Proof of Concept: Wylie Prairie Restoration

Dick Zartler, Class of 2007

A 2026 native plant survey of the property located at the Wiley Municipal Complex proved that the restoration project initiated by Dave Powell in 2011 had made substantial progress in converting abandoned farmland to a native plant prairie.

Over 110 native plants were identified compared to 55 identified in 2011 before the project began. This increase is attributed to initial seeding over several years, some transplanting within the prairie, air- and avian-borne seed sources and removal of competing cedars and elms. Supplementary water and nutrients were not used.

This restoration project included 13 demonstration plots of local native grasses and a one-half mile access trail mowed by Wiley Parks and Recreation.

While the increasing native plant inventory as well as completion of the demonstration plots and prairie trail met initial goals, several other aspects of the project have not.

The access trail has had limited use and the City of Wiley reclaimed about half of the 20 original acres for a dog park and mowed open field use. The loop trail is accessible 24/7. It starts it begins at a large explanatory sign on the north side of the Municipal Complex parking lot on Country Club Road in Wiley.

There have been many BPTMN volunteers involved in the restoration, but Dave Powell, Terry Comingore, and Jay Wooldridge have done the heavy lifting for many years.