By MacKenzie Hall, Private Lands Biologist
New Jersey isn’t a corn belt state and probably isn’t what you picture when you think “prairie.” Fair enough. But New Jersey is an incredible medley of ecosystems, and for the past five years we’ve been working to make sure that native grasslands remain in the mix.
Switchgrass, big bluestem, and other native warm-season grasses provide excellent habitat for ground-nesting birds like the threatened bobolink and grasshopper sparrow (which is why we like them). But they have many other uses, too, such as livestock forage, mulch, and even bio-energy (which is why farmers like them).
More and more NJ farms are incorporating warm-season grasses and bird-friendly practices. Pat Hilton just converted eighteen acres of her Readington Township farm to native grasses and is delaying the hay harvest on another thirty acres. This will allow ground-nesting birds to fledge their young before the grass is cut.
Pat’s rolling farm – call it “midwest-reminiscent” – is highly suitable for grassland wildlife and has already attracted eastern meadowlarks, kestrels, grasshopper sparrows, and northern harriers.
After another busy restoration season, we’re delighted to watch as the summer sun brings these grassland ecosystems to life.
Are you a farmer or farm owner? Check out the NJ Landowner Incentive Program for a grassland grant. Applications are due July 15, 2010!