Tallgrass Prairie

Historically, southwest Michigan contained small pockets of prairie grasslands interspersed among the surrounding forests. Fernwood’s tallgrass prairie reconstruction was begun in 1976 as a bicentennial project. At five acres in size, most of it was planted with seedlings grown from locally-collected seed sources, while the remaining part was broadcast planted. By 1991, the project was considered complete.

Trails wind through the prairie, and in the center a platform provides the same view as a pioneer on horseback. Half of the prairie is burned each spring, encouraging new plant growth while setting invasive species back and allowing visitors to understand a natural process that maintains this special ecosystem.

Every week brings new flowers blooming in the prairie; some are done in a few weeks while others have a long bloom window. The first peak of blooms comes in late June, a second peak comes in late July and early August. The tall grasses are at their peak in August and early September.

Click on the link below to view a complete list of the species found in Fernwood’s prairie.