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47-565: As a place of recreation, the Arboretum has hiking trails, roadways for driving and bicycling, a 4-acre (16,000 m) interactive children's garden and a 1-acre (4,000 m) maze. The Schulenberg Prairie at the Arboretum was one of the earliest prairie restoration projects in the Midwest, begun in 1962. It is one of the largest restored prairies in the Chicago suburban area. Three dozen cuttings from

94-800: A diverse array of native plants that are adapted to the local environment as a food sources for native pollinators. By including a variety of native plants in a micro-prairie restoration projects, it is possible to create an attractive and beneficial habitat for these insects. Second, micro-prairies can offer specific nesting sites for native pollinators. Many species of bees and other pollinators require specific types of nesting sites, such as hollow plant stems or burrows. Features such as bee boxes or native grasses provide suitable nesting sites for breeding and survival. Finally, micro-prairies can serve as refuge from habitat loss and pesticide use. Pollinators are highly susceptible to these threats, and by restoring small-scale prairie habitats in developed or urban areas, it

141-410: A diversity of native plant and animal species specifically adapted to prairie environments, thus helping to sustain local biodiversity. Prairie flowers are attractive to native butterflies and other pollinators . These pollinators have evolved to rely on specific types of plants for their nectar and pollen needs. Micro-prairies can attract native pollinators in several ways. First, they can provide

188-399: A fire risk. Implementing a safe and regular mowing or burning schedule is a recommended management practice to avoid fire risk and excessive plant growth. Lastly, standing water in a micro prairie can provide a breeding habitat for mosquitoes. Proper design and maintenance of micro-prairies can prevent stagnant water from accumulating and attracting mosquitoes. In urban areas, permaculture

235-665: A greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designated the Morton Arboretum as its Center for Species Survival: Trees, to study and promote the conservation and restoration of global tree ecosystems and strategies for species survival. The arboretum was established on December 14, 1922, by Joy Morton , founder of the Morton Salt Company. Morton's father, Julius Sterling Morton , had founded Arbor Day . Morton's daughter, Jean Cudahy (Morton) took her father's seat on

282-736: A high rate of biomass production, that can capture and store carbon at a fast rate. Research has shown that prairie plants are also adapted to nutrient-poor soils, promote nutrient cycling, and contribute to soil organic matter which are essential for maintaining soil fertility and structure. Prairie plants leaves have a large surface area that can trap airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, and particulate matter. The diverse community of microorganisms in prairie soils can break down and metabolize pollutants into less harmful ones. Prairie plants can absorb pollutants such as heavy metals and excess nutrients from water and soil that might enter into an ecosystem. In general micro-prairies have been found to have

329-426: A home every year and still accomplish the task of burning. The Native Americans may also have used the burns to control pests such as ticks . These prescribed burn motivate grasses to grow taller, produce more seed, and flower more abundantly. If controlled burns are not possible, rotational mowing is recommended as a substitute. One of the newer methods available is holistic management , which uses livestock as

376-544: A museum, and then began his work at the Morton Arboretum. Prairie restoration Prairie restoration is a conservation effort to restore prairie lands that were destroyed due to industrial, agricultural , commercial, or residential development. The primary aim is to return areas and ecosystems to their previous state before their depletion. In the United States , after the Black Hawk War had subsided in

423-405: A positive impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. However, some studies have identified potential negative effects of micro-prairies under certain circumstances. For example, studies show that when non-native plant species are introduced into a micro-prairie, they can outcompete native plants and reduce biodiversity. Secondly, if not properly maintained, backyard prairies can overgrow and create

470-406: A prairie with seeds collected from prairies nearby. He asked Ray Schulenberg to take this on. Schulenberg developed restoration goals and began replicating composition, structure, and local gene pools of plants in local prairies. He studied all of this with Floyd Swink , the Arboretum's taxonomist at the time, Robert Betz , a biologist, and David Kropp, a landscape architect. The first chairman of

517-701: A result of climate change and an issue of water security) can be alleviated. A restoration project of prairie lands can on a large or small scale level. Backyard prairie restoration can enrich soil , combat erosion, and absorb water in excessive rainfalls . An example of a backyard prairie restoration is known as a micro-prairie. Micro-prairies are mini prairie habitats that typically consist of less than one acre, usually isolated and surrounded by developed or urban land. These small-scale prairie habitats, offer various benefits, particularly in developed or urban areas where natural prairies may have been lost or fragmented. This miniature ecosystem can provide habitat for

