| Maryann's
Prairie was
planted during the month of July in 1996. With the assistance of Quail
Unlimited and
Mr. Greg Gerke from the Marion County Soil
and Water Conservation District, approximately
two acres in the southwest corner of ISD's campus were planted with tall-grasses
and wildflowers that are native to Indiana. |
| Wildflowers
that can be found in our prairie include Indian Blankets, Purple Coneflowers,
Yellow Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Daisies, Bee Balm, Prairie Phlox,
Prairie Coreopsis, Butterfly Weed, and Goat's Beard. |
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Tall
grasses and other plants in our prairie include Little Blue Stem Grass,
Big Blue Stem Grass, Turkey Foot Grass, Indian Grass, Switch Grass, Compass
Plant, and Prairie Dock. These tall grasses can reach heights of more than
8 feet.
Prior
to the pioneer era, tall grass prairies covered as much as 15% of Indiana.
Today, less than 1% of these prairies remain, lost to farming, urban development,
and fewer uncontrolled fires. Before the pioneers, fires were a regulating
factor in keeping the prairies flourishing. Fires, started by lightning
and Native Americans, controlled the growth of trees and other non-prairie
plants. The deep, massive root systems of prairie plants help them survive
while other plants are destroyed. Maryann's
Prairie will be burned once each spring. |
Photos of our prairie being burned
during the Spring of 1999
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Maryann
Haskett was a science teacher in ISD's high school department for more
than 20 years. She taught a variety of science classes, including Earth
Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Advanced Science. She died quite unexpectedly
on April 1, 1994. Maryann's career was marked by her dedication and high
expectations for her students. Maryann's
Prairie is named in her honor for the
contributions she made in teaching science to ISD's students.
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