Visitors enjoy the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park

By SCOTT ANDERSON sanderson@shawmedia.com

The sunflowers are back at Matthiessen State Park. The field attracts many visitors and pollinators. Park staff asks visitors not to take the sunflowers nor drive into the fields, nor park in designated parking areas, including along roadways.

Not only do the sunflowers attract visitors for family, engagement and high school photo opportunities, they also are a habitat improvement tool. Sunflowers and wheat are planted for the IDNR’s dove hunting program. Once the sunflowers are mature, they are mowed, which causes the seeds to spread over the bare ground that doves feed on. The sunflowers keep pollinators busy and provide shade for opossums and raccoons.