Above is a depiction of an intact ecosystem; animals, prairie - and
people. The intimacy that nessarily developed between land and people in
this life style is nearly gone along with virtually all the prairie. In
city and suburban areas mono-cultural lawns have replaced native plant
communities. We need to realize that in our attempts to
"maintain" our entire properties, our efforts are accuring
an incalculable loss: natural resources consumption, species extinction,
air, water, soil and light pollution.
People can now regain that connectedness to our planet. Even if we do
not replant entire prairies, wetlands or forests we can
leave areas of our properties unmowed, unmaintained. Mow only as much
lawn as you will make use of and donate the remainder to habitat for two,
four, and even no-legged.
When you decide to take the next step and replant native prairie species,
our catalog can help.
Due to the increased costs of printing and mailing we can no longer place
individuals on our mailing list who simply request a catalog. Individuals
purchasing from Prairie Seed Source will be placed on our two year mailing
list.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We will do our best to
find answers.
Sincerely,
Robert Ahrenhoerster
Prairie Seed Source is dedicated to the preservation and proliferation
of southeastern Wisconsin prairie genotype and related ecosystem members.
The prairie is a unique ecological system. As with all ecosystems, its
parts - climate, soil, plants, and animals - are interrelated and
constantly changing. It is characterized by a plant cover devoid of trees
and dominated by grasses and forbs (perennial wildflowers). Less common
but still important to the prairie are shrubs and sedges (grass-like plants
with triangular stems). Prairie animals are specially adapted to thrive
on grasslands rather than in forests and wetlands.
Prairies were very busy, very productive places, each year converting the
sun's energy into a wild forage crop sufficient to feed, over their
original expanse, 30 million bison. These large herbivores ranged in size
from 40 pound calves to 2,000 pound bulls. Yet the prairie supported a
wider variety of animal life than just bison. There were many species of
mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that were found almost
exclusively on the prairie. It was through the continual recycling of
this large and diverse number of plants and animals, that soil depth and
fertility were gradually built up, making prairie soil some of the richest
in the world.
Adapted from Prairie Primer by Stan Nichold and Lynn Entine, January 1976,
University of Wisconsin Extension.
Prairie plants grow in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. Based
on available moisture, prairie is divided into five types; wet, wet-mesic,
mesic, dry-mesic, and dry. There is no sharp distinction between the
types. One blends into the next. Basic to catagorizing prairie by
moisture is understanding how soil, slope, wind exposure, sun exposure,
and water-table level affect the amount of moisture that becomes available
for a plant's growth. In general, sandy soils and steep south-facing
slopes will support only dry and dry-mesic prairie. Low, flat areas with
high water tables will carry wet and wet-mesic prairie. (Marsh lands with
cattails would be too wet for prairie). Rich, well-drained soils on flat
uplands will grow mesic prairie (most good garden soil is mesic). Some
prairie plants grow in only one prairie type, while others tolerate nearly
all moisture conditions.
Sand prairies or sand barrens, as they are sometimes called, are found on
glacial and alluvial deposits that are made up of 50% or more sand. These
communities are characterized by plant ground covers that range from 15% to
80% of the total surface area. In many sand prairies a large percentage of
the ground cover is comprised of mosses and lichens. These species are
capable of surviving under extreme conditions, yet in some ways they are very
delicate. For example, a person's footprint can destroy the moss ground cover
exposing the underlying sand to wind. As the wind blows over the exposed
sand, it scoops out a hole. Sometimes the hole is scooped out faster than
growing plants can repair it. When this happens a blow-out is formed.
Blowouts can range in size from a few square feet to many acres.
The sand prairie species listed in our catalog are grown on our own
restorations.
Where the prairie met the forests of the eastern United States there was a
broad transition zone composed of a mosaic of prairie, savanna and forest.
Savannas are grassland-forest hybrids, very open forests with less than
twenty mature trees per acre and with an understory of grasses, forbes and
shrubs. In the Midwest the most common kind of savanna was the oak opening.
The trees of the oak opening were most frequently bur oaks, and the
understory, with few exceptions, was prairie plants. Within the seed-species
are several species found only in oak openings. These species are specially
noted.
Prairie Seed Source provides custom bulk seed mixes for sites of ¼ acre and up only in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Mixes for sites of average soil and moisture contain 60 to 80 species.
Mixes for sites with varying moisture and soil might contain 150 species or more.
This kind of diversity is important for a number of reasons
More species give you more flowers and more color throughout the growing season.
Each species fills a niche. The more niches you fill, the less likely it will be that alien/weedy species will fill them.
Southeastern Wisconsin historically had 250 to 300 prairie species in its all its prairies, from wet to dry. Our nicely diverse mixes will produce plantings that come much closer to what the original prairies looked like.
The more diversity you have the better the overall structure of the plant community will be. The better the structure, the more habitat for prairie creatures - from butterflies to birds to the four-legged.
