Prairie strips highlighted as soil conservation method

Do not be surprised if you see native plants and grasses incorporated into farm fields in the near future.

Iowa State University's Dr. Marshall McDaniel and Tim Youngquist will highlight the use of "prairie strips" in farm fields during a presentation Monday at Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, hosted by the Door County Environmental Council.

The use of native prairie grasses and flowers in row-crop land has evolved from an Iowa State University research project into a nationwide conservation strategy. Prairie strips can help farmers keep topsoil in place, filter surface water and create wildlife habitat while still allowing them to grow crops in other parts of the field.

McDaniel and Youngquist now help farmers establish prairie strips on their own operations. Youngquist has several prairie restorations that he actively manages on his family's farm in western Iowa.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Monday. If you cannot attend in person at Kress Pavilion, the presentation also will be available on Zoom. A link is available on the Door County Environmental Council's website.