removal of undesirable species should occur during winter and early spring and can be done both before and after the prescribed burning application. We recommend that weeding of invasive or undesirable species be done by hand or with a small garden spade by digging gently around the plant near the root system, pulling as much of the roots up with the plant as possible. Once the undesirable plant is removed, any excess, loose soil on the roots should be shaken or wiped off by hand back into the same area that the plant was removed from. To avoid removing any desirable native plants, it is vital that the identification of target invasive species is done accurately and, if there is any doubt as to which plants should be weeded, seek the aid of Professors Bob Hagen or Kelly Kindscher. This method of invasive species removal will be most effective for any herbaceous and flowering plant species found at Prairie Acre such as Spindle, but will not be a practical method when attempting to remove exotic grasses, such as Fescue and Smooth brome. Prescribed Burning is of paramount importance to the success of the Prairie Acre restoration because of its effectiveness in quickly eradicating unwanted exotic grasses and creating an environment that will give native desirable species a competitive advantage in plant community reestablishment.

Low seed germination rates from less conservative plant species can be responsible for species dominance as well. This can result from both water surplus and drought among other conditions. The restoration of Prairie Acre will focus primarily on transplanting than obtaining seed for mass dispersal. This is due to the fact that transplanting species from a controlled environment has a much higher success rate than simple seed dispersal (Hillhouse, 2011). Wildflowers in particular have a much lower germination rate than grasses and so we suggest propagating plant species in the KU greenhouse located at Haworth Hall. This should be done in early April prior to transplanting. A multitude of native plants should be used in this process with a focus on wildflowers and aesthetically pleasing species.

Prairies tend to be more prosperous adjacent to crop fields and remnant prairies. These areas create a buffer zone from pollution and runoff that will affect plant diversity negatively. The effects of the roads to the south (Sunnyside Ave.) and west (Sunflower Rd.) may not have a dramatic impact on a restoration, because runoff from their surface flows almost entirely away from Prairie Acre. Prairie Acre is also

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raised from these roads, shielding it from pollution and littering concerns. We suggest that the rock wall be kept in place along the roadways in any expansion projects. In addition, the steep slope from the rock wall to the edge of Sunnyside Ave. should remain planted with prairie grasses, as it is an intricate part of providing a buffer from the roadway. This will create a better opportunity for diversity within the rock wall, where restoration will be focused.

D. Soil Nutrient Management A five year study on the effects of fertilizer addition on prairies concluded that successful prairie restoration should limit the availability of nitrogen as a management strategy (Rothrock, 2003). Nitrogen addition can increase the growth of weedy plants during the important stage of native plant establishment. Prairie Acre is susceptible to nitrogen fertilizer runoff from other KU landscaping areas and so the restoration should collaborate with the Facilities and Operations Management to limit nitrogen runoff on and promote native plant growth. In addition to managing the amount of nitrogen present in the Acre, one can also turn to alternative methods, such as the addition of carbon to the soil. This practice has been documented a few times with very positive impacts. Increased soil carbon may deprive weeds of much-needed nitrogen as well as promote the growth of native prairie plants as well. In one study, prairie biomass grew sevenfold, while the weed population in the area was cut in half (Blumenthal et al. 2003). The management of soil nutrients may play a key role in the restoration of Prairie Acre. E. Assessing Restoration Progress The ultimate goal of any restoration attempt is to increase ecological quality and productivity through biodiversity. According to a review of all restoration studies (468) published during the first 11 years of the journal Restoration Ecology, most studies assessed measure of 1) diversity: the richness and abundance of organisms within different trophic levels and functional groups; 2) vegetation structure: vegetative cover, woody plant density, biomass, or vegetation profiles; and 3) ecological processes: nutrient cycling and biological interactions (Ruiz-Jaen 2005). The evaluation of diversity, vegetation structure, and ecological processes can reflect the recovery trajectory and self-maintenance of restored ecosystems. One major component of the Prairie Acre Restoration plan is to forge a commitment between KU Faculty and Students to record and monitor the changes and management techniques practiced on the site. Collaborative and practical

