The 2001 growing season has been an exciting time for the Graphic Packaging prairie. The predicted outcome for the site is beginning to play out: the native grasses and flowers planted without topsoil are out-performing the topsoil-laden plots, without the addition of any fertilizer or watering. In successive growing seasons we expect to see the prairie continue in this positive direction.
The first evidence of prairie seedlings in the no-topsoil plot appeared in May, 2001. It was evident these seedlings were prairie wildflower and grass seedlings from the linear pattern in which they sprouted. This resulted from the use of a seed drill to plant the site. Few other plants were observed in this plot, aside from the cover crop. It is apparent that weeds cannot tolerate the harsh conditions of this poor soil and lack of moisture.
Some seedlings were easy to recognize as prairie species. At right, a tiny wild lupine plant (Lupinus perennis).

Growth continued throughout the spring and summer of 2001 on all three plots. The middle plot, the plot which received the topsoil treatment and was seeded with native grass and forb seeds, is shown at the above left in early June. In this photo, extensive weed growth is visible. Cow vetch, (Vicia cracca), proved to be the most plentiful weed, appearing most likely from seeds present in the topsoil and/or the straw erosion mats placed at the seeding.

The northern prairie plot is shown at the above right, in late May. The cover crop and prairie seedlings can be seen growing in a linear pattern. To the rear of the photo, the extensive growth of the middle plot can be seen.
As the summer progressed, the weeds and turf grasses could not tolerate the hot and dry conditions. The middle plot is shown after mowing at right, in July. The dormant cover crop of the prairie plot is visible in the rear of the photo. The green interspersed throughout the cover crop is the prairie seedlings.
The native prairie grasses and flowers thrived under the hot, dry conditions. At left, the northern prairie plot is shown in late July. Very few weeds were visible in this plot. The prairie plants exhibited notable growth, and some plants were blooming by this time. View the Fall 2001 qudrant sampling results.