Restoring Habitat on the Great Plains

landowner Larry Thorsen (left) and NRCS biologist Kent Macy are working to help restore the vanishing savannah habitat of the Illinois plains

Landowner Larry Thorsen and NRCS biologist Kent Macy are working to help restore the vanishing savannah habitat of the Illinois plains. Thorsen, a retired Eastern Illinois University political science professor, spends much of his time nursing parcels of land back to native habitat on much of his 58 acres in Coles County. In 2003, Thorsen began restoration of a seven-acre tract that once served as both crop land and pasture. When land was taken out of agriculture, non-native aggressive fescue, introduced as forage for livestock, stayed behind after the cattle were gone and crowded out native species that struggled to regenerate naturally.

Noting the soil type and other conditions, Macy suggested that the site be restored as a savanna habitat, a transitional ecosystem that occurs between grasslands and forests. In this part of Illinois, savannahs provide critical habitat for mockingbirds, turkeys, woodpeckers, the State-threatened loggerhead shrike, and many other species. “Savannah is a rare and declining habitat in Illinois,” said Macy. “This is one of only a few NRCS savannah restorations in the State.”

Thorsen was also eligible to enroll in the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program which offers cost share for habitat restoration. The program helped offset the cost of seed for native grasses and forbs including blazing star, false indigo, Canada wildrye, side oats, wild quinine, and Illinois bundle flower. Additionally, Thorsen received assistance for the purchase of oaks American plum, hazelnut, and dogwood seedlings that will eventually provide canopy cover.

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Unlike the parched, stunted corn and soybean fields across central Illinois, Larry Thorsen’s native grasses and wildflowers remain undaunted by the drought that is troubling farmers and frustrating gardeners this summer. His prairie and savannah restorations seem an oasis in a row crop desert. Vibrant purple coneflower, wispy little bluestem, and radiant golden coreopsis flaunt their colors and textures despite the harsh sun and bone dry soil. “The success of these plants during the drought shows that this was a good choice for this land,” said Thorsen.
Your contact is Jill Rees, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 217-353-6609.