Prairie Management

Prairie from Phelps Park. Photo by Ellen Macdonald

Mowing mimics the action of large herbivores such as bison that used to keep excessive growth under control through their feeding. Mowing was used early in the prairie construction to keep weeds from shading out prairie plants. Within 1 or 2 years the prairie plants began to take over and easily out-competed the weeds. Mowing is usually unnecessary, now that plants are established.

Photo by Ellen Macdonald

Controlled prairie burns remove built up leaf litter from the soil surface so prairie plants can start growing quickly. It also destroys woody invaders and non-native weeds. Native prairie plants have evolved to withstand fire, mainly due to their extensive root systems. The burn also stimulates nutrient cycling.

After the Burn. Photo by Ellen Macdonald

The Decorah Prairie is usually burned in the spring. Residents can ask to be on a call list to be notified when the Prairie will be burned. Contact the Park and Rec office at 563-382-4158

Cup Plant in Fall. Photo by Ellen Macdonald

Black Locust trees have invaded the prairie. These trees have shallow running roots that are stimulated when the existing trees are cut down. Currently chemicals are being tried to control their spread.