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564-419: A short amount of time. High diversity mixtures (because of their cost and success rate) are used for smaller areas. A mixture of large low diversity areas and small high diversity areas are good rich source patches for the spontaneous colonization of neighboring areas. This allows for the possibility of continued natural restoration. Fire is a big component to the success of grasslands, large or small as it

611-554: A special interest in Midwestern prairie, savanna , woodland , and wetland ecosystems ; natural history; and botanical art. Its catalog is online. The Library's Suzette Morton Davidson Special Collections includes books, artwork, historic nursery catalogs, landscape drawings, photographs, letters, maps and institutional documents. It also includes documents of May Theilgaard Watts , Jens Jensen , Marshall Johnson, O.C. Simonds and Donald Culross Peattie . The Sterling Morton Library

658-431: A substitute for the keystone species such as bison . Some sites have bison which supports the conservation of the species . This allows the rotational mowing to be done by animals which in turn mimics nature more closely. Holistic management also can use fire as a tool, but in a more limited way and in combination with the mowing done by animals. In parts of Central Asia, grazing is a human factor that greatly affects

705-559: A vital regulator of carbon in the atmosphere through carbon sequestration (withdrawal), and the carbon benefits the sustenance of diverse species in the prairie ecosystem. Erosion occurs when surface pressures wear away the material of the Earth’s crust. Particularly with land previously dominated by prairie grasses, the loss of the tallgrass extensive fibrous root system left the soil exposed and unbound. Ecologically , prairie restoration aids in conservation of earth's topsoil , which

752-443: Is a fire dependent ecosystem. Controlled burns , with a permit, are recommended every 4–8 years (after two growth seasons) to burn away dead plants; prevent certain other plants from encroaching (such as trees) and release and recycling nutrients into the ground to encourage new growth. A much more wildlife habitat friendly alternative to burning every 4–8 years is to burn 1/4 to 1/8 of a tract every year. This will leave wildlife

799-490: Is a member of the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries . The 36,000 sq ft (3,300 m) Visitor Center was built in 2004 and designed by David Woodhouse Architects. The building includes wood representing the Arboretum's collections and incorporates sustainable features such as permeable pavers in the parking lots and local fieldstone salvaged from a predecessor building. An annual Illumination of tree lights

846-436: Is a popular method. It encourages taller and stronger regrowth as well as the recycling of nutrients in the soil. Although not fully able to restore the full diversity of an area, restoration efforts aid the thriving of the natural ecosystems . This is further improved by the specific reintroduction of key organisms from the native plants microbiome . Prairie soil also effectively stores carbon. As carbon sinks, they work as

893-541: Is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture , Forest Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources . It sits on part of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant , specifically on an area once contaminated from TNT manufacturing . Since 1997, the project has opened some 15,000 acres (61 km ) of restored prairie to the public. Another large restoration project finds its home on

940-472: Is conducted at the Arboretum from the end of November until early January. Visitors can enjoy a light show, music, and beverages. The illumination section is along a mile-stretch of curved, paved pathway. The creation of the illumination occurred in 2013. The creator is a lighting designer from the United Kingdom named John Featherstone . He started his career lighting many concerts and plays. Later he opened

987-416: Is done for the first time. Understanding of the site is one of the chief essentials for successful landscaping. Different natural features and phenomena, like the position of the sun, terrain, topography , soil qualities , prevailing winds, depth of the frost line , and the system of native flora and fauna must be taken into account. Sometimes the land is not fit for landscaping. In order to landscape it,

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1034-450: Is often exposed to erosion from wind and rain (worsened by climate change's heavier and frequent rain) when prairies are plowed under to make way for new commerce. Conversely, much more of the prairie lands have become the fertile fields on which cereal crops of corn , barley and wheat are grown. Continued erosion reduces the long term productivity of the soil. Prairie restoration reintroduces this root system that once again binds

1081-406: Is possible to create secure environments for critical insects. Additionally, micro-prairie plants contribute to carbon sequestration, which can improve water quality by absorbing and filtering pollutants, and transforming soil compositions. The ability to carbon sequester is due to the deep root system of prairie grasses that can store large amounts of carbon in the soil. Prairie grasses also have

