In his own words

With his flowing beard and love of nature, “Prairie Bob” Ahrenhoerster seems a bit like Johnny Appleseed. Known around southern Wisconsin as the most ardent advocate of prairie reconstruction, his extensive knowledge, guidance and enthusiasm has contributed greatly to the success of the UW-Whitewater prairie project.

Bob handpicks seeds from area marshes, fields and savannas and then sells them through his business, Prairie Seed Source. He also works as head naturalist for the Milwaukee Public School System’s Camp Palmyra where he leads guided tours for children. In his own words, Bob describes the value of a prairie:

In restoring a prairie, native plants replace alien species that have become aggressive and commonplace. The UW-Whitewater prairie is seeded entirely from local genotypic seed which is adapted to this region’s soils, precipitation and temperatures.
The different soil types and moisture on this site allow for a wonderful diversity of plant species. This in turn provides a good structure which changes from season to season, creating habitats for a rich fauna ranging from insects to coyotes.
Prairie is mostly comprised of perennials and as such will take a number of years to mature. As you watch this site, you will see new species coming into bloom each year. Some of these long-living perennials are busy developing deep (15 to 20 feet) root systems. Fully two thirds of the ecosystem is underground. Some have life spans that last for hundreds of years.

This newly planted prairie will not only give us enjoyment in the form of blooms, butterflies, and birds, but will also build and enrich the soils on which it is planted.

 

“Prairie Bob” Ahrenhoester explains how to plant prairie seed.