NPS Photo

Reed canary grass, a European invasive species, forms thick stands in the prairie that crowds out native grasses.

Attempts to restore a native tallgrass prairie have dominated natural resource management actions since 1971. Nonnative plants and woody vegetation continue to degrade sections of the prairie. Scientific inventories and monitoring of plant communities plus management with prescribed fire and other methods can help to control invasive and exotic species.

Land uses surrounding the prairie and the proximity of ornamental plantings contribute to invasions of exotic species. Reed canary grass and shrubs have become abundant along the creek banks and in rills of the prairie. In areas that are diverse and well-populated with native grasses and forbs, natural competition coupled with fire management appears to be sustaining native plants. Seed collection and manual redistribution after a fire may increase prairie plant distribution.