1128-500: Is used. Often, designers refer to landscaping as an extension of rooms in your house (each one has a function). Outdoor spaces have a vast amount of flexibility as far as materials and function. It is often said the only limitation to outdoor space is one's imagination. Construction requires both study and observation, and the process varies in different parts of the world. Landscaping varies according to different regions . Therefore, normally local natural experts are recommended if it

1175-437: Is well-suited for reconstructing micro-prairies due to the complementary approach to system design and management. Permaculture is a form of ecological engineering inspired by natural ecosystems which utilize sustainable architecture and horticulture. Utilizing permaculture principles allows for the possibility to create sustainable micro-prairie systems that benefit both the environment and society in urban contexts. For example,

1222-512: The cold and prevent excessive evaporation . Many of forbs contain secondary compounds that were discovered by indigenous peoples and are still used widely today. Early prairie restoration efforts tended to focus largely on a few dominant species, typically grasses, with little attention to seed source. With experience, later restorers have realized the importance of obtaining a broad mix of species and using local ecotype seed. In Europe, when restoring previous crop land with prairie grasses,

1269-540: The Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, a regional consortium. The mission of The Morton Arboretum is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance the environment. Its goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for

1316-474: The Morton family to be chairman of the board, Charles C. Hafner III. In 2000, W. Robert Reum became chairman of the board. As of 2014, Darrell B. Jackson has been chairman of the board of trustees. In 1938, Clarence Godshalk was named director of the Morton Arboretum. He served for 28 years, before he retired in 1966. He was replaced by Dr. Marion Trufant Hall, who served as director until 1990, when Gerard T. Donnelly

1363-545: The ample area of Fermilab ; a U.S. governmental atomic accelerator laboratory located in Batavia, Illinois . Fermilab's 6,800 acres (28 km ) sit a top fertile farmland and the prairie restoration project consists of approximately 1,000 acres (4.0 km ) of that. This project began in 1975 and continues today with the help of Fermilab employees and many community teachers, botanists and volunteers. Landscaping Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies

1410-522: The board of trustees after he died in 1934. The arboretum's first superintendent was Clarence E. Godshalk, who had received a master's degree in landscape design from the University of Michigan in 1921. Joy Morton's Thornhill Estate, established in 1910, formed the core of the Arboretum's original area. In 1940, Mrs. Cudahy hired May Theilgaard Watts as a teacher in the new educational program. The Morton family requested an educational center be constructed on

1457-410: The board of trustees for the Morton Arboretum was Joy Morton. Following his death in 1934, his daughter, Jean M. Cudahy (Morton), became chairman of the board. Jean died in 1953 and her brother, Sterling, became chairman of the board. When Sterling died in 1961, his daughter Suzette Morton Davidson became chairman of the board. in 1977, Suzette Morton retired and was replaced by the first person outside of

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1504-487: The importance of preserving and restoring native habitats responsibly. Some prominent tallgrass prairie grasses include big bluestem , indiangrass , and switchgrass . Midgrass and shortgrass species include little bluestem , side oats grama , and buffalograss . Many of the diverse prairie forbs (herbaceous, non- graminoid flowering plants) are structurally specialized to resist herbaceous grazers such as American bison . Some have hairy leaves that may help deter

1551-403: The land must be reshaped to direct water for appropriate drainage. This reshaping of land is called grading . Sometimes in large landscaping projects for example, parks, sports fields and reserves soil may need to be improved by adding nutrients for growth of plants or turf, this process is called soil amelioration. Removal of earth from the land is called cutting while when earth is added to

1598-445: The mid-1830s, settlers from northern Europe and north east of the US made a home for themselves. They plowed up the tallgrasses and wild flowers in the area. By 1849 most specie of prairie grass had disappeared to make room for crops (i.e.: soybeans, corn, etc.). Restored prairies and the grasses that survived the 1800 plowing represent only a fragment of the abundant verdure that once covered

1645-475: The midsection of North America from western Ohio to the Rockies and from southern Canada to Texas. As an example, the U.S. state of Illinois alone once held over 35,000 square miles (91,000 km ) of prairie land and now just 3 square miles (7.8 km ) of that original prairie land is left. The over farming of this land as well as periods of drought and its exposure to the elements (no longer bound together by

