Every year, on the 3rd Saturday in September, Nachusa Grasslands puts on the Autumn On The Prairie festival. This tradition started in 1988 with only a couple tents and a few dozen visitors. This year's festival boasted many vendors and attracted over 900 visitors. Walking and riding tours went out throughout the day and the site was filled with activities for all ages. Lunch was catered by Oliver's Corner Market. Bison tours, such as the one above, went out from the site all day. The herd put on a good show for one wagon load after another. Walking tours explored many areas of the preserve, including Tellabs Savanna (pictured above). Among the vendors this year were many local artists. From photography to beading, each displayed their unique style and inspiration from the prairie. One tent was devoted to painters. Several gorgeous landscapes, such as the one above, were painted on–site. (Above) A visitor tries the atlatl, an ancient spear–throwing technique, at Alan Harrison's tent where Native American skills were demonstrated. The welcome tent sold 290 t-shirts! Thank you to everyone who was involved with the festival, especially to all the volunteers who put in months of effort to make this event happen every year. We look forward to seeing you all next September! Today's author is Leah Kleiman.
4 Comments
The first time I experienced the bluffs, in what would become Nachusa Grasslands, was fifty years ago. My Boy Scout troop would camp in the woods. The bluffs were a good place to erect a tent and build a fire. Half a century later, these bluffs of my youth are found in the Tellabs Unit of Nachusa Grasslands. "It doesn't seem like we are in Illinois," is a common remark from visitors hiking below or on the bluffs. Four hundred fifty million years ago Illinois was located near the equator and covered by water. In these seas life was abundant. Trilobites, snails, clams, cephalopods and sponges inhabited the waters. As the climate cooled and glaciers formed, land began to emerge. On the shorelines, fine white sands composed largely of quartz accumulated. The sands were made pure by repeated washing in the surf. Shells and other potential fossils were ground up. These sands accumulated to depths of 100 feet or more. Over the last half billion years or so, waters have advanced and receded, glaciers have grown and melted, tectonic activity has moved land masses, and rock and soil have accumulated and eroded. Today the sands deposited during the Ordovician Period of the Paleozoic Era have been compacted, and uplifted as sandstone bluffs. St. Peters Sandstone, named for the St. Peters River in Minnesota, can be found in several areas in Nachusa Grasslands. St. Peters Sandstone is composed of small grains of quartz that are weakly cemented together. It erodes easily and is incorporated into sandy soils. The bluffs are beautiful and support unique plant communities. They form shelters and nesting locations for various animals. St. Peters Sandstone connects us with large and small events that have occurred over long, active periods of time. Oaks grow in soils abundant with sands that once were moved by jawless, armored fish. Nachusa Grasslands is known best for the restored prairie and bison. Before the bison and the grasses these areas were tilled and planted. On the hillsides beyond the reach of the plow, cattle grazed. Beneath the hooves dormant prairie seeds and roots were nestled in a soil rich in sand. And below the soil rose the bluffs of sandstone. Nachusa is a fertile and diverse place with its roots beneath an ancient sea. Come try the Stone Barn Savanna hike, touch and enjoy the sandstone. Text and Photography by Mark Jordan
First things first: bison or buffalo? Bison is the scientific and more accurate term. Bison are not buffalo, like the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The word "buffalo" has had a long usage on this continent and has accumulated so many layers of cultural resonance that it has also become an acceptable term. There have been many ancient ancestors to our modern bison. Possibly arriving on the continent during one of the ice ages, Bison priscus, or steppe bison, may have originated in Siberia. Perhaps here as early as 600,000 years or as late as 300,000 years ago, B. priscus was larger than the modern bison, measuring at the shoulder about six and a half feet. B.priscus' horns were about one and a half feet in length. After B. priscus died out, Bison latifrons became dominant. This bison was approximately 20 percent larger than modern bison, standing over 8 feet in height, with 7 foot horns. Bulls may have weighed as much as 4,000 pounds. It is the largest bovid ever found. This species was mainly located in the western part of the continent and may have arrived here 300,000 years ago. Following B. latifrons was Bison antigus, much smaller bodied with smaller horns. This is the most common large herbivore found in the La Brea tar pits. They existed here for only about 12,000 years, to be replaced by Bison