CHANGES IN A SAND PRAIRIE PLANT COMMUNITY AFTER APPLYING  A  NATIVE
SEED MIXTURE

Jason A. Veldboom 1, Kristen K. Kamla 1, Robin W. Tyser 1, 2, and Melinda G. Knutson 3.
1 Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601; 
2 River Studies Center, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601; and 
3 Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2630 Fanta 
Reed Road, La Crosse, WI 54603.

Given their vulnerability to human disturbance, sand prairies in the north central 
region of the U.S. are recognized as having high conservation value.  Though 
techniques for restoring tallgrass prairies in this region are fairly well documented, 
relatively little is known about the restoration of sand prairies.  Remnant species 
found on the grounds of the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) 
in La Crosse, WI suggest that this site was once a sand prairie.  In June 1997, the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeded 7 acres at UMESC with a seed mix that 
included 27 species of native grasses and forbs.  After seeding, invasive woody 
species were removed and their stumps were chemically treated to inhibit resprouting. 
Seeded areas were occasionally mowed during summer months.  A 2500-mư (50-m X 
50-m) portion of this area was sampled in early September from 1997-99 using 50 
randomly placed 20-cm X 50-cm quadrat frames.  Within each frame, plant species 
were recorded and the percentage canopy coverage of each species was estimated. 
We recorded the occurrence of 36 species in the study area, including 11 graminoids 
and 24 forbs.  The exotic grass, Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), has remained the 
most dominant graminoid (mean coverage = 38.7%) during the sample period. 
Several native graminoids have also been commonly recorded, e.g., Bouteloua 
curtipendula (side-oats grama) and Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass), though 
coverage of these species was much lower the P. pratensis.  Most commonly 
sampled forbs included Ambrosia psilostachya (western ragweed) and Solidago spp. 
(goldenrod).  Additional analyses will describe trends in community diversity and will 
assess the general conservation value of this flora compared to other prairies in 
Wisconsin.  Results obtained from this study will be used to propose management 
alternatives for the restoration of sand prairies in this region.

Keywords:  sand prairie, prairie restoration, Poa pratensis, exotic species, native seed 
mixture
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