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Aullwood's Meadows and Lawns |
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Aullwood's Meadows and Lawns |
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| Interrupted Succession |
Succession is the process by which the plant community on a bare piece of the landscape changes over time. Weedy species usually give way to more slow starting, slow growing species. Eventually, over the course of decades or even centuries, a climax community becomes established. Climate, soil type and available mix of plant species define the climax community. At Aullwood Beech-Maple woodland is the likely climax. However we have short circuited the succession process in a couple of places.
| Meadows | Lawns |
| Aullwood's Center building
is near our three large meadows, Honeybee to the southwest, Woodcock to
the near north, and Fox to the south. Each of these meadows is mowed annually
to keep out woody species.
This treatment leaves a disrupted community of native and non-native plants which is favored by many special animals. Goldfinches, song sparrows, field sparrows, chipping sparrows, bluebirds, woodcocks and yellow warblers all favor the open sunny meadows or woodland edges. Almost all of Aullwood's butterflies are found in the meadows. The ground litter abounds in meadow mice, shrews and other small mammals. Insect life explodes in numbers and diversity as soon as spring arrives. Spider populations respond quickly to the insect bounty. |
Another disturbed habitat at Aullwood is the
lawn. At least every month during the growing season plants over three
inches tall are destroyed. But, never ever would we use pesticides.
The plant diversity in our lawns supports a diversity of life. Grasses,
plantains, dandelions, chickweeds and many other plants thrive in the tough
lawn environment. They, in turn, support a diverse group of animals and
fungi. We never have to de-thatch, the naturally occuring commuity does
it all.
At the Center, in addition the the greensward, we have planted a garden of woodland plants (on the shady side of the building) another of prairie plants (in the sunny area near the walk) and a third specially designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies (where it receives the morning sun). Where we need no open space, little meadows we call "Islands of Life" support more diversity. . |
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Aullwood's Meadows & Lawns |
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