Prairie

Prairie is an ecosystem dominated by grasses and wildflowers with few trees or shrubs. Prairie once covered the central 1/3 of our continent from Indiana to the Rockies. Prairie plants, with roots penetrating to 10 or 15 feet, are adapted to the midsummer droughts of this region. The Reserve's 60-acre prairie is being established to represent this once-vast ecosystem where 30 million majestic bison roamed. Prairie plants are introduced by direct seeding and greenhouse-grown transplants. The tall grasses, reaching as high as 10 feet into the sky, remind us of the ocean as they wave in a gentle breeze. Over 70 species of wildflowers bloom in the prairie beginning in May and ending in October. The leaves, stalks, and blossoms of these wildflowers present a fascinating variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Some species, such as goldenrod, spread across the prairie in brightly colored masses.

The Trail House Loop road winds through several prairies.  At the Gardenway Bus Stop, #14 on the SNR map , a one-half-mile walk up prairie trail will take you to the observation deck.

SNR's prairie has moderate to gentle slopes with a grove of trees and a pond in the northern part. The low area near Brush Creek contains many species of plants found in wet prairies. An observation deck on the highest elevation provides an exhilarating view of the multicolored prairie and the surrounding rolling hills. From here one can picture the pioneer wagons winding through the tall grasses on their way to settle the new land.