Newtown Meadows
What are meadows?
Meadows are fields of native grasses and wildflowers. They are often found where the forest has been opened by agricultural activity, flood, or fire.
In many areas, wildfires and floods are discouraged to protect lives and property. With the reduction of local farming (and fallow fields), meadows are a diminishing resource . Meadows, unless managed, contain temporary plant communities that are eventually replaced by trees and shrubs over time (known as “succession”).
For all these reasons, the plants and wildlife whose existence depends on meadows are under threat.
In many areas, wildfires and floods are discouraged to protect lives and property. With the reduction of local farming (and fallow fields), meadows are a diminishing resource . Meadows, unless managed, contain temporary plant communities that are eventually replaced by trees and shrubs over time (known as “succession”).
For all these reasons, the plants and wildlife whose existence depends on meadows are under threat.
Why is it important to protect meadows
Meadow preservation is important for many reasons including:
- Year-round habitat for birds, animals and plant communities
- Erosion control
- Sustainability
- Bioremediation
- Habitat for pollinators; and
- Enjoyment for people.
What does meadow conservation mean to us?
Meadows are critical habitats for many threatened birds, pollinators (bees and butterflies); and native plants like wildflowers. Encouraging pollinators cannot be underestimated as a number of studies indicate human food production is dependent on bees pollinating crops.
Once established, meadows attract wildlife and require less maintenance than lawns. Meadows
need less water and little to no fertilizer, saving people both time and money. Plus meadows create an attractive landscape.
Many people can foster some meadow species on their own Newtown properties by replacing a part of their lawn with meadow plants.
Once established, meadows attract wildlife and require less maintenance than lawns. Meadows
need less water and little to no fertilizer, saving people both time and money. Plus meadows create an attractive landscape.
Many people can foster some meadow species on their own Newtown properties by replacing a part of their lawn with meadow plants.
What plants and animals live in or use meadows?
Many species, such as Switch grass, Indian grass, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Butterfly weed, milkweed, Flat-topped goldenrod, Field thistle, Jerusalem artichoke, voles, shrews, foxes, bobolinks, meadowlarks, sparrows, towhees, blackbirds, catbirds, yellow-throats, owls, and hawks, inhabit meadows.
The most numerous meadow inhabitants are insects. Insects are essential food sources for birds and bats. Many caterpillars, nourished by meadow plants, morph into butterflies which aid in pollination.
The most numerous meadow inhabitants are insects. Insects are essential food sources for birds and bats. Many caterpillars, nourished by meadow plants, morph into butterflies which aid in pollination.
What can we do to help preserve meadows?
e don’t need much acreage to help some of the plants, songbirds, and pollinators that live in meadows.
Instead of exclusively growing lawn, we can create a small meadow filled with native wildflowers in our yards . These areas encourage bees and insect life. Meadow wildflowers also attract songbirds and hummingbirds.
While lawn requires weekly maintenance during the growing season, a meadow doesn’t need regular mowing at all.
Instead of exclusively growing lawn, we can create a small meadow filled with native wildflowers in our yards . These areas encourage bees and insect life. Meadow wildflowers also attract songbirds and hummingbirds.
While lawn requires weekly maintenance during the growing season, a meadow doesn’t need regular mowing at all.
Should meadows be mowed?
Mowing for habitat meadows should not be done every year. This gives insects a chance to reproduce and plants an opportunity to seed. Spaces between the established meadow plants provide cover for birds and small mammals.
When needed, a meadow should be mowed every 2-3 years before April 1st or in early September. This gives birds a chance to raise their young and for nestlings to fledge.
A benefit of an early spring mowing is that birds and animals can eat the plant seeds during the winter.
The dried plants can be used to provide cover for wildlife during the winter as well.
Mowing after the growing season also ensures caterpillars can transform into butterflies and bees can salvage enough pollen to produce honey and maintain hive strength.
When needed, a meadow should be mowed every 2-3 years before April 1st or in early September. This gives birds a chance to raise their young and for nestlings to fledge.
A benefit of an early spring mowing is that birds and animals can eat the plant seeds during the winter.
The dried plants can be used to provide cover for wildlife during the winter as well.
Mowing after the growing season also ensures caterpillars can transform into butterflies and bees can salvage enough pollen to produce honey and maintain hive strength.
What maintenance is needed?
For the first few years, remove any invasive species trying to colonize open patches in your meadow.
Native plant meadow seed mixes are helpful in colonizing open areas and areas where invasive plants have been removed.
Meadows are a declining habitat in Connecticut. Adding one to your property helps birds, insects and wildlife and provides an attractive feature for you.
Native plant meadow seed mixes are helpful in colonizing open areas and areas where invasive plants have been removed.
Meadows are a declining habitat in Connecticut. Adding one to your property helps birds, insects and wildlife and provides an attractive feature for you.