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NRCS NEWS |
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CONTACT PERSON
Kelly Bushong
655 N. Scottville Rd. Scottville, MI 49454 (231) 757-3707 x3 Fax (231) 757-4133 |
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**For more information on these and other Programs & Services go to: |
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WHO WE ARE
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the federal government agency that works hand-in-hand with people to conserve natural resources on private land. Using our scientific and technical expertise, and our partnerships with Conservation Districts and others, we help conserve and enhance all natural resources on private lands.
OUR MISSION
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
OUR VISION
Harmony between People and the Land. |
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Seth Earl 655 N. Scottville Rd. Scottville, MI 49454 (231) 757-3708 x3 Fax: (231) 757-4133 seth.earl@mi.usda.gov |
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Websites of Interest
You can get Topographic Maps Online @ www.topozone.com, Plants Database can be obtained @ plants.usda.gov, Microsoft Terra Server Image Page and aerial photos @ terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com |
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Warm Season Grasses: Why are they so good for wildlife?
Many wildlife and resource professionals are encouraging Warm Season grasses in their wildlife management plants. This information will describe the many benefits of warm season grasses and why to include them in your plans.
What are Warm Season Grasses? Grasses are frequently categorized into two groups—cool season and warm season grasses. Cool season grasses, such as fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and brome grass, set seed in late-spring and early summer. Warm season grasses, often, called native prairie grasses, set seed in late summer and early fall. Therefore, warm season grasses, such as big bluestem, Indian grass, sideoats grama, and switch grass, are most vigorous during the hot summer months when cool season grasses have already reached maturity.
What are the benefits of Warm Season Grasses? · Are native to Michigan · Can improve soil organic matter · Deep root systems to stabilize soil · Grow well on poor soils and do not require fertilizers · Provide high-quality wildlife habitat · Provides quality pasture forage late in the summer · Can help reduce soil erosion
Wildlife benefits of warm season grasses Warm season grasses provide good cover for a variety of wildlife species. Most warm season grasses are bunch grasses rather than sod grasses. The clumps of grass are ideal sites for nests, the spaces among clumps allow small ground-dwelling wildlife to move freely yet still provide good overhead cover. Warm season grasses do not lodge (bend over) easily. Thus, they provide ideal nesting and winter cover for many ground nesting birds such as ring-necked pheasant. While they provide excellent cover, warm season grasses provide little food for wildlife. However, adding native forbs (non-woody plants that are not grasses or sedges) will enhance the food value of any planting. Often these forbs have showy flowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, or fall.
Establishing warm season grasses One drawback to planting warm season grasses can be the difficulty in establishment. Warm season grasses can become established a year after planting but it can take 2 or 3 years in some cases. This can become problematic since landowners often desire immediate results and planting will look “weedy” before the warm season grasses become established. Field preparation needs to be conducted to properly control weeds, which is critical during establishment. Also, most stands of warm season grasses are planted with a special no-till drill. While there are some draw backs during establishment, planting native warm season grass can provide long lasting habitat for all upland birds and deer. For additional information on assistance with establishing native grasses contact, the USDA-NRCS and Mason-Lake CD office. |