Front Field Education Area

Resources in the front field include a number of constructed habitats and natural plantings that are used for educational programs

Creeks and wetlands - Water from hillside seeps and storm water flows into constructed creeks that end in a pair of constructed wetlands. Wetlands and “rain gardens” are an important way to control erosion and flooding, and create habitat for animals that rely on water for part of or all of their life cycle.

Dry Prairie - what is now Mount St. John was described by Israel Ludlow in his 1802 survey of the Land Between the Miamis. Wet prairies were found in the front field, but excavations in the Miami Valley Research Park diverted the flow of groundwater. MEEC has established dry prairie in their place. Scattered fire tolerant bur and shingle oaks create savanna like habitats.

Demonstration plantings - examples of landscaping with native forbs and grasses.

Native plant nursery - MEEC propagates more than 140 native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs used to restore habitats at Mount St. John and surrounding natural areas, and for sale to the public. The nursery contains about 50 bedded perennials that bloom between May and October.

Community garden - MSJ community members, volunteers and friends of MEEC maintain 30 vegetable plots. Most use organic techniques, including cover cropping and composting to improve soil structure. Heirloom seeds are also tested in the garden.

Solar Array - Completed in June 2023, the 854 kW solar array makes MSJ net zero for electricity on an annual basis.  The area is a special place showing that technology and the environment are integrated—for example, native prairie grasses have been planted to fill in the array, fencing has been set up off the ground so that small animals can pass through, and the panel racking naturally provides habitat for nesting birds.