Cajun Prairie Traditional Cache

This cache is located in a remnant of coastal prairie of which less than one-tenth of a percent remains. It is a tallgrass prairie similar to those of the Midwestern United States. It once extended from Corpus Christ, TX to its eastern limit to Lafayette in the east. In Louisiana it formed a triangle ranging from Opelousas down to Jeanerette and west to Vinton, