To grow a prairie that even remotely represents that original community diversity, intense planting and care are necessary . Reintroduction of appropriate plant species is the initial step in restoration. To ensure that genotypes are adapted to regional conditions, introduced plants are from local sources whenever possible. Once the restored prairies have begun to mature, they represent a valuable source of local genotype seeds for use in other nearby restoration projects. A work crew controls a planned fire in the lower Arb.
Fire is essential for maintaining prairies.
It is responsible for eliminating woody growth, providing necessary nutrients, and increasing growth through the removal of dead plant material. During the restoration process, fire is used to encourage the growth of native prairie plant species and to burn off competing invasive species. The first prairie restoration in the Arb took place at Hillside Prairie in 1978, and there have been new plantings in various years since then. New areas of prairie are being planted on a regular basis in the Lower Arb, particularly adjacent to the Oak Savanna restoration. By the year 2000, the prairie should be continuous from Hillside Prairie to the 1995 Prairie.