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What is a prairie? A prairie is simply defined as “a natural treeless grassland”. There are many different types of prairie ranging from tall grasses growing up to 10 feet tall, to short grasses reaching less than a foot tall, to wet prairie, which are home to some of the most unique and beautiful grasses and flowers found. The main factors determining what type of prairie will grow in a particular site are climate and soil type.
In pre-settlement times Michigan’s Lower Peninsula was home to vast areas of prairie. Today only a small percentage of this area survives.
 Prairies are unique and endangered ecosystems that are worth saving and restoring. They are biologically diverse and provide wonderful opportunity for wildlife viewing and nature study.
Flushing Township Nature Park began its 70-acre prairie restoration project in 1998. This area formerly used for agricultural production was seeded with Michigan native wildflowers and prairie grasses. These species are genetically adapted to Michigan’s climate and soils, which increases their chances of competition with non-natives, while increasing the native seed for future Michigan prairie restoration projects.
There are two types of prairie systems located in the park. The majority of the prairie area is considered to be a mixed grass prairie, which span across the majority of the upper portion of the park. There is also a small section of wet prairie located in the NorthWest corner of the prairie ecosystem.
 Prairies are fire-adapted ecosystems. Controlled (prescribed) burns are preformed to exclude woody plants and control invasive non-native plant species. Without the continual use of fire, prairies would become extinct, giving way to woody shrubs and trees. Fire also increases soil formation by 1) creating nutrient rich fertilizer, and 2) increasing soil temperature, which stimulates decomposition. All of which provide optimal conditions for prairie plant growth.
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