SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) - Johnson County is restoring its natural prairies as part of a 10-year natural resources plan aimed at preserving and restoring the nation’s last tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Johnson County Parks and Recreation District is in the first year of a plan to restore and manage 8,700 acres with efforts across the state, nonprofits and government agencies, reported the Kansas News Service. The 10-year plan passed in 2019.
Kansas is currently home to two-thirds of the country’s remaining tallgrass prairie.
“Long-term, the goal is to be managing our woodlands and prairies for less than it costs to mow turf grass,” said Matt Garrett, a field biologist.
He says getting there will take a lot of work, including spraying herbicide to kill invasive plants, physically remove trees and spreading large amount of native seed.
“It took a solid two years for it to not be just weeds,” Garrett said.
“It can be labor intensive and it can be expensive,” said Sara Baer, director of the Kansas Biological Survey. “Some of the most successful prairie restoration efforts have been successful through a lot of volunteer work.”
Aside from professional staff and hired contractors, supporters from local groups and mountain bikers have all played a key role in the restoration. They believe that exposing people to something they would otherwise have to travel to see can help them understand how important natural prairies can be.
“I wouldn’t underestimate the educational value that goes along with it,” Garrett said. “It’s going to be a short field trip for a lot of kids in Johnson County.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.