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involvement between students, faculty, administration, and staff will determine the success of the restoration. Continued monitoring by conducting annual species surveys will help assess and gauge the efficacy of the restoration efforts and will help to shape and solidify future management techniques for those involved in the project. F. Future Management Procedures Lack of proper management has led to the degradation of the quality of Prairie Acre. University management with Facilities & Operations currently includes mowing the Acre once a year, which is an acceptable, but not preferred technique for promoting a sustainable, healthy, and diverse population of native plants. A series of management recommendations for Prairie Acre are outlined in the Landscape Treatment Zones section of the KU Campus Heritage Plan proposed in 2008:

1. Restore the dry-laid wall. 2. Preserve the mowed boundary around the exterior to express a clear edge

and sense of the preservation of a sacred remnant. 3. Restore a diversity of plant species habitat to pre-European settlement era. 4. Pursue a burning program for the prairie grasses. 5. Preserve the alignment of the path downhill from Black Hall. 6. Preserve the triangle of green space to the south, along Sunflower Road. 7. Consider interpretive signage, which should be kept discreet and at least 10

feet from the stone wall. Do not add signs within the stone wall. (Design and Construction Management, 2008)

This section of the KU Campus Heritage Plan was originally proposed in 2008 and revised in 2011. These steps are also included and expanded upon in the ‘The Prairie Acre Restoration Plan’. One future addition to the Prairie Acre site that is highly recommended by our group, but not listed in the Heritage Plan, includes adding one or two park style benches or picnic tables made out of reclaimed lumber that could accommodate students and visitors who wish to spend leisurely time at the Prairie Acre site. Ensure proper management of Prairie Acre by meeting with the Design and Construction Management and the Facilities and Operations Services at KU to discuss these procedures as well as making sure management practices are properly executed.

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G. Possible Expansion of Prairie Acre Currently, the Prairie ‘Acre’ is not a full acre of land. It is actually about .35 acres or 15000 square feet (Image 3.1). We propose that this area be expanded into land that is currently available for such a project. A larger area of tallgrass prairie will be able to support more species and therefore will be more sustainable. Currently, there exists an unused triangle of land to the south of Prairie Acre approximately one acre in size that is a great candidate for an expansion of Prairie Acre (Image 3.2). However, the expansion to this southern triangular of land may prove difficult. The area contains Bermuda grass that is invasive and contains hardy rhizomes. The eradication of this grass may require continual herbicide, tilling procedures and burning. If restored however, this area has the potential to be an attractive, unique, and captivating entrance to the University campus for the public and student body. Another area for potential expansion lies to the east. This expansion area to would involve tilling procedures to break up the current seed bed then replanting of native grasses and forbs. An expansion of Prairie Acre on the southern and eastern boundaries has potential in the near future and correlates our goals of providing educational, ecological, aesthetic, etc. benefits at Prairie Acre. Expansion of the existing Prairie Acre will not only make our campus more attractive, but will also decrease a lot of the landscaping costs. An expansion could include also walkway, signage, and public outreach opportunities with the added benefits of highlighting sustainability initiatives here at the University of Kansas.

