No "Royal Treatment" for this Queen!

Of course I am speaking about Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), a non–native plant Nachusa Grasslands stewards and volunteers remove from the prairie!

At first glance, the Queen Anne's lace is lovely, with its elegant white flower head and delicate, fern–like leaves. In addition, as you walk amongst a stand of Queen Anne's, you are greeted with a wonderful carrot aroma, hence the plant's "Wild Carrot" nickname.

Queen Anne's lace quickly spreads if not removed.

​​The Queen Anne's lace was first introduced to North America by early European settlers. Left unchecked, this non–native biennial species can aggressively spread, preventing the Illinois native plants from flourishing. So, to promote the health and diversity of the native species, Queen Anne's lace is one of the weeds Nachusa stewards and volunteers target for removal. For more about Nachusa's invasive plant management, read this PrairiE-Update that discusses clearing and weeding.

I was one of fifteen volunteers who met at the Headquarters Barn for the Saturday morning workday crew. Led by volunteer steward, Ron Deters, one of our tasks was to remove Queen Anne's lace from the prairie in his unit. As we drove into the Harold Walkup unit (Ron's unit), we were met with a sea of Queen Anne's lace everywhere!!! Wow! With all the rain this summer, this non–native plant had definitely flourished. Ron certainly needed our help this day! I asked Ron where he wanted the crew to begin. He said he wanted to weed the remnant hill first. (A remnant is a piece of land that has never been plowed, so the original native plant communities have survived to present day.)

I have always felt the remnants are the most important part of Nachusa. They hold the history, the magic, and the courage of the prairie.  So, I have concentrated most of my efforts on restoring/maintaining the remnant knob and I am beginning to meet with some success.  I have also over–seeded the restoration and now see more compass plant and gayfeather that were not there last year.  Also, the bison seem to like the Walkup unit very much so it is fun to see what their activities produce and the changes that occur. (except when they wallow on the cream baptisia!)

Ron Deters
Volunteer steward 

Ron Deters first began as a volunteer for Nachusa in 2013. He attended many Saturday workdays and was drawn to The Nature Conservancy's successful prairie restoration. Ron quickly earned his sawyer certificate, qualifying him to remove non–native trees and shrubs from the preserve. Three years later, Ron is now a mentor to new want–to–be sawyers at Nachusa. Ron participates in prescribed fire as much as possible and is the volunteer steward for the Harold Walkup unit.

The first of TWO truck beds we filled with Queen Anne's lace during the Saturday workday!!

While enjoying some lively camaraderie, some volunteers used a spade to remove the Queen Anne's, but most of us just used our muscles and determination to pull them out. After all the rain we have had, the roots easily released from the prairie soil.

The volunteers proudly pose with the evidence of all their hard work!

What a joy to work hard all morning, surrounded by beautiful scenery and the quiet sounds of nature! Yes, the work can be physical (as much as you choose), but there are some wonderful benefits. There are days in the field when I look up from my task, only to enjoy a herd of bison grazing in the distance. A beautiful bird may perch on a prairie plant near me to sing me a sweet song. As I worked with this amazing group of people, I could feel the stress of my everyday life just melt away. I know Nachusa calls it a workday, but every time I volunteer it is actually a "fun day" for me, filled with a lot of good–natured banter (and great snacks!).

The "before" photo of the Harold Walkup unit. The task to remove Queen Anne's looks formidable.

The "after" photo. What a difference!!!

Since first discovering Nachusa in 2012, I try to return weekly to volunteer. The prairie is like a big garden to me and boy, do I love to garden! The kind, respectful community of volunteers this preserve attracts, as well as the the wonderful fellowship we share together, also draws me. I love building relationships with these new friends and professionals interested in land conservation. I have gained many new skills and feel my efforts are greatly appreciated and really make a difference. As always, it was wonderful to be a part of the workday and admire the immediate results of all our efforts together. I left that day, with a feeling of euphoria, amazed at what we had accomplished as a group.

Come join us! I promise you a rewarding experience!

The blog this week was written by Dee Hudson, a volunteer and photographer for Nachusa. To see more prairie images, visit her website at www.deehudsonphotography.com. ​​