EWP Prairie Restoration Project

	Area conservationists and Erie MetroParks worked for nearly a decade to conserve the Edison Woods Preserve and achieved success with its purchase in March 2001, due to an innovative funding process with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). This unique area of about 1300 acres is an asset to Erie County, as it harbors rare plants and provides excellent habitat for wildlife such as, raptors, songbirds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Recently, contractors completed the bulk of the planned restoration work on the prairie by completing the seeding of native vegetation. The Preserve consists of forested and wetland habitats, including headwaters to Cranberry Creek and a tributary to Old Woman Creek, which flow into Lake Erie. Edison Woods performs many natural hydrologic functions including water filtration, improved water quality, flood and erosion control, and groundwater recharge. For these and other water quality related factors, OEPA deemed it worthy of protection and restoration.
Historically, wetlands covered the area, but most recently about 350 acres were utilized for agricultural purposes, the production of corn and soybeans. Under the provisions of the OEPA approved plan, the farm fields are being restored to close to their original condition. Rather than trying to let the land revert to a forest, an expected natural process, Erie MetroParks has taken an ecologically appropriate and cost effective step—restoring the acreage to native prairie meadows, which were found in wide bands across Erie County at the time of European settlement. The natural re-growth of native forest on the land is unlikely, due to the pressure of invasive, aggressive weeds, and the planting of native species of trees is prohibitively expensive.
With 20-30 species of native prairie seeds gathered from throughout the Midwest, the project is being supervised by Envirotech Consultants, Inc., an organization that specializes in projects such as this. In November and December, all the fields at the Preserve were planted by Meadville Land Services using Truax seed drills. Specialized equipment must be used to properly plant prairie seeds, which are very small and lightweight. Prairie seedlings are most successful when they are subjected to a period of cold temperatures as they sit in the ground for the winter. They can handle extreme drought, due to their roots growing 5-7 feet deep. Generally, prairie grass plants grow mostly downward in the first year, then up and out of the ground in later years. Next spring, the seeded areas at Edison Woods will look like weeds in rough, mowed field. Extensive mowing by Erie MetroParks staff will control the competing weeds until the grass is established, a process which may take three to four years.
	In the spring of 2004, the plants were no longer be seedlings. Over time, they will also thicken their roots, pulling nutrients and moisture to themselves. Restored prairies are known for shading themselves out, allowing woody brush to invade. However, meticulous mowing and controlled burns by certified professionals in the spring of years three and four will ensure proper growth, and maintenance of the meadows at Edison Woods. In order to prepare the fields for planting prairie, about 43,000 linear feet in the agricultural area was trenched to cut artificial drainage. This action restored natural soggy fields like those found on the site in the early 1800s. Project managers were careful not to disturb adjacent privately owned farm fields and drainage.
In addition to prairie grasses, prairie wildflowers will be planted to attract a wide variety of birds, insects and butterflies. After many years, a forest may also grow in parts of the area as well, with some native tree species allowed to naturally seed themselves into the field edges. This combination of prairie habitat and forested floodplain recreates an historic regional landscape. It will allow visitors to gain an appreciation of the native American landscape present during frontier times in Ohio. The Preserve holds tremendous habitat and biological diversity, and creates many educational opportunities. The site can be used by area schools for comparison studies of different plants and animals within the varying habitat. It can also be used to learn about the natural and cultural history of Erie County.
Additionally, the Preserve offers citizens a chance to enjoy the fresh air on its existing seven miles of trails. Park visitors can choose trails specialized for hiking, cross country skiing or horseback riding. Bird, butterfly and leaf watchers can enjoy the viewing opportunities on the trails, especially on the planned additional paths through the future prairie. Organized interpretive and recreational programs are also offered by Erie MetroParks throughout the year. Interesting educational programs to learn about plant and animal life within the Preserve, as well as fun activities like horseback riding and hayrides, are local favorites. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks.