|
The 4+ acres
of the property is in the process of a Prairie Establishment. The south
half of the property was planted through
Pheasants
Forever with a mixture of native grasses
and wildflowers. The north half of the property was planted in mostly
Little Bluestem, as well as some Rye and flowers/forbs. Prairie plants
native to the property include New England Asters, Black-Eyed Susans, Ohio
Spiderwort, and Goldenrod (not the plant with allergy-causing pollen).
These are supplemented with Purple Coneflowers, Wild Bergamot, and others.
The general consensus on prairie establishment is that it takes around 3
years to become established. Prairies were in the area in the past.
According to
Historical
Collections of Ohio
Vol. II,
1888,
By Henry Howe,
referring to the Pickaway
County area, “The
Black Mountain,
represented on the map by C (so called by the natives, but why so named
tradition hath not informed us), is a ridge somewhat in the shape of an
inverted boat, elevated from 130 to 150 feet above the bottom of the
prairie immediately in its vicinity, and commands from its summit a full
view of the high plains and the country around it to a great extent. This
facility the natives enjoyed, for they were in the practice yearly of
burning over the country, which kept down the undergrowth, while the
larger growth was so sparse as to not materially intercept the view." Burning
of the prairie was a routine practice, though not applied on our property.
There is a Purple Martin 24-apartment house which has been occupied to
capacity for the past couple of years. Recently installed is an
18-apartment wooden house of 1960's vintage. Both of these have been
retrofitted to allow raising and lowering for nest checks, as recommended
by the
Purple Martin Conservation Association.
We also have a bluebird house on our mailbox across the street which is
also occupied. Turkey Vultures routinely soar above the lake, riding on
thermals and looking for food. Other birds include Tree and Barn Swallows,
Goldfinches, mourning doves, cowbirds, hawks, Killdeer, and others.
Telescopes available inside, and binoculars for outside. |
