Tension in the grasslands

June 28, 2023 by Dave Schwarz

Brown County-based Farm Bill Biologist Nate Fore shares this compelling photo taken during an annual CREP easement inspection. It shows a bird nest tucked into a native saw-tooth sunflower plant. It also shows a bunch of bristly Canada thistle plants surrounding the nest. 

Nate writes: "There is a tension in the grasslands this time of year. Invasive species and noxious weeds have begun to make their presence known with colorful blooms, while grassland birds tend to their eggs on the nests they've carefully concealed within the wild vegetation. This inspires landowners and conservationists to ponder how to control the spread of undesirable plant species while avoiding incidental damage to the nests of desirable bird species. I can tell you the answer is not simple and is definitely circumstantial. The best management strategies will require time and precision. If you're looking for assistance on controlling invasive plant species during the primary nesting season, please reach out to your nearest Farm Bill biologist or conservationist at your local SWCD or NRCS office."

To locate a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist in Minnesota, click here: Biologist locater

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