Start Life in a pond A refuge for wildlife How to build a forest What makes a butterfly meadow In praise of older fields Rejuvenating a mature woodlot Shelter from weather and predators A model backyard

Virtual tour In praise of older fields Abandoned fields are quickly colonized by weedy plants. If left alone, shrubs and trees will follow and dominate the site. But because old fields are valuable wildlife habitat in their own right, we want to maintain this area at an early stage of succession by mowing it every 3–5 years. Old fields, characterized by long grasses and a variety of wildflowers, provide homes for open-country species like bobolinks, meadowlarks, and savannah sparrows. Voles and mice flourish, attracting in turn predators such as owls, hawks, and foxes. Most of the pioneer species you see in local old fields are not native to North America. Especially noticeable are white sweet clover, burdock, and thistle, which flourish due to lack of competition. But native wildflowers, particularly asters and goldenrods, also occur. Many of these plants provide food for wildlife, such as the thistles relished by goldfinches for nest-building and food. This page was revised on 11 October 2004 © Fletcher Wildlife Garden Photo: Betty Campbell Our e-mail address