Our seed is all hand picked over the entire period each species' seed ripens.
This ensures you will have the longest blooming period for each species.
Plants from seeds harvested with a combine, by their very nature, are genetically less diverse and hence bloom over a much shorter period than our hand picked seeds.
Our Seed is Southeastern Wisconsin Genotype
When you start your Southeastern Wisconsin prairie, our seed clearly out performs seed from other parts of the state or other states.
Of course this is with an eye on the long term picture; a short series of years does not test the genotype but 100 years will show the marvelous adaption of these plants to their home.
For example, a dry praire that suffered through a series of wet years will stake out its ground during a drought.
Environmental groups, schools and other related groups will enjoy the
presentations offered below. Each presentation is a fact-filled,
color-filled exploration of prairie knowledge and lore. Please contact us.
CHIWAUKEE PRAIRIE:
This program will introduce you to one of the world's most unique prairies.
It will take you from spring to summer then through fall, giving you a
rare opportunity to experience over 70 species in peak bloom.
1 hour 30 minutes
PRAIRIE RESTORATION FOR THE BEGINNER:
Learn how to restore a portion of the prairie plant community in your yard.
Learn why restoring a "true" prairie is impossible. Ideas on site
preparation and preparation, seed/species selection and seeding, first
year maintenance and other facts will be discussed. Techniques and tools
of controlled burns are also included.
2 hours
INSECTS IN THE PRAIRIE AND INSECT FOLKLORE:
Covers the importance of insects/insect diversity. Over 40 species from
ten orders. Learn how to attract them and hear how they came to be --
through lore.
1 hour 30 minutes
We can produce other prairie programs. Contact us with your request.
We present all programs. Programs are not shipped by themselves.
You must be completely satisfied with the condition of your shipment. If
you are not, we will gladly refund to you the purchase price of all items
returned within 30 days of the shipping date.
The seed we offer is representative of southeastern Wisconsin prairie and
is harvested either from our restoration areas or from local natural areas
where permission has been obtained. However, due to the amount of seed
collected, completely clean seed and a guarantee of viability are not
possible.
Germination rates of prairie species can vary greatly. It is part of the
prairie ecosystem to stagger the germination of seeds over a period of
several years. Those seeds that do germinate in the first year may be
easily overlooked as most prairie species put a great deal of their early
growth into their root system rather than producing foliage and/or blooms.
When ordering your seed, first determine the prairie type or types
suitable for your site. The categorizing clues outlined above should help
you identify your site's appropriate type or types. Then refer to the
moisture guide on the right side of the species list.
Our packets are designed primarily for the prairie
garden
or to start under controlled conditions
to use as transplants.
Each packet contains enough seed to yield a seedling coverage appropriate
for that species equal to
ten square feet
(an area just over 3.15' by 3.15').
Most packets of seed are $1.00 EACH
Some species are $2.00 EACH, these are indicated by red text
($2.00 each: ID 11, 12, 13, 64, 66, 69, 163, 165, 168, 169)
Maximum 5 Packets per Species
Bulk Seed Only to Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois
Ship to:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip code:
Go to the following table, enter the numbers of packets you want, and then click the "Send Order" button.
If your email program does not open a send mail window when you click "Send Order" please mail your order.
AOL and Others Sometimes Block Our Form
If your email program does not open a send mail window or
If you do not receive an email reply, please
Mail your order to Prairie Seed Source
P.O. Box 83
North Lake, Wisconsin 53064-0083
All packets of seed are $1.00 EACH
Some species are $2.00 EACH, these are indicated by red text
($2.00 each: ID 11, 12, 13, 64, 66, 69, 163, 165, 168, 169)
The prairie mix is eleven seed packets of basic, easy-to-grow plants. Tell us the prairie type for
your site, according to its moisture level, and we'll send you eleven starter species we recommend.
W-103
Wet mesic mix, contains: Meadowrue, blue joint grass, dense gayfeather,
gray-headed coneflower, prairie dock, big bluestem, mountain mint, tall
sunflower, Indian grass, cord grass, and sky-blue aster.
W-104
Mesic mix contains: Tellow pimpernel, wild bergamot, black-eyed Susan,
compass plant, gray-headed coneflower, big bluestem, rattlesnake master,
false boneset, stiff goldenrod, Indian grass, and frost aster.
W-105
Dry-mesic mix, contains: Lead plant, nedle grass, side-oats grama,
purple prairie clover, little bluestem, false boneset, button snakeroot,
rosin weed, stiff goldenrod, Indian grass, and Canada wild rye.
PRAIRIE RESTORATION PACKAGE 1
D
esigned to fill the gap between seed packets and
bulk orders, this a good mix of over 50 mesic species (our choice please).
With your previous site preparation this package is ready for a spring or fall
planting of 10' by 10' (100 square feet). Included are a species list,
complete planting instructions and first year maintenance suggestions.
