Highlighted Projects

The Bennett Farm native grassland restoration project began in 2019 and was accomplished through a process of sequential land management applications.  The first application utilized a cost share program through the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV) Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP) program ( GRIP | opjv ) to mechanically clear approximately 30 acres of Eastern red cedar that invaded a significant portion of the site.  Following the Eastern red cedar removal, the site was planted with the WNBRI HEP native grass/forb seed mix using a Brillion Seeder provided by the local TPWD Biologist.  Following two growing seasons of rest to allow the native grass and forbs enough time to become established and capable of withstanding disturbance, the site was prescribed burned in January of 2024.  As these photos taken in early September clearly show, the native grasses and forbs have responded very favorably to the prescribed burn and the project site is well on its way to being a diverse native grassland that can be sustained perpetually with periodic prescribed fire (3-year fire return interval) and rotational grazing of cattle.