1692-432: The most frequently used techniques involve: spontaneous succession, sowing seed mixtures, transfer of plant material, topsoil removal and transfer. Spontaneous succession is an effective technique when quick results are not expected and where there is high availability of propagules . Sowing mixtures can be low or high diversity, referring to the variety of seeds. Low diversity mixtures are great for restoring large areas in

1739-518: The old burr oak that had been in Lincoln Park Zoo will be grafted onto rootstocks at the Arboretum. The Arboretum offers an extensive nature-centered education program for children, families, school groups, scouts, and adults, including tree and restoration professionals. The Natural Areas Conservation Training (N-ACT) Program offers classroom and online courses in ecological restoration techniques. The Arboretum also offers credit courses through

1786-503: The permaculture system emphasizes diversity in plant and animal species, that sustain a healthy ecosystem. Through observing and learning from natural ecosystems, permaculture practitioners apply designs that mimic natural patterns. Companion planting is another principle in permaculture, where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. Furthermore, micro-prairies serve as valuable tool for education and outreach. Micro-prairies allow people to learn about prairie ecosystems and

1833-517: The prairie soil acts as a Carbon sink, meaning it absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. Many prairie plants are also highly resistant to drought , temperature extremes, disease, and native insect pests. They are frequently used for xeriscaping projects in arid regions of the American West. On a larger scale, communities and corporations are creating areas of restored prairies which in turn will store organic carbon in

1880-708: The progression of grasses. In 1990, in South Africa, de Lange and Boucher reported the use of smoke to promote seed germination among prairie grasses. It was shown to help break dormancy of certain seeds. Since then this technique has been promoted throughout South Africa, parts of Australia and North America. Some popular prairie restoration projects have been completed and maintained by conservation departments, such as Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie , located in Wilmington, Illinois . This restoration project

1927-512: The site of their home. The estate was razed in the early 1940s following the death of Joy's wife Margaret. 1962 marked the beginning of the Schulenberg Prairie Restoration Project. Clarence Godshalk developed plans to create a buffer on the western border of the Arboretum. He called it "a native planting" and planned for it to be on farmland acquired by the Arboretum in the late 1950s. He wanted to turn old farmland back into

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1974-429: The slope, it is called filling. Sometimes the grading process may involve removal of excessive waste ( landfills ), soil and rocks, so designers should take into account while in the planning stage. At the start, the landscaping contractor issues a statement which is a rough design and layout of what could be done with the land in order to achieve the desired outcome. Different pencils are required to make graphics of

2021-501: The soil and help maintain the biodiversity of the 3000 plus species that count on the grasslands for food and shelter. Research in Walnut Creek Restoration (Iowa) on the contribution of recently converted land (from row crop to prairie grass), shows the improvement in ground water quality over the span of 10 years. By changing the type of plant and quality, the issue of groundwater contamination (of unwanted chemicals, as

2068-423: The soil, strengthening it against water erosion through adequate water filtration. Prairie soil is also useful for carbon sequestration. Carbon dioxide is a heat trapping gas, and 40% of it is produced by humans and remains in the atmosphere thus worsening the effects of global warming. Prairie grass collects this carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and stores it in its soil. When left undisturbed,

2115-582: The tall grasses) was responsible for the Dust Bowls in the 1930s. Issues of erosion , and waning biodiversity have arisen in areas once populated by prairie grass species. So in efforts of restoration, in Europe, when restoring previous crop land with prairie grasses, the most frequently used techniques involve: spontaneous succession, sowing seed mixtures, transfer of plant material, topsoil removal and transfer. When maintaining these tall grasses, prescribed fire

2162-398: The visible features of an area of land, including the following: Landscaping requires a certain understanding of horticulture and artistic design, but is not limited to plants and horticulture. Sculpting land to enhance usability (patio, walkways, ponds, water features) are also examples of landscaping being used. When intended as purely an aesthetic change, the term Ornamental Landscaping

2209-573: Was named executive director and CEO. Designed by noted Chicago architect Harry Weese , the Sterling Morton Library was constructed in 1963 and named after Sterling Morton, son of founder Joy Morton. It holds more than 30,000 books and magazines , as well as tens of thousands of non-book items including prints , original art, letters, photographs, landscape plans and drawings. The collections focus on plant sciences, especially on trees and shrubs; gardening and landscape design; ecology, with

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