Prairie pioneer

[Shriveled berries, 12/26/09; Pioneer Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI]

In warm weather visits to see my dad, I've enjoyed getting out for (driving to get to) walks in the parks that hug the shores of the Huron River for a little fresh air and exercise. Christmas visits present more of a challenge, both in time and weather conditions. Usually I've just headed out the door of his senior living apartments and walked the sidewalks past the strip malls and housing complexes that span out on all sides, passing the occasional empty ball field or golf course. On Saturday, the day after Christmas, I took advantage of a brief break in the bleak cloud cover to retrace the sidewalks in his neighborhood. But on the way back, I saw a couple walking a dog coming out of what I thought was just a patch of tall weeds, but turned out to be a bit of prairie on the edge of a major intersection, marked with a sign reading "Pioneer Prairie." A very brief bit online explains:

The Pioneer Prairie was constructed in 1991-1992 by staff and students to simulate an ecosystem that may have existed in the area in pre-colonial days: the Prairie-oak savannah. Five species of grasses and many forbs are planted and the ecosystem is self-sustaining, although it is artificially burned annually. It is used in curriculum by many school classes to illustrate environmental quality and the value of habitat.

[Looks like a teasel comb]

The walk bore its own brand of fruit - lots of dried pods, seed heads, and berries.

[Milkweed pod]

It wasn't much, but a lovely discovery nonetheless.

My visit with my dad went fine, but I was happy to be home in my own place again. I'm working a couple of days this week, and then there are New Years festivities and some socializing with friends to come. I doubt I'll get a chance to write one of the nice end-of-year in review posts that people are doing, but I'm enjoying seeing others'. Still, I'll be thinking of the year - and perhaps the decade - and contemplating.

Comments

[Dick]

Pleasing pictures of the prevalence in winter of what was once growing.

And I'm with you re no end of year review. That was then; this is now!

[Lorianne]

I had to chuckle at the teasel picture right after the blurb about simulating "an ecosystem that may have existed in the area in pre-colonial days" since teasel is a non-native species that was introduced by colonists! So much for ecological authenticity (although I've always loved teasels even though they aren't native).

Your trips to Michigan always remind me of my trips to Ohio, with the same strip-mall landscape dotted with tiny green oases. Growing up in a place like that, you learn how to redefine your sense of "wildness," taking respite in whatever tiny pockets you can find.

[beth]

Happy New Year, Leslee! It seems like 2009 was pretty good to you. I really liked these photos and could imagine myself on that walk...best wishes from me and I hope we can see each other again soon.

[Leslee]

Thanks, Dick. "That was then; this is now!" is one way to look at it - I'll buy that. ;-)

Lorianne: Heh, I had no idea about the teasel - I was just pleased to have even identified it. Yes, it's tough finding a little wild space on these visits, but a real grace to discover them.

Beth: Happy New Year to you as well! I do hope to see you too soon. It's been a long time.