Meadowlark Sanctuary Thanks to Many Partnerships, the Meadowlark Sanctuary Will Become a
Reality in Price Park — Dennis Burnette, Guest Contributing Writer
How many people does it take to create a
sanctuary? That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but in this case
the “punch line” is seriously positive. Just a few months ago, a few people
began talking about creating a haven for the rapidly declining Eastern
Meadowlark at Price Park in Greensboro, where PLC holds and manages a
conservation easement. As more folks got into the conversation, the concept
evolved into a refuge and reintroduction site for other grassland animals
and plants. Now we’re calling it the Meadowlark Sanctuary Piedmont Prairie
Project, and lots of groups are involved. Although several people from PLC
have been involved in the initial phase of the planning, Kathy Treanor and
Ken Bridle in particular have helped provide information and guidance as the
idea has matured.
Carolina Butterfly Society, Triad Chapter, is providing
information about native butterfly host plants and nectar sources. In
addition, Don Allemann of that group is spearheading the effort to get the
site designated as an official Monarch Waystation.
Several people on the staff of the City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation
Department, particularly Brooks Mullane and Chris Wilson, have been
instrumental in getting signs made and assisting with altering the mowing
schedule.
Emily Nekl, a professor at High Point University, is
organizing a research project around the reintroduction of prairie and
grassland plants, will be helping rear plants in the university greenhouse
and plans to bring students to the site for the study of plant genetics.
National Audubon Society, T. Gilbert Pearson (Guilford)
Chapter, is represented by Gregg Morris and Ann Walter-Fromson. That group
is concentrating its efforts on removing encroaching brush from the wet
meadow/marsh at the base of the hill immediately south of the Meadowlark
Sanctuary. The NC Native Plant Society has awarded a grant of $500 to assist
with initial site preparation and purchasing native plant seeds. In
addition, about 20 members have volunteered to raise seedlings of native
species to introduce into the site. Kathy Schlosser is the Triad Chapter
representative.
The Piedmont Bird Club has awarded a grant of $600 for
seed and signs. Several members also have volunteered to be “plant parents”
as we produce seedlings to plant in the sanctuary. Judi Durr represents that
group.
In late March each year, the Meadowlark Sanctuary is
transformed into a Revolutionary War battlefield as reenactors recreate the
Battle of Guilford Courthouse and a period military encampment for two days.
The sponsoring organization has worked with us to devise a mowing and
management schedule that will benefit wildlife as well as the historical
event. Ed Deaton is their representative.
On the horizon are several more cooperators that we
hope to involve in the project. We are making contacts with the North
Carolina Bluebird Society for information and assistance on establishing an
Eastern Bluebird nesting program. In addition, we
have made a grant application for $300 to the Wildlife Rehabilitators of
North Carolina to fund the construction of a nesting structure for Chimney
Swifts.
All of these groups have created a working partnership
that promises to help our fledgling Meadowlark Sanctuary Piedmont Prairie
Project become a reality.
Eastern Meadowlark in Price Park
– Reprinted from Piedmont Land Conservancy Spring 2008 newsletter.
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