Over the past decades of cattle ranching, more than 1,200 acres of fescue-bermudagrass pastures were established on the preserve. While providing excellent forage for cattle, these fields are of very little value for wildlife. As we seek to restore a continuous natural landscape, these fields will be converted to native grassland and savanna. This involves the eradication of fescue and bermuda and planting a mix of native grasses and wildflowers with a no-till drill on 100 acres/year. Areas planted in native grasses and forbs will ultimately move toward savanna via planting of shortleaf pine and hardwood seedlings and seeds.

A mix of 6 species of native grasses and several species of wildflowers are purchased commercially. Preserve staff and volunteers collect additional native wildflower from the preserve and other natural areas in the late summer and fall. This seed is mixed with the commercially acquired seed prior to planting. A Truax No-till Drill is used to plant the seed at approximately 10 pounds per acre.

To date, nearly 300 acres have been planted to native grassland. In addition to enhancing wildlife habitat on the preserve, the project seeks to develop effective protocols for converting fescue and bermudagrass pastures to native grasslands. Restored areas will provide important habitat for nesting and wintering birds, deer, quail, turkey, and small mammals. The elimination of non-native grasslands will deplete sources for invasive plant species, and enhance the connectivity and ecological functionality of the Nickel Preserve.