The restoration project is divided into 3 phases:
Restoration work is a dynamic process and therefore both the milestones and dates listed below are subject to change as the project moves forward. If changes to milestones and/or completion dates are required, the below information will be updated.
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Phase 1
Phase 1 seeks to identify challenges and opportunities for the Prairie Restoration Project. The scope of the project will be defined, stakeholders identified and engaged, feasibility assessed, and conceptual plans completed.
| Milestones | Estimated Completion Date |
| Launch Project | Summer 2017 |
| Hire Landscape Architect | Summer 2017 |
| Draft conceptual master plan roll out | Winter 2017 |
| Public launch/ website roll out | Winter 2018 |
| Identify potential seed providers/ seed availability |
Spring 2019 |
| Identify seed provider / availability | Spring 2019 |
| Identify/ meet with potential stakeholders | Spring 2019 |
| Stakeholder workshops/ design input | Spring 2019 |
| Public comment period | Spring 2019 |
| Concept master plan complete | Summer 2019 |
Phase 2
In Phase 2, detailed plans are created for moving the project forward. Facilities staff will develop plans to manage the site, faculty and students will lead research projects to collect baseline data, project cost estimates will be refined, and external partners necessary to complete tasks will be identified.
| Milestone | Estimated Completion Date |
| Seed demonstration plots | Fall 2019 |
| Develop land management plan | Fall 2019 |
| End wheat cultivation | TBD |
| Detailed master plan completed | Winter 2020 |
| Identify contractors/ community partners to complete work |
TBD |
| Forb seed collected for later plantings | TBD |
| Baseline data collection | TBD |
Phase 3
Phase 3 marks the physical start of the restoration work. This phase will begin preparation of a seed bed and native grass and forb seeds will be planted. A trail system will be put in place shortly after seed planting so as to provide access for maintenance, research, and to keep visitors on defined trail corridors. Signs, benches, outdoor classrooms, a mountain bike skills center, trees and other forbs will be brought to the site in subsequent years. The restoration work will take time and require intensive management for the first five or so years. Once native plants are successfully established onsite, we will switch to a long-term sustainable management plan.
| Milestone | Estimated Completion Date |
| Plant grass and forb seed mix | TBD |
| Trail system constructed | TBD |
| Minor infrastructure put in place (i.e. signs, benches, outdoor classrooms, etc.) |
TBD |
| Plant additional forb plugs | TBD |
| Plant trees | TBD |
| End intensive site management/ switch to long-term sustainable management |
TBD |