Glacial Deposits.indd - Department of Geography - Geology - Illinois ...

The prairie plot, itself, is inside the bounds of the larger property, separated from the
surrounding acreage by windbreaks, a pond, and roads. Morgan calls this acreage his “gift to
Earth.” It seems, though, that he is receiving the greater gift, as various creatures stop in to visit
on their migrations north and south, or build a nest to claim this land as home. Part of his intent
was to create wildlife habitat; he does not have to wait years to see this dream come to fruition,
as it is already acting as a refuge in a seasonal sea of corn and soybeans. Part of his intent in
planting this plot was to honor Earth in conjunction with the rules of the federal Conservation
Reserve Program; his part in planting native grasses and forbs trumps merely leaving the
ground untilled. Mostly, though, he wanted to see what would happen; he is already seeing the
results, as grasses take hold and shoot their seeds two feet high toward the light and wind the
very first summer, an unexpected marvel and testament to the strength of the soil and wisdom
of using local genotypes.
Already, he has seen quail and pheasant, bees, and meadowlarks. With the pond nearby, the
property gets a wealth of migratory species, including water birds such as gadwalls; northern
shovelers; and even a bittern, a rarity among these parts. The riparian zones favor muskrat,
beaver, and deer; and the pond is stocked with several different species of fish. He installed a
purple martin house, which hosted nearly 50 martins in 2009. He also installed a bluebird house
a young friend built, which has yet to attract residents; but they have high hopes for the next
nesting season. As the prairie grows stronger through the years, it will host an even wider
variety of wildlife, which is part of Morgan’s hopes for the property.
“To mow or not to mow” was the first year’s most pressing question. On the one hand, mowing
would keep the weeds at bay, giving the tender new shoots a chance to establish themselves
more quickly. On the other hand, the prairie grasses and forbs are strong, resilient plants,
capable of making it on their own. He decided to exercise patience, letting the prairie develop in
its own time, without the aid of mowers. This means that his work for year one was completed
with the act of seeding. Now the prairie is on its own, and he has the confidence that letting it
develop in its own way is the best course of action.
Morgan’s background is not ecology, or biology, or agriculture. He is a retired Illinois State
English professor, with a deep love of the land. He derives great enjoyment from connecting
with the land, as a fisherman, a bird watcher, or a philosopher, and now as the steward of his
own little prairie. His control of the property is not really control at all; once the seeds were
properly planted, the prairie assumed control, and he is content to surrender to the wisdom of
native plants.
Maintenance of the surrounding land helps the prairie by shielding harsh winds, providing cover
for the wildlife that will fertilize and pollinate it, and controlling water to prevent the still-delicate
soil from washing away. On the surrounding property he has planted a three-tiered windbreak of
deciduous trees, conifers, and shrubs, and maintained the grass waterways. All of this helps to
protect and nurture the prairie growing within its midst.
So what is next For Morgan, it is the peace of knowing that he has given something back to the
land; the contentment of leaving something of value to his heirs; and the enjoyment of watching
the seasons nurture, stress, and strengthen the prairie. It is a labor of love. It is a tangible prayer
for the future. It is an island of tranquility for his feathered and furred neighbors. It is the comfort
of doing the right thing. Whether it lasts five years or 50, it is the right thing now and for the
foreseeable future.
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