I spoke with Tim Draude, native plant consultant and wild seed collecting extraordinaire for what seemed like 20 minutes, but was actually 1.5 hrs. Time flew by as we discussed the history of establishing the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow in Lancaster County Park, some 20 years ago, rare species of the Serpentine barrens, and his favorite “botanizing” location in the Great Smoky Mountains. I’ve known Tim for a few years, through my membership of the Muhlenberg Botanical Society, but this phone conversation immersed me into a whole other world of appreciation of a generation of naturalists that work with ecosystems in a way that cannot be fully taught by a book. In reflection, my eyes swelled, knowing that we cannot bear to lose this knowledge and practice. The mission of this blog is to do a small part in recording this ecological insight.
Tim Draude is a self-taught botanist, with love of all things nature. Tim’s 40 years of ecology experience stems back to his childhood, admiring snakes and salamanders in his local woodlands. In his early 20’s, that love for nature developed into a specific love for ornithology, then into his adulthood, a lasting passion for plants and butterflies. He quickly learned that there is an ease in observing plants (they stand still), allowing him to study them more deeply. Tim now consults Mt. Cuba Center in their native plantings and leads interpretative native plant hikes for Muhlenberg Botanical Society events.
Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow, Lancaster County Park, PA | December 2019
Inspired by the lack of naturally occurring meadows to support birds, bees, and butterflies that Tim enjoyed studying in Lancaster, PA, over 20 years ago he embarked on a meadow planting mission, in collaboration with enthusiastic supporter, former Lancaster County Parks Director, John Mikowychok. With little to no reference material available at the time, their meadow making mission was fueled by a love of biodiversity and determination to make a difference. Tim collected wild seeds, growing in Lancaster and York County for over two years before breaking ground on the meadow project. He located seed in naturally occurring meadows at Lock 12 and power-cuts in Lancaster county.
Given that that the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow is just a stone’s throw away from Lancaster city, I frequently hike or snowshoe the meadow loop with my husband and dog, appreciating the wildlife diversity that it supports in all 4 seasons. Whether it be observing a Hummingbird moth or Swallowtail butterfly gathering sweet nectar at the Wild bergamot blossoms (Monarda fistulosa) in late summer or watching a “charm” of goldfinches feeding on the diversity of dried seed-heads in the winter, the meadow is full of life to entertain you during your outdoor adventure.
Sirius enjoying the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow in the year’s first snowfall | January, 2020
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and Swallowtail butterfly, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | August 2019
According to Tim, the first phase of establishing the meadow (site preparation) was already complete, given that it was formerly conventional agricultural land, so the previous heavy herbicide applications decreased any weed competition for the new native wildflower seedlings. In establishing meadows on a smaller scale, it is more ecologically sound to use sheet mulching, solarization, or sod removal to decrease the existing weed seed-bank; however, in this site, the herbicide application was embraced as an opportunity to create something beautiful and lasting for wildlife and the community to enjoy. A ½ acre was seeded in the first year, then another ½ acre the second year. Two more acres were seeded the following year, using seed collected from the initial planting. Upland ironweed (Vernonia glauca) was ethically propagated in pots and planted in the meadow, given that very little seed was available in the wild.
Broadleaf ironweed (Vernonia glauca) seed-heads | December, 2019
Like with all gardens, this meadow has changed over the years, with naturally occurring plant competition, but is an ideal site to gain insights for your own garden design and planting. For example; the Lancaster County Parks and Recreation team maintains an orderly frame (tidy edges), which bridges that balance for some individuals that crave a more orderly aesthetic to tame what may appear as a “messy ecosystem”. This simple management practice can be incorporated into private properties, as we learn to rewild human spaces to support more wildlife, while creating a beautiful aesthetic for all to enjoy. Read more about the value of “orderly frames” in Joan Naasauer’s article here.
In closing conversation with Tim Draude, he mentioned that the one thing that gives him encouragement in rebuilding biodiversity during what scientists are claiming to be the 6th mass extinction event, is homeowners taking on the challenge of incorporating wildlife supportive plants in their backyards, a growing Douglas Tallamy message that is articulated in his book, “Bringing Nature Home.”
Wild bergamont (Monarda fistulosa) seed-heads along a defined edge, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
On that hopeful note of bringing nature back into human spaces, the remaining images give insight on additional plants that would be a lovely addition to a home, school, or business landscape. As an ecological garden designer, I adore a well designed winter interest plant palette. The winter landscape is what we see about 5 months out of the year, so it deserves our careful design attention too. Thankfully I was able to capture the standing, beautifully textured seed-heads before the first heavy snow pressed the stalks to the ground. Identification by seed-head is a fun winter activity when blossoms and bugs aren’t out for observation. Many of the following featured plants can be found fairly regularly in the landscape plug and seed trade. In no time, you will be able to enjoy observing songbirds munching on the energy packed seeds or simply enjoy the textured polka dots decorating your white, snow covered backyard canvas.
Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) seed-heads, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | January, 2020
Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) seed-heads, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
There are four species of mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, P. virginianum, P. muticum, and P. incanum) that were seeded in the meadow; each with a preferred site condition. They attract a frenzy of pollinators in late summer, delicately accent the winter landscape, and the leaves can be crushed for an insect repellent or delicate, minty iced tea. What is there not to love about this plant? Mountain mint is a must in your ecological garden.
Field thistle (Cirsium discolor), Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
Wild Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) seed-heads, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
Unlike aggressive, introduced European thistles, our North American Field thistle (Cirsium discolor) plays well with others in a field and attracts a wide variety of wildlife for its nectar and nutritious seeds. Wild Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) show off their trendy chevron-like seed-heads at the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow. I recall first learning the scientific name of this plant by picturing a cool skateboarder, with the name Chas, a haircut of chevron stripes buzzed into the sides of their head, and a brain fueled with a bowl full of hearty oats for breakfast <yes, that is my trick in recalling the botanical names of plants… through really goofy stories>.
Goldenrod gall, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
Goldenrod galls, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
Other textured elements of the meadow that were of interest were the Goldenrod galls, produced from a small midge that alters the chemistry of the Canada goldenrod leaf bud, in the process of laying its eggs. Although this specific species is not encouraged to plant in a meadow, due to its aggressive behavior, the goldenrod genus (Solidago spp.) add nectar to your late Summer garden and showy textured elements in the winter landscape.
Take a hike at the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow to gain first hand experience of how the plants grow and then enjoy their lovely textured, winter interest and wildlife support by planting them in your own garden. In Summary, here are a few beautiful native plants that may work well in rewilding your piece of the planet:
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)
Wild Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor)
Birdhouse and wildflower seed-heads, Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow | December, 2019
A list of all the plant species initially seeded in the meadow can be found at https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/677/Muhlenberg-Native-Plant-Meadow?bidId=. Bird and butterfly species to observe at the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow are also found in this brochure.
Have you enjoyed visiting the Muhlenberg Native Wildflower Meadow? Are you grateful for Tim Draude’s ecological stewardship? Share your gratitude and/or botanical/wildlife observations of the meadow below!