• Conservation Medicine
• Animal Management, Husbandry & Health
• Restoration Ecology
• Projects & Research
• Native Species Lists
• Conservation Science Training
• Conservation Education
• International Work
• Professional Partnerships

Grassland Bird Studies & Habitat Improvement

Sedge Wren (shown above), Bobolink, Henslow, Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows are among the species of grassland birds being monitored in the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project. As these areas are managed, bird species are monitored and recorded. Studying this data over time will provide information on how these important habitats can be managed to promote higher diversity and greater numbers of grassland birds.

The large acreage at the Wilds has been found to be a refuge for many grassland bird species including those that are in decline in the rest of the state.

This type of open grassland habitat has become less common in the Midwest landscape and is one of the main factors for the decline of many bird species. Grassland bird studies at the Wilds have been ongoing for many years and are focused on the identification of specific habitat requirements for successful reproduction. Studies are also assessing the effects of fire, mowing, and varied plant community composition on nesting success.

The Wilds is examining ways of improving grassland bird habitat through invasive plant removal (particularly the removal of autumn olive, an invasive shrub) and the introduction of more diverse grasslands through various restoration techniques.

< Back to Projects & Research