occidentalis. Again, notable for a smaller size than previous species, with horns that pointed upwards and not forward, B. occidentalis occupied the continent for some 5,000 years. Bison bison, the modern bison, is the smallest bison species to ever occupy North America but is also the most prolific. Arriving between 12,000 to 10,000 years ago, estimates as to number have varied over the years, but scientists now agree that about 30 million bison roamed over the Great Plains, a vast grassland formed after the last ice age about 10,000 years ago. By the time of European settlement, B. bison were found in all parts of the present United States, except for the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, grazing in open grasslands around the edges of forests. It was in the 19th Century that bison numbers dwindled down to almost extinction level. Reasons for this are varied and are still debated by scientists. Climate change was a factor, with long periods of drought affecting the grasslands. The settlement of the West reduced grassland habitat. European reintroduction of the horse to the continent greatly improved the efficiency with which native tribes hunted the animal. In 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed, while the next year a new tanning process was developed that made bison hide much more pliable. With the new tanning process and an efficient means to get the hides to market, the demand for buffalo hides exploded. It is estimated that as many as 5,000 hide hunters, armed with the latest in firearm technology, descended on the plains, killing millions of bison. This may or may not have been sanctioned by the military, looking for ways to keep hostile tribes in check by diminishing their food supply. This is a controversial topic, not resolved presently. On the other hand, it was in the 19th Century that measures began to be taken to protect bison. In 1872, Yellowstone was made the country's first national park, with a population of bison grazing its grasslands. In 1894 the Lacey Yellowstone Protection Bill was passed to protect all wildlife in the park, including the last 25 wild bison of Yellowstone. In 1905, the American Bison Society, composed of politically powerful men, was founded to help save the bison and make the public aware of their dire situation. Teddy Roosevelt, then President of the the United States, was made honorary president of the society. This was followed in 1908 by the creation of the National Bison Range in Montana, established to protect wild bison from extinction. These measures of protection led to a number of growing wild herds. More recently, The Nature Conservancy has taken steps to insure the continuation of wild bison herds roaming free in restored prairie habitat. Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota has maintained genetically pure (no cattle genes) bison but can only sustain 500 animals. Partnering with Lame Johnny Creek Ranch, a privately owned ranch in South Dakota, The Nature Conservancy maintains a herd originally from Wind Cave, to increase the genetically pure bison at "satellite" sites in various locations. These bison can now be found at Broken Kettle Preserve in Iowa, Dunn Ranch in Missouri, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Joliet, Illinois, and our own Nachusa Grasslands. On May 9, 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law the National Bison Legacy Act, making bison the United States' National Mammal. It is a hopeful sign that a mammal that once ranged freely across the entire continent in the millions, and then was almost lost to extinction, is once again making a comeback.
You too can be part of the legacy of protection by supporting organizations that protect their habitat. Visit http://www.nachusagrasslands.org/donate.html to see how you can help. __________________________________ Sources Lott, Dale F. American Bison: A Natural History. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2002. Flores, Dan. American Serengeti: the Last of the Big Animals. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2016. Savage, Candace. Prairie: A Natural History. Vancouver, B.C.: David Suzuki Foundation, 2004. The Nature Conservancy. "Putting Bison Back on the Prairie." (2016). Retrieved from: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northdakota/explore/putting-bison-back-on-the-prairie.xml. ____________________________________ This week's blog was written by Charles Larry, a volunteer and photographer at Nachusa. To see more of his images, visit charleslarryphotography.zenfolio.com. Of course I am speaking about Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), a non–native plant Nachusa Grasslands stewards and volunteers remove from the prairie! At first glance, the Queen Anne's lace is lovely, with its elegant white flower head and delicate, fern–like leaves. In addition, as you walk amongst a stand of Queen Anne's, you are greeted with a wonderful carrot aroma, hence the plant's "Wild Carrot" nickname.
