We arrived at Daphne Prairie and were immediately greeted by 15 or so bluebirds — how cool is that? Then we checked out the prairie for the next 4 hours or so, it was beautiful.
Daphne Prairie is around 1,000 acres, with two hay meadows that had never been grazed. Wow.
It’s so great seeing these prairie trees as they should be. Historically, natural fires kept trees and shrubs out of prairies — except for the oldest ones that had thick, fire resistant bark. Like this Osage Orange or Bois d’arc’. Osage Orange trees are especially a treat to see in this size, as their strong rot-resistant wood was used to make fence posts and many were cut down.
There were many mima mounds in this priaire — with dried floral arrangements on top. This one has yarrow and Brown-eyed Susan.
Like the Osage Orange, there were also large Oak trees on the prairie. Note more mima mounds in the photo too.
Many thanks to Sid for taking the time to give us a tour of Daphne Prairie! Stay tuned for the next post that will wrap up our trip to Paris.
I really like the pic with the solitary tree in the background. You are correct. That’s the way it should be on prairie lands.
Thanks B.F. and Sid!