As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer Braiding Sweetgrass
^ Chorus Frog < Eastern Prickly Pear
Purple-headed Sneezeweed
A Sand Prairie Almanac In 2018, HeartLands Conservancy became the steward of Poag Sand Prairie after the property was purchased by The Nature Conservancy. The 10-acre site, and its adjacent properties, are part of a geologic gem right here in southwestern Illinois - although many do not realize the significance. Sand prairies are among the most unique landscapes in Illinois. They are distinct remnants of glacial times, having been formed thousands of years ago when the glaciers melted and deposited the sand, silt, rock, and soil they carried with them. These prairies are home to many rare plants and animals that thrive in the sandy loam, which provides quick drainage and easy burrowing/rooting. In Illinois, sand prairies are rare ecosystems present only along the Mississippi, Illinois, Green, and Kankakee Rivers and in a few spots along Lake Michigan. The state only recognizes 2,360 total acres of sand prairies in Illinois, and a small percentage are actually protected by HLC. In addition to Poag Sand Prairie, HeartLands Conservancy preserved and restored Arlington Wetlands in Pontoon Beach nearly 10 years ago. Restoration recently began at Poag Sand Prairie, located in Edwardsville, thanks to a gracious gift from an anonymous donor who realized the area’s importance. The site was once an agricultural field and then sat stagnant for years. Plants and trees that are detrimental to the prairie ecosystem (i.e., invasive species) covered the sandy soils, and neighbors feared it would eventually become just another warehouse. After two years, Poag Sand Prairie is going through a transformation. A grant 8
from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation made it possible to hire contractors to remove thick stands of invasive trees and undesirable woody plants. Trees that were removed for the benefit of the prairie included: Siberian Elm (ulmus pumila), Bradford Pear (pyrus calleryana), and Bush honeysuckle (lonicera maackii), among others. During several work days, volunteers helped clean up debris, plant seeds, install signs, and build a trail. The short loop trail allows visitors to explore the site and is named in honor of the Tosovsky family of Edwardsville, at the request of the anonymous donor. For three generations, the Tosovsky family has been dedicated to producing favorite plants from brands like Proven Winners, First Edition, and Star Roses. Their business, Home Nursery, is a family-owned and operated, innovative leader in producing and distributing field and container grown nursery stock to garden centers, distribution centers, and landscaping companies throughout the Midwest. Their company has been working diligently over the last several years to reduce their carbon footprint. They have completed a three million dollar solar powered system that runs all of their equipment and have even begun recycling all of their water. “We are trying to be more mindful of how we use our resources,” said Ann Tosovsky, President of Home Nursery. “It is important to do what we can when we can to help the environment, as well as future generations,” she said. The Tosovsky family lives in the area and owns property near Poag Sand Prairie. Ann has many memories of being in the area
working for the family business. “We appreciate HeartLands Conservancy’s efforts to protect and preserve Poag Sand Prairie and support their work fully. It is neat to be affiliated with a property that is so special,” said Tosovsky. She is looking forward to taking her grandchildren out to Poag Sand Prairie to teach them about native plants and animals. She also hopes to see one of her favorite native plants, butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa), on the property, along with monarch butterflies and other pollinators. As Home Nursery approaches its 100th anniversary next year, the family prepares to welcome another generation to their business. Nick Tosovsky has been studying business at St. Louis University with the goal of one day taking over for his mother. “It’s nice to think one day I’ll eventually be able to retire and our family’s legacy will continue,” she said. Restoration work continues at Poag Sand Prairie. This year, a priority for HLC is the removal of more highly invasive and undesirable plants, such as common reed (phragmites australis) and Chinese bushclover (sericea lespedeza), as well as a complete species inventory for the entire site. Sand prairie animals need certain plants to survive, and these invasive plants crowd out the naturally occurring plants that support a healthy habitat. Some of the unique species that have already been found on or nearby the property include tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus), purple-headed sneezeweed (helenium flexuosum), eastern prickly pear (optotia cespitosa) Ohio spiderwort (tradescantia ohiensis),
www.HeartLands Conservancy.org
The Tosovsky Family of Edwardsville at Poag Sand Prairie
and ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata). The sand prairie is also habitat for chorus frogs, which SIUE Biology professor, Dr. Richard Essner, has been studying on the site for years. Hear more on March 21 at Poag! Sarah Vogt, Conservation Manager, said, “This property is a geological wonder. It is one of the most significant properties in the HLC Portfolio, and I am proud to be part of the team entrusted with returning it to its natural state.”
Ohio Spiderwort
If you want to experience the sand prairie and the Tosovsky Family Trail for yourself, it is open to the public and located at 4850 Street Car Road, Edwardsville. You can also join us at one (or all!) of the many volunteer days that will be held at Poag Sand Prairie throughout this year.
Feeling Froggy Volunteer Day: followed by Frog counting with SIUE Professor Dr. Essner at Poag Sand Prairie March 21 @ 4 pm
For more information on more events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.HeartLandsConservancy.org/ events/php
Volunteers at Poag Sand Prairie Commonfields Spring 2020
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