While enjoying some lively camaraderie, some volunteers used a spade to remove the Queen Anne's, but most of us just used our muscles and determination to pull them out. After all the rain we have had, the roots easily released from the prairie soil. What a joy to work hard all morning, surrounded by beautiful scenery and the quiet sounds of nature! Yes, the work can be physical (as much as you choose), but there are some wonderful benefits. There are days in the field when I look up from my task, only to enjoy a herd of bison grazing in the distance. A beautiful bird may perch on a prairie plant near me to sing me a sweet song. As I worked with this amazing group of people, I could feel the stress of my everyday life just melt away. I know Nachusa calls it a workday, but every time I volunteer it is actually a "fun day" for me, filled with a lot of good–natured banter (and great snacks!). Since first discovering Nachusa in 2012, I try to return weekly to volunteer. The prairie is like a big garden to me and boy, do I love to garden! The kind, respectful community of volunteers this preserve attracts, as well as the the wonderful fellowship we share together, also draws me. I love building relationships with these new friends and professionals interested in land conservation. I have gained many new skills and feel my efforts are greatly appreciated and really make a difference. As always, it was wonderful to be a part of the workday and admire the immediate results of all our efforts together. I left that day, with a feeling of euphoria, amazed at what we had accomplished as a group.
Come join us! I promise you a rewarding experience! The blog this week was written by Dee Hudson, a volunteer and photographer for Nachusa. To see more prairie images, visit her website at www.deehudsonphotography.com.
Text and Photography by Mark Jordan
Nachusa has an incredibly diverse plant population which can be appreciated from very early spring to late fall. Some of these plants are spectacular for a variety of reasons: some are rare, some are not common to Nachusa, and some call attention when they blanket the landscape. ![]() Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) blooms in the woodlands in early spring. Its white blossoms provide a beautiful contrast to the dry, brown leaves left on the forest floor from the previous fall. ![]() Birdsfoot Violet (Viola pedata lineariloba) is a rather rare plant, preferring dry, sandy soils. It blooms in spring and occurs in several places at Nachusa. Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon meadia) have an unusual structure and delicate beauty, which can be observed in spring throughout the grasslands. ![]() Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthea leucophaea) is a truly rare plant, listed as endangered. They like moist areas and bloom in early summer in only a few spots at Nachusa. ![]() Fringed Gentian (Gentiana procera) also likes wet, moist areas. It is a late summer bloomer and with its deep blue/purple color it is always a delightful surprise when found. Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra) is rare at Nachusa, occurring in only a few places. It is one of the most spectacular plants blooming in summer if you're lucky enough to discover them. Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) and Foxglove Beard Tongue (Penstemon digitalis) are common plants at the grasslands. They are quite spectacular when seen in mass and definitely have the "wow" factor. Today's blog was created by Charles Larry, a Nachusa photographer and volunteer. To see more of his images go to: charleslarryphotography.zenfolio.com
Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)With its sharp coppery–orange cone spikes and its purple–pink drooping petals, this attractive native flower is a favorite on the prairie. Coneflowers thrive in our sandy–loam soils and are especially plentiful the summer after a prescribed fire. They can bloom within two years of planting and provide a marvelous sight while other flowers species are still maturing. BERNIE BUCHHOLZ Volunteer steward Nachusa Grasslands The pale purple coneflower is a very showy flower, especially when planted in mass or with other flowers of contrasting color. This view looks eastward over the Gobbler Ridge unit at Clear Creek Knolls. Volunteer stewards, Bernie & Cindy Buchholz, planted this stretch of prairie in 2011. To read more about their decade of successful restorations, scroll to page 3 in the 2015 Prairie Smoke, the annual stewardship report for Nachusa Grasslands. After 10 years of meticulous clearing, harvesting, planting, and invasive weed control, Gobbler Ridge and the Fame Flower unit are among the preserve’s highest quality restorations. KIRK HALLOWELL Volunteer steward Nachusa Grasslands Many wildlife species benefit from the pale purple coneflower. The nectar in the blooms attract insects, such as butterflies and many native bees, while the birds (particularly Goldfinches) enjoy the seeds in the cone. Hiking is encouraged throughout the Gobbler Ridge unit, with access from the Clear Creek Knolls parking lot. To find the entrance, look along the east side of Lowden Road, just south of Flagg Road. Hike east along the mowed lanes or walk into the prairie off–trail. Before hiking off–trail, you may want to read “What to expect off–trail” on our Hiking Guidelines website page. The Thelma Carpenter unit is another nice spot in the preserve to see coneflowers. This hike is best reached from the visitor kiosk by taking Lowden Road north, then Stone Barn Road east and finally south on Carthage Road. There is pull–off parking in the grass. Please do not block any gates or roads. Hike along the mowed trails or hike up the hill (no trail) from the entrance sign. Visit our Hiking Destinations website page for more information. Enjoy this early summer native flower! Today’s author is Dee Hudson, a photographer and volunteer for Nachusa Grasslands. To see more prairie images, visit her website at www.deehudsonphotography.com.
