Red Bison: Ecological Restoration Group

prairie site map

map

Above is a map of the Red Bison Prairie Site and surrounding area. To get here from the University YMCA, first take Chalmers St. west to Fourth St. Turn left onto Fourth St. and take this until it runs into Kirby Ave. Turn right onto Kirby Ave. and take this until it intersects Neil St. Turn left onto Neil St. and to the left is our prairie site. Keep on Neil St. for approximately .3 miles. On the left there is a short paved driveway near a large billboard. There is room for about 2 cars here.

where we work

primarily, we spend our time working in three sites. We have a woodland site located in Middle Fork State Wildlife Area northwest of Danville, our local prairie restoration site south of Champaign on Route 45, and our new prairie site at Florida and Orchard in Urbana. We only work on our woodland site a few times per year, but the work we do there is vital to that forest's health. Generally, the prairie sites gets attention in the fall (and a little in the winter), while when spring comes, we shift our focus to the woodland site.

Our prairie site is located between Route 45 and the railroad, bounded on the north by Windsor Road and on the south by Curtis Road. This is a long narrow stretch of remnant and restoration prairie. The north end, disturbed by the construction, is undergoing restoration, while prairie site Our prairie site as seen on the northern end near the Neil St./Kirby Ave. intersection. the southern portion is less disturbed and of higher quality. Our site supports a vast array of prairie plant species including Prickly Pear Cactus, Compass Plant, and Culver's Root. On our prairie site, we do work ranging from planting plugs of native plants to doing controlled burns. Trail maintenance, invasive species control, trash pickup, and seed collecting are all integral parts of our project.

The woodland site is located in the Middle Fork State Wildlife Area secluded from any urban intrusion. This tract of woods is very diverse, featuring bluffs and floodplain forest. forest site Our woodland site in spring bluebell bloom on the banks of the Middle Fork River. The area under our supervision is a beautiful riverside area complete with multiple streams, a carpet of wildflowers and soaring bluffs overlooking the Middle Fork River that provide spectacular views. In addition to the woodland there is a savanna adjacent the bluffs that is home to many birds. During these workdays we are usually found eradicating garlic mustard. Invasive species control is our primary goal there.

The Florida Orchard site is our newest site planted in spring 2010 and located next to the presidents house. This site is our smallest site, but since it is so new requires a good deal of attention to prevent invasive species from taking root. There are currently plans for increased development on the site to include an interpretive garden and other features to extend the community's knowledge of prairies.