In the Southeast, native grasses begin coming in naturally during the second year. These provide quality nesting habitat. Succession is slower in the Northeast and the Midwest, where native grasses are often planted on borders. Little bluestem or indiangrass, for example, is mixed with legumes such as partridge pea. These plantings are cost effective because fertilization is not necessary and the recommended seeding rate is very light.
Light rates ensure some bare ground, an essential component of brood-rearing habitat.
Borders will need maintenance to keep woody brush from taking over. This will produce nesting habitat on the areas left untouched each year. These will join brood-rearing areas produced by the latest disturbance to provide optimum habitat. In Pastures Borders can also be established on pasture and hay land. They work well on native grass pastures, but most grasslands today have been established in exotic forage grasses.