Every summer Nachusa hires a seasonal crew to tackle weed season. The crew will spend all day spraying, spading, and pulling invasive weeds as well as doing every other odd job. This year's six individuals have already proved themselves to be hardworking and enthusiastic. Looks like it's going to be a productive summer! Jessica Fliginger My name is Jessica Fliginger and I recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology. As part of the summer crew, I want to strengthen my plant identification and restoration skill sets, gain valuable field work experience, and explore my ecological interests. Next year, I plan on applying to graduate school and I hope this helps prepare me for that. Katie McBride I attended Northern Illinois University and there I joined the Committee for the Preservation of Wildlife. Then I came out here to the prairie at Nachusa and it was beautiful. Within the next couple of years I worked at Byron Forest Preserve learning more about the prairie ecosystem. I've been fascinated ever since. Brandon Anderson I currently attend the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, majoring in Wildlife Ecology. My passion is learning more about big game animals, but I love learning about prairie restoration! The reason I am at Nachusa Grasslands is to get great on–the–job–experience for future jobs. Colton Johnson I am a junior at Eureka College pursuing a career in Wildlife Ecology. Nachusa Grasslands offers a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience within the field, which will be useful for the years to come! Phil Nagorny I am an Environmental Studies major at Northern Illinois University and plan to work on the crew for the spring, summer and fall seasons. I have been doing restoration for over three years and look forward to continuing that work here at Nachusa. Kaleb Baker I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology this spring and plan to begin a master's program in Ecology in 2017. At Nachusa, I wish to continue learning from the community and contributing toward their restoration projects. Today's author is Leah Kleiman.
The lupines have been spectacular this year in the Gobbler Ridge Clear Creek Knolls unit. The purple–blue flowers are similar to pea flowers and they cannot be missed as they cover a tall stalk rising from the foliage. Hiking is encouraged throughout this restored prairie, with access and parking found along the east side of Lowden Road, just south of Flagg Road. Hike east from the Clear Creek Knolls parking lot. Follow the lane as it curves north around Fame Flower knob and continue east as far as you can. Now you can probably view patches of the purple–blue spires jutting up throughout the prairie. To see them up–close, you will have to venture off–trail. Before hiking off–trail, you may want to read “What to expect off–trail” on our Hiking Guidelines website page. Keep a look–out for wildlife, as this native flower attracts native bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer might even be seen browsing on the foliage. This is a showy native flower that you do not want to miss!
Today’s author is Dee Hudson, a photographer for Nachusa Grasslands. To see more prairie images, visit her website at www.deehudsonphotography.com. Nachusa welcomes the newest member to the herd, a bright rusty-red 40-60 pound calf. The calf was first spotted at 12:40 on Apr. 24 by Susan Kleiman. Yesterday the new calf was easily seen from the visitor entrance, so bring your binoculars and maybe you will spot Nachusa’s newest addition!
Herd total: 75 Today’s blog was brought to you by Charles Larry, a photographer for Nachusa (charleslarryphotography.zenfolio.com). Photos taken 4-25-2016. |
Blog CoordinatorDee Hudson
I am a nature photographer, a freelance graphic designer, and steward at Nachusa's Thelma Carpenter Prairie. I have taken photos for Nachusa since 2012. EditorJames Higby
I have been a high school French teacher, registered piano technician, and librarian. In retirement I am a volunteer historian at Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society. Categories
All
Archives
January 2024
|
CONNECT WITH US |
|