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4. Future Use

A fully restored Prairie Acre will not only offer numerous ecological benefits to KU campus, but many future uses and benefits to KU students, faculty, and the Lawrence community. Expansion and development of Prairie Acre could further increase these possibilities. A. Hands-On Education and Fieldwork The restoration of Prairie Acre will provide a prime opportunity for hands-on education and fieldwork at the University of Kansas. Many faculty members have already expressed interest in working with Prairie Acre, including a potential prairie restoration course at KU offered by Dr. Kindscher and on-campus fieldwork for Dr. Hagen’s Field Ecology students. Biology and Environmental Studies students could benefit from outdoor education opportunities in Prairie Acre while simultaneously working as maintenance and monitoring teams to care for the future preservation of the Acre. Restoration and reclamation progress data for Prairie Acre could be incorporated into existing classes such as statistics, Environmental History, or Environmental Policy. The Environmental Studies Department could also offer independent research scholarships to encourage interdisciplinary research projects concerning Prairie Acre. Design students could experiment with materials like milkweed fiber from the acre to create innovative new textiles. Biology students could conduct independent research projects over insect and plant communities in the acre. Architecture students could plan an outlook structure or viewpoint platform above the acre. Potential expansion of Prairie Acre could offer an opportunity for students from the School of Architecture, Design & Planning to collaborate with students from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences to ensure that the project is ecologically sound, easily accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Opportunities for on-campus research, interactive education and interdisciplinary research accompanying the Prairie Acre Restoration Project are endless.

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B. Campus Aesthetics Restoration of Prairie Acre would also create a unique appeal and campus aesthetic that pays homage to our native Kansas roots. Prairie Acre would highlight KU’s heritage and Midwest identity while actively showcasing the University’s regional pride, appreciation and commitment to preservation of tallgrass prairie ecosystems. A concerted effort to preserve Prairie Acre would deviate from traditional landscaping techniques to demonstrate the low maintenance advantages of maintaining a natural landscape on campus. Potential conflicts may arise from traditional preferences concerning KU landscaping. Currently, nonnative plants are the normal aesthetic of KU campus, while native plants are considered out of place and unsightly. Reviving an awareness of natural beauty and regional aesthetic will restore native landscapes and native pride at KU. Including Prairie Acre on guided campus tours could serve as a perfect example of the sustainable values and unique educational experiences that KU has to offer prospective students. C. Master Plan Accordance The 2014-2024 Campus Master Plan outlines the interdisciplinary approach to furthering KU’s values, principles, and goals. Much of the Master Plan is in accordance with the goals outlined by the University’s strategic plan from 2012, Bold Aspirations. The overlapping goals of the university can be achieved by implementing strategic initiatives encompassing these four themes. 1. Sustaining the Planet, Powering the World 2. Promoting Well-being, Finding Cures 3. Building Communities, Expanding opportunities 4. Harnessing Information, Multiplying Knowledge (Campus Master Plan, 2014) Restoring Prairie Acre to its full potential will achieve more than just a better landscape. Prairie Acre is included as a “critical open space” in a broad diagram of campus that will meet future goals of Sustainable Land Use and Growth Patterns. Prairie Acre is included as a “potentially individually eligible landscape” for the historic district of campus in the Master Plan. By restoring Prairie Acre, we hope to increase the respect it deserves as a landscape and historic resource (Campus Master Plan, 2014). D. Public Recreational Opportunities Restoration of Prairie Acre would create possibilities for outdoor recreation, public education, and enjoyment. Prairie Acre could educate the public on edible and medicinal plants, such as soapweed, lamb’s quarter, ground cherry, prairie turnip, prickly pear, chokecherry, tomatillos, sunflower, indigo, milkweed, Echinacea and Culver’s root, yarrow and yellow coneflower (pictured below) and offer

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opportunities for small-scale harvesting. The plant diversity in Prairie Acre does not need to be strictly medicinal, either; plenty of aesthetically-pleasing wildflowers would add diversity and color to the surrounding landscape. Prairie Acre could also serve as an alternative campus commons where students could enjoy the great outdoors. If restored, the Prairie Acre could be added to the KU campus list of beautiful outdoor spots with Potter’s Lake and Marvin’s Grove. Finally, increased public awareness of Prairie Acre’s historic and ecologic significance could draw attention to KU and tallgrass prairie preservation as a historic landmark and regional field trip destination. Prairie Acre is far more than a patch of grass; it is an icon of KU history, a marker of Midwest pride in tallgrass prairie, and a reminder of local environmental responsibility. The Prairie Acre Restoration Project offers an opportunity to set a precedent of wise land management on KU campus and encourage the preservation of native ecosystems across the Midwest. The restoration project also offers an interactive opportunity to educate community members about their local ecology. For the University of Kansas, Prairie Acre offers students an opportunity to take pride in Kansas history, take responsibility for their environment, and take initiative for their education.

