| Metro Parks began a prairie restoration project in 1976. Starting with a small quantity of seeds that were collected and sown by hand in prepared plots, the program continues to grow each year. Today, seed is collected by harvesting equipment, cleaned and then planted with a seed drill.
Metro Parks has restored over 350 acres of Darby Plains Prairies in the Battelle Darby Creek and Prairie Oaks Metro Parks. Park staff collected the original seed from scattered prairie plants along railways and undisturbed farm fields. These were the last remaining plants from the more than 380 square miles of the Darby Plains Prairies that once covered the landscape of west Central Ohio. Today, several locations where prairie seeds were once found have been destroyed. Only a few small native remnant sites remain.
Fire is often used to help maintain and promote the health of Metro Parks' restored and natural prairies. In late winter and early spring, before wildlife become active and plants emerge from the ground, prescribed fires are carefully set. Burning the dried remains of the previous year's growth benefits new plants. Fire darkens the soil which absorbs the sun's heat, removes dry plant material that blocks growth, and returns vital nutrients to the soil. Historically, fires resulting from natural lightning strikes and the burning of prairies by Native Americans helped stimulate new growth.
View the prairies at their peak bloom in July and August by visiting the remnant and restoration areas at Battelle Darby Creek and Prairie Oaks Metro Parks. Also visit the following parks for smaller demonstration prairie gardens: Blacklick Woods, Sharon Woods, Slate Run. |
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