Garrettsville – What’s with all the dead brown grass on the JAG campus? With the rainfall we’ve had it’s certainly not drought related but rather the beginning of something new and exciting to benefit our students, community and environment. Earlier this summer, school district staff approached local conservation professionals to determine how the school district might lead their students by example to better serve the environment by means of reducing mowing and increasing wildlife habitat. It was suggested by local resident Adam Wohlever, Regional Preserve Manager with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), to initially allow unused open areas to naturally “grow back” what is referred to as natural succession. However, the discussion evolved into a more focused idea of not only increasing green space and habitat but also providing opportunity for educational and physical development for students, staff and the community. A final goal was envisioned, that being the establishment of a native plant prairie with an ADA accessible trail and interpretive signage on the school campus.
The decision to proceed with such a unique project within the community and, namely, on the campus was largely made due to the recent work at the school by another local conservationist Lynn Vogel, Storm Water Educator with the Portage County Soil & Water Conservation District (PCSWCD). Lynn has been instrumental in helping to educate JAG students on the importance of conservation by leading hikes, planting native plants, establishing a rain garden and, most recently, improving a small woodland trail on the school property. Lynn is a key partner in this project, providing expert technical assistance and seeking out grant funding to secure the necessary supplies and services to bring this project to fruition.
This is almost entirely a volunteer-based project which is not limited to just a few people but has gained support from other local, state and national conservation agencies through technical advice and offerings to donate seed. Establishing a prairie is no small task, and assistance from others is essential for success, as well as keeping the cost at a minimum. Currently there is no cost other than potential grant match, if required, that would be incurred by the school district for this project.
The project site is currently being prepared for a late fall seeding when the soil temperatures approach 50 degrees F. The seed will be sown using a seed drill to ensure good contact between seed and soil. A broadcast application of seed over light snow may also occur in addition to the planting of more mature plant plugs in the spring, all activities which students will be encouraged to participate in or observe. A cover crop of rye has also been considered to help fix soil nutrients and reduce erosion while the prairie plants establish. Establishing prairie plants takes time and patience. Most species, aside from a few forbs and grasses, will not be visible for up to 2-3 years after planting. But once the plants do bloom, they will display a wide range of color not only aesthetically pleasing to our eyes but also providing beneficial food and cover for birds, mammals and especially insects.
The declining status of pollinators, including bees and butterflies and their associated habitat, has gained worldwide awareness over the last several years. Here in Ohio the state has begun the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative to bring schools, landowners, communities, business and conservationists together to promote and propagate habitat crucial to the survival of these organisms, which are a vital component within the food web and essential to our survival.
As the prairie develops and throughout its establishment, students will be given a unique opportunity to interact with their environment in a “land-lab” setting, develop critical thinking skills applicable to ecology, appreciate the beauty of our natural world and achieve physical exercise along the trail. It is our hope that this will be another ecological gem in our already amazing community. For further information, please contact the James A. Garfield Local School District administrative offices.
