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Native Warm Season Grass Information Posted in National Plant Data Center
Webpage
The
Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), working with the National
Plant Data Center (NPDC) has posted a 1971 NRCS publication written by range
conservationists Horace Leithead, Lewis Yarlett, and Thomas Shiflet entitled
100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states. The Agricultural
Handbook was converted to an electronic copy by Chuck Kowaleski of the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Chuck currently serves as TPWD liaison
to Texas NRCS. Much of the basic information is now in the PLANTS information
sheets that are available to all, but the historical book is also of great
value, as it places the native warm season grasses (NWSG) in a group.
The great piece of work was done by range conservationists to highlight native
grasses that could be used to provide forage for cattle operations. Today, the
interest in native warm season grasses has grown beyond just providing forage
for cattle management. There is much interest in how to use them to
increase wildlife habitat as NRCS develops specifications for conservation
practices such as field borders and other buffers. The Director and staff at
AWCC worked closely with NPDC because they want folks to remember, “Native
warm season grass, it’s not just for cows anymore.”
To download a copy of
100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states, follow this link and
then scroll down to "Other Publications," but be aware that this is a
large file.
Your contacts are AWCC Wildlife Biologist
Ed Hackett and Director, National
Plant Data Center Scott Peterson.
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