Little Prairie in the Big City

Designer

1.  You will need to evaluate the proposed prairie site. 

     Something to think about: 

      Look at the site, are there any buildings, utility poles or other obstacles that need to be considered?  How much sun does the site get? What other considerations can you think of? 

2.  Draw a simple diagram of the site and begin to plan

     your design.  You can either draw you design by hand and scan it  

    into the computer, or give TuxPaint a try and create

    your design on the computer.

    You can print sheets of graph paper to help you.

     Something to think about:

     Where do you want to plant the grasses and flowers?  Will there be flower beds or will you let the grasses grow freely?  Consult with the Horticulturalist and Zoologist to see what the needs are of the plants and how to create shelter for animals.  Do you need a water source? What other considerations can you think of?

3.  Once you have your design, work with the Accountant 

     to figure out how much material you need and how much it will cost.

Useful Resources:

Build-a-priaire

http://www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/prairie/build/index.html

An interactive program about building a prairie.

Prairies Forever

http://www.prairies.org/page4.html

Information about designing prairies

Happenin" Habitats

http://happeninhabitats.pwnet.org/creating_habitats/step_by_step.php

Accountant

1.  You will need to create a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your budget. 

2.  You will work with the Designer to determine what materials, such as soil, plants, etc... are needed for the project.  You will need to find out the quantity and how much the items cost. 

    Something to think about:

     You will need to shop around to see where you can get the best prices.  You may

     discover that you can't afford everything the designer wants.  Which items can

     you afford to get and which items will have to wait?

Useful Resources:

Prairie Land Management

http://www.habitatnow.com/habitat_info_grass.htm

Source for seeds and information.

Wild Seed Farms

http://www.wildseedfarms.com/

Source for seeds and information.

Oak Prairie Farm

http://www.oakprairiefarm.com/

Source for seeds and information.

Horticulturalist

1.  You will use the Internet to research ten prairie plants that will grow in our area and would provide a good source of food for animals.  Use a Plant Information Sheet to keep track of the plants you find.

2.  Select a least five plants to include in your group's presentation.  For each plant you will need to include: 

•       Latin and common names

•   It's water, soil and light requirements

• At least one interesting fact

• At least one picture  

3.  Work with the Designer to select the best plants for our prairie and our budget.

Useful Resources:

Praire: Planting a Prairie Garden

http://us.bookmarks.yahoo.com/pages/getcache/0/W6UTxrXiwIITRDyiG9R%252FwQ

 

Praire Wildflowers of Illinois

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plant_index.htm

Zoologist

1.  You will use the Internet to research animals, birds or insects that would most likely take up residence in an "inner city prairie".  Use an Animal Information Sheet to keep track of the animals you find.

2.  Select at least five of them to include in your group's presentation.  For each animal you will need to include: 

•  It's Latin and common names 

•  It's shelter requirements

• It's food requirements

•  Common predators

•  At least one interesting fact

• At least one picture  

3.  Work with the Horticulturalist to make sure the plants that are chosen will provide a good food source for our prairie animals.

 Useful Resources:

A Field Guide to the Prairie

http://www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/prairie/fieldguide/index.html

 

National Geographic Animals

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/animals/

Facts, habitats, pictures and sound for various animals

 

Prairie Eco-Systems

http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/prairie/htmls/eco_an.html

Information about mammals, insects and birds found on the prairie.

 

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History: North American Mammals

http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/main.cfm?lang=_en

 

Remember:  Each committee member is responsible for completing their part of this project and for working cooperatively with other committee members.

4. Meet with your group members and share your findings.  Work  together as a group to plan the layout of your committee's PowerPoint presentation.