HSOC Scrap Book

Prairie Rehab at I270 & I44 - Progress Report

The existing prairie plantings at the interchange of I-270 and I-44 are in their third growing season. Forb (colorful flowering prairie plants) seed was sown December, 1999 by volunteers in the southeast and northwest quadrants. Grass seed was sown gratis by John Wingo of DJM Ecoscapes using a Truax seeder and tractor. By spring of 2000, the majority of seed sprouted and grew well the first season with the help of a few scheduled mowings by MoDOT. It is important for mowing to occur during the first growing season to suppress weeds.

This year many species were in full bloom including, lance-leaved coreopsis, plains coreopsis, black-eyed-susan, gray-head coneflower, western sunflower, showy goldenrod, little bluestem, sideoats, switchgrass, and big bluestem. By 2003, many other plants will be mature and flowering including pale purple coneflower, blazing star, white wild indigo, compass plant, and rosinweed to name a few. Ongoing maintenance will consist of one annual mowing in early spring.

Look for further prairie plantings to occur at I-270 and Hwy. 141 in coming years.