Everling
Johnson County Public Library offers many resources and services to our patrons and community. You might think of books, video games, DVDs, programs, notaries, printing and faxing at first. But did you know we also offer outdoor educational experiences? The native prairie at the Trafalgar Branch Library offers opportunities for you to explore the outdoors while also learning. Here is some information about the prairie to know before you explore it yourself.
Years before Indiana was settled, 15% of the landscape stretching from Ohio to Missouri was covered in prairies. Due to human settlement, that has been reduced to just 1% during modern times. The grasses of the prairie provide an ecologically friendly alternative to traditional landscaping while providing a home to birds, bees, bunnies and other animals. It is maintained by professionals who specialize in native plants.
A recent grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) meant that we were able to add pops of color throughout our prairie with native wildflowers. As you walk the paved, half-mile trail, you’ll see purples, whites, oranges and yellows throughout the sea of green.
Our native prairie has a walking trail that can be used year-round. The west side of our prairie is home to the Kelsey Anne Devine StoryWalk. Families can walk and read at the same time. There are fun activities at the end of each page to expand the story and make the readers move. The stories are updated quarterly. Further along the trail, walkers will come across a pond, and if you listen closely, you might hear a bullfrog or two. There are benches in many spots along the trail where you can sit and read or just enjoy nature. If you bring along your dog, we also offer dog waste stations.
Summer is the peak time to visit the prairie. We have large, signature programs that take advantage of the space, including Library on the Prairie, a festival celebrating all things pioneer, and in December, Merry Prairie, which lights up our prairie during a festive time of year. In the past, we have had yoga, exercise, bike racing, chalk drawing and other programs that utilize the space.
In July, we will partner with the DNR for a prairie walk. During this guided tour, an Urban Wildlife Biologist will take attendees around the prairie and provide in-depth information about the benefits of prairies as well as information on the plants and animals that call it home. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions. The walk takes place at 6 p.m. July 19. Register for the program at PageAfterPage.org/events. We hope to see you there.
Elyssa Everling is the Adult Services Librarian at Johnson County Public Library Trafalgar branc. JCPL staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