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5. References / Works Cited

Allen, Leslie "Prairie Revival: Researchers Put Restoration to the Test". Science

News Vol. 172 No. 24 (Dec. 15, 2007): 376-377. Bahm, Matt A. "Herbicide and Fire Effects on Smooth Brome and Kentucky Bluegrass

in Invaded Prairie Remnants." Review. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4.2 (2011): 189-97. Print.

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Appendix 1: Seed Collection List Species Name Common Name Special Interest Achillea millefolium common yarrow medicine

Allium canadense meadow garlic food, medicine

Amorpha canescens leadplant food, medicine

Andropogon gerardii big bluestem fiber, medicine

Antennaria neglecta field pussy's-toes medicine

Arnoglossum plantagineum tuberous Indian-plantain Artemisia ludoviciana white sagebrush medicine, ceremonial, fiber

Asclepias amplexicauliis blunt-leaf milkweed Asclepias meadii Mead's milkweed Asclepias stenophylla narrow-leaf milkweed Asclepias syriaca* common milkweed medicine, food, fiber

Asclepias tuberosa* butterfly milkweed medicine

Asclepias verticillata whorled milkweed medicine Asclepias viridiflora green milkweed food, medicine Asclepias viridis spider milkweed Astragalus crassicarpus* groundplum milkvetch food, medicine Baptisia alba* white wild indigo medicine Baptisia australis* blue wild indigo dye, medicine Baptisia bracteata longbract wild indigo Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats grama ceremonial Brickellia eupatorioides False bonset medicine Buchnera americana* American bluehearts Calylophus serrulatus* plains yellow evening-primrose Carex brevior short-beak sedge Carex bushii Bush's sedge Carex gravida heavy sedge Carex meadii Mead's sedge Ceanothus herbaceus* inland ceanothus medicine Chamaecrista fasciculata* partridge pea Cirsium undulatum* wavy-leaf thistle food, medicine Comandra umbellata bastard toadflax dye, food, medicine Coreopsis palmata finger coreopsis Dalea candida* white prairie clover food, medicine Dalea purpurea* purple prairie clover food, medicine Delphinium carolinianum* Carolina larkspur Desmanthus illinoensis* Illinois bundle-flower medicine

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Species Name (cont.) Common Name (cont.) Special Interest (cont.) Desmodium sessilifolium* sessile-leaf tickclover Dichanthelium acuminatum tapered rosette grass Dichanthelium linearfolium slim-leaf dichanthelium Dichanthelium oligosanthes Heller's rosette grass Digitaria cognata fall witch grass Echinacea atrorubens* Topeka purple-coneflower Echinacea pallida* round-head bush-clover medicine Elymus canadensis* violet bush-clover medicine, food Erigeron strigosus* slender bush-clover medicine Eryngium yuccifolium* button gayfeather medicine, ceremonial Erythronium mesochoreum* western dotted gayfeather Eupatorium altissimum tall joe-pye-weed Euphorbia corollata* flowering spurge medicine Euthamia gymnospermoides sticky euthamia Fimbristylis puberula hairy fimbry Fragaria virginiana Virginia strawberry food, medicine Gentiana puberulenta* downy gentian Glandularia canadensis* rose vervain Helianthus mollis* ashy sunflower Helianthus pauciflorus* stiff sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides* smooth oxeye medicine Hesperostipa spartea* porcupine grass fiber Hieracium longipilum long-beard hawkweed Hypoxis hirsuta hairy yellow star-lily medicine Juncus interior inland rush Koeleria macrantha prairie June grass fiber, medicine, food Lespedeza capitata* round-head bush-clover food, medicine Lespedeza violacea* violet bush-clover Lespedeza virginica* slender bush-clover Liatris aspera* button gayfeather food, medicine Liatris punctata* western dotted gayfeather food, medicine Liatris pycnostachya* prairie blazing star Linum sulcatum grooved flax Lithospermum canescens hoary gromwell dye, food, medicine Lithospermum incisum* plains gromwell medicine, food, dye Lobelia spicata pale-spike lobelia Mimosa nuttallii Nuttall's sensitive-briar Mirabilis albida tall cinquefoil

