Prairie Bike Ride - 2015
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The Madison Soil and Water Conservation District in cooperation with the Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails (FMCPT) hosted the prairie appreciation bike ride on July 18th. This annual educational bike ride was started in 2005 by botanist and prairie enthusiast, Jack McDowell.
Jack was one of the early "discoverers" of the remnant prairies of Madison and Clark counties and has assisted FMCPT in efforts to manage these prairie treasures in the midst of threats from invasive woody plant and agricultural weed species. Jack passed away in 2012, but his dream to inspire others to preserve the Ohio prairie is not forgotten.
This year's ride was co-led by Julia Cumming, Program Administrator of Madison Soil and Water Conservation District, John Silvius - professor emeritus of biology at Cedarville University, Matt Silveira, Corporate Environmental Manager, CEMEX Corp, and Karen Stombaugh of Madison County Master Gardeners.
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Please be patient as the photos load.
Wayne Roberts, FMCPT, Julia Cumming, Program Administrator of Madison Soil and Water Conservation
District, Matt Silveira, Corporate Environmental Manager, CEMEX Corp, and Karen Stombaugh, Madison
County Master Gardeners.
Bur oaks, with its thick fire resistant bark, are typically seen standing by themselves as years of wild
prairie fires would have taken out any other trees that would try to grow.
Prairie docks have long, naked stems that stand above the surrounding vegetation to attract pollinators.
The purple coneflowers add a splash of color.
When agriculture and natural prairies coexist, we are providing a place of refuge for bees and butterfles.
Royal Catchfly
This area was disturbed by cutting vegetation to help spread more Royal Catchfuly.
Royal Catchfly
John Silvius
Matt Silveira
Our Riders
Click here to view an excellent collection of photos of remnant prairie species in our region, including instructions for a systematic way to identify plants you encounter.
(Courtesy of John E. Silvius, Professor of Biology, Cedarville University)
Click here for more information about the Prairie Restoration Program.
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