"See you in September ..."

As introduced species such as brome grass and fescue turn dull gray for the winter, native grasses reach their full glory.  Big and little bluestem turn rich brown and burgundy.  Indiangrass, switchgrass and Canada wild rye reflect sunlight with a golden glow.  Native grasses add greatly to the beauty of Iowa roadsides.  The personal journals of Iowa's early settlers tell of grasses "so tall they almost hide a person on horseback."  These stories were no doubt inspired by big bluestem and Indiangrass at their maximum height in late summer and fall.  Today these same grasses can be seen in roadsides along Iowa's primary and secondary road systems.  In a prairie setting with fertile soil, adequate moisture and full sunlight, they will reach heights of six to eight feet.  In roadsides these grasses may be no more than four feet tall.  Emerging seed heads make fall the easiest time to identify prairie grasses.

Reduce fall tillage.  Soil particles that are loosened by excessive tillage may be carried by wind or water and deposited in roadsides.  The use of conservation tillage dramatically decreases wind erosion on flat fields and water erosion in hilly areas.  Field borders and grass buffer strips provide protection to the roadside and help maintain a vigorous plant community.  Conscientious farming practices can add to the health of roadside vegetation.