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Species Name (cont.) Common Name (cont.) Special Interest (cont.) Monarda bradburiana* old-field cinquefoil Muhlenbergia frondosa rough rattlesnake-root Nothoscordum bivalve narrow-leaf scurf-pea Oenothera speciosa narrow-leaf mountain-mint Oligoneuron rigidum* upright prairie-coneflower medicine Ophioglossum engelmannii limestone adder's-tongue Oxalis violacea* violet wood-sorrel food, medicine Packera plattensis prairie ragwort Panicum virgatum switchgrass Paspalum setaceum thin paspalum Pedicularis canadensis* Canadian lousewort medicine Pediomelum esculentum bread-root scurf-pea food, medicine Penstemon cobaea* cobaea beardtongue Penstemon digitalis* smooth beardtongue medicine Phlox pilosa* downy phlox medicine Physalis longifolia longleaf groundcherry food Physalis pumila prairie ground-cherry Platanthera praeclara* prairie fringed orchid Polytaenia nuttallii Nuttall's prairie-parsley medicine Potentilla arguta tall cinquefoil medicine Potentilla simplex old-field cinquefoil Prenanthes aspera rough rattlesnake-root medicine Psoralidium tenuiflorum narrow-leaf scurf-pea medicine, fiber Pycnanthemum tenuifolium narrow-leaf mountain-mint Ratibida columnifera* upright prairie-coneflower food, medicine Ratibida pinnata* gray-head prairie-coneflower Rosa arkansana* Arkansas rose food, medicine, smoke Ruellia humilis fringe-leaf ruellia Salvia azurea* blue sage medicine Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem medicine, fiber Scleria triglomerata whip nut-rush Senna marilandica Maryland senna medicine Setaria parviflora knot-root bristle grass Silphium integrifolium* wholeleaf rosinweed medicine Silphium laciniatum* compassplant medicine, food, ceremonial Sisyrinchium campestre* prairie blue-eyed-grass Solanum carolinense Carolina horse-nettle medicine

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Species Name (cont.) Common Name (cont.) Special Interest (cont.) Solidago missouriensis* Missouri goldenrod Solidago speciosa* showy goldenrod medicine Sorghastrum nutans yellow Indian grass Spiranthes lacera* northern slender lady's tresses Sporobolus compositus rough dropseed Sporobolus heterolepsis prairie dropseed medicine Symphyotrichum ericoides* heath aster medicine Symphyotrichum oolentangiense*

skyblue aster

Symphyotrichum praealtum* willow-leaf aster Tomanthera auriculata* ear-leaf hairy-foxglove Tradescantia ohiensis* Ohio spiderwort Tripsacum dactyloides eastern gamagrass medicine Verbena stricta hoary vervain medicine Vernonia baldwinii* Baldwin's ironweed Veronicastrum virginicum* Culver's-root medicine Viola pedatifida* prairie violet

Seed Collection List: This list comprises the 127 species for potential collection and planting in the Prairie Acre restoration. While we would like to target all these species, realistically the restoration effort would do well with half. The list includes a diverse array of grasses and forbs with different ecological functions, as well as human uses. Particularly showy forbs are indicated with an *. Data for special interest plants were obtained using Kelly Kindscher’s Native Ethnobotanical Database