by Christine Hanrahan

The rototilled section of the old field in later summer, showing the variety of species that appeared, including amaranth, evening primrose, and panic grass, contrasting with the goldenrod and wild raspberry behind.

A dense stand of white sweet clover grew up along the old path through the centre of the field, where DSV had been regularly removed over a period of 6 years.

Lamium appearing before anything else begins to grow. After rototilling the site, the lamium vanished, at least for 2012.

Giant foxtail growing in the midst of the rototilled area. Behind it, maple-leaved goosefoot, amaranth, mustards, panic grass, and goldenrod.

Looking south across the cleared area, a few days after mowing was completed.

Pearly everlasting in the southern (unmowed) section of the old field, on which an american lady butterfly laid eggs. This stand has been expanding over the years and is now four times the size it was three years ago.

Newly planted pearly everlasting, in the rototilled section. These plants, host to several american lady caterpillars, flourished.

Some of the new plants established in the rototilled section, shown in autumn.

I’m the Habitat Manager for the Old Field habitat at FWG, and have observed many changes over time.