The results of the Prairie U Soil and Vegetation Survey are now available to view on the Prairie U website.

During the summer of 2005, Shari Rockvam, who worked as a summer student laborer, completed a technical report on the soil and vegetation at the Prairie U site. Dr. Jeff Strock, SWROC Soil Scientist, Dr. Milt Haar, SWROC Weed Scientist and Lee Klossner, SWROC Research Fellow advised her in this project.

Ten sites were chosen for the survey. At each site a detailed soil description and vegetation survey was performed. The report highlights the unique features of the site and provides an overview of the overall condition of the prairie.

There are ten different soils that make up the thirty acre site. Over 50 different species of grasses, forbs and other vegetative species were identified in the 2005 survey. While several native grasses and forbs were identified, the two species that make up the most vegetative cover are kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. These species will be replaced during the restoration of the remnant prairie.