1. Sand Prairies: An Abundance of Life
Sand prairies are a special type of prairie that occur in sandy soils in
Bluestem
glacial outwash regions. These sandy soils cause the water table to change
Northern frequently, which allows for a diversity of plants and animals to live there. Little and Big Bluestem
Take a closer look around you and maybe you will see some of the unique are the most common
Harrier grasses in the prairies
plants and animals that surround you. of North America.
Northern Harriers are at the top They provide food and
of the prairie food chain. They prey shelter for the many
on small mammals such as the Meadow animals that live within the
Vole as well as reptiles, insects and other prairie.
birds. Listen for their piercing “kek ke” call Photo courtesy of USFWS
and look to the skies to see them soaring
above you.
Meadow Vole
Photo courtesy of Kevin Cole
Pale Purple
These small mammals are a common site in
a sand prairie. They consume vast quantities Coneflower
of plant materials and are in turn preyed
on by hawks, owls, snakes and other The Purple Coneflower is
mammals. Look for their tracks one of the most common
as you walk through the prairie. flowers in most Midwestern
prairies. These plants can grow
as tall as the grasses around
Photo courtesy of USFWS
them and are a favorite of bees
and butterflies.
Photo courtesy of USFWS
Eastern
Grasshopper
Meadowlark
Grasshoppers play several roles in a prairie
Meadowlarks require grassland community. They consume many species of
habitat for their food source as well plants and are in turn the favorite food of many
as for breeding behavior. Listen for larger animals such as snakes, birds, spiders and
their sweet, flute-like call echoing mammals. Grasshoppers are even a food source
across the prairie! for some humans!
Photo courtesy of Steve Walsowski Photo courtesy of USFWS