Place

Native Grasslands

A field of native grasses in bloom with blue sky.
Field in bloom of native warm-season grasslands.

NPS/ A. Vrioni

This field is not an unruly mess of weeds but rather a highly specific and functional ecosystem called a native warm-season grassland. Grasslands such as these used to cover much of the Midwest, including some areas of Ohio. Warm-season refers to the fact that these grasses and flowers go to seed later in the summer than conventional hay fields, with peak bloom times in June and July. Why is the park maintaining these grasslands? Grasses were chosen to protect underground archeological resources by preventing erosion. Native warm-season grasslands in this region have greatly decreased over the years due to development and land use change. Grassland nesting birds and pollinators have consequently declined with this habitat loss. The park is working to provide habitat refuges for these and other wildlife species that utilize the food sources and space of these grasslands. 

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Last updated: February 23, 2023