Restoring Fens
As we realize just how rare prairie fens and the species in them are and how many are threatened, many groups are undertaking prairie fen restoration. After determining that you may have a degraded or high quality prairie fen, the next step is to assess what types of management need to be done to either restore or maintain the habitat. The range of activities include: removal and management of invasive species, restoration of groundwater hydrology, and re-introduction of fire. These factors are interrelated. For example, removal of invasives may not lead to re-establishment of native plants if hydrology has shifted or there is persistent pollution entering the fen. For this reason, it is best to have someone who knows prairie fens well come assess an area to develop a plan before beginning restoration activity.
Restoration resources
- Department of Natural Resources Landowner Incentive Program
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
- The Nature Conservancy – contact your state office if you have land that you might be willing to cooperate with The Nature Conservancy to manage.
Plant identification resources
- Amateur to advanced: Newcomb’s wildflower guide
- Advanced: Michigan Flora series by Edward G. Voss
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