$18.95
PRAIRIE RESTORATION PACKAGE 2
S
ame as Prairie Restoration Package 1, only for 10' by 20' (200 square feet).
$33.95
Bulk seed prices are available for Southeastern Wisconsin
customers. Please contact us.
Our bulk mixes for sites of 1 acre or more will contain (site dependant) 80-110 species
A Comprehensive Field Guide - Second Edition
By Merel R. Black and Emmet J. Judziewicz March 20, 2009 - 320 pp. 6"x9"
2100 color photos, 300 drawings, 1085 range maps
This comprehensive guide to wildflowers in Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ontario describes more than 1,100 species.
The 2nd edition's introduction discusses wildflowers in the context of their natural communities.
Although packed with detailed information, this field guide is compact and handy for outdoors lovers of all kinds.
more than 1,100 species from 459 genera in 100 families
many rare and previously overlooked species
2,100 color photographs and 300 drawings
Wisconsin distribution maps for almost all plants
brief descriptions including distinguishing characteristics of the species
You can buy Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region at these and other stores
This pamphlet covers what, when, and how often to burn and also equipment, weather
conditions, fire breaks, and hazards. Wayne is Wisconsin's Dane County
naturalist and his writing is easy to read and comprehensive. While this
pamphlet cannot guarantee success, it gives you the
information nescessary to do your first controlled prairie burn.
Paper, each
$300
Plus $0.50 postage and handling
Prairie Restoration for the Beginner by Robert Ahrenhoerster & Trelen Wilson
Have a friend who wants to learn how to begin a prairie? Know someone who
will be traveling next summer and would love to know where to stop and see
prairie? Prairie Restoration for the Beginner is jam-packed
with lots of this information! For the beginner, there's a short prairie
history, benefits of prairie and sections on beginning to restore a prairie,
preparing the soil, selecting seed, sowing the seed, transplanting,
maintenance, and picking your own seed. There's a suggested readling list
for attaining further information about many aspects of prairie. Also
included is a listing of prairies/restorations for 17 states and 3 Canadian
provinces. Each one gives total acres, closest city or county, prairie
type, points of interest and ownership.
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) used to be a common sight in many
areas including prairie oak openings, along wooded edges of prairie rivers
and the transitional zone between eastern forests and prairie.
With the elimination of its habitat came the dramatic decrease of its
numbers. Now you can help increase the numbers of this beautiful insect
eating bird, by purchasing one or more of our hand crafted bluebird
houses.
Each house has a handcarved 'wildflower' or dragonfly on the front. The front piece
hinges on two nails, after removing the latching wood screw, for
nescessary, easy cleaning. A short list of suggestions for placing
and cleaning are included with each house.
Pine construction
Bird House Picture
Please allow 2-3 weeks delivery.
Handling and fourth class postage (parcel post)
Or include U.P.S. address (no P.O. Boxes)
First house $2.00,
Each additional house to same address $0.50
Just great for that short note to a friend or to give as a gift.
Delicate sketches of prairie smoke, spiderwort, birdsfoot violet and gray
headed coneflower reproduced on 4x6 inch cards. They will add to your briefest
messages "a thousand words", perhaps more.
W
hat is the connection between rain forest and prairies, you ask? Consider
for a moment just a few of them. A large number of "our" birds that breed
here in North America, winter in rain forests. With continuing loss of
their winter habitat, fewer birds return each spring.
Approximately one-quarter of prescription drugs we now use in the United
States are derived from tropical forest plants. We have only investigated
a fractional percentage of tropical plant species, and yet we have found
plants like Vinca leucoblastine (common Periwinkle) which yield a compound
to treat Leukemia. Research at the National Cancer Institute has shown that
the fruit of Castanospermine australe (Austrailian Chestnut) contains a
compound which inhibits the AIDS virus from infecting white blood cells.
Approximately 95% of the ecosystems total nutrients are tied up in living
plant materials. A large fraction of forests are destroyed to ranch / farm
the land. One use is to plant the bare ground to grasses and raise beef
cattle. First world countries in turn purchase this inexpensive beef.
Another use is to grow tropical plants "truck farm" style to be sold to
buyers for pennies a piece, the plants are sold in turn to office buildings
and the like. Yet another useage is to plantation plant non-native tree
species to grow several quick crops of pulp producing trees for cheap
paper. All of these uses quickly deplete the 5% remaining nutrients and
leave the soil dead. The ranchers / farmers then simply move on to destroy
another area of forest.
We should not fault those native people for wanting to make a living and
feed their families. The fault lies with us in not conserving and recycling.
Use these stamps to increase public awareness of this and related
problems.
Stamp picture goes here
16 each of two types, 32 stamps in all
Per page $125
For 10 or more pages
Per page $110
Help protect rain forests by not purchasing products from those countries
not practicing sustainable lumbering. For a consumers guide, write:
Rain Forest Allince
295 Madison Avenue
Suite 1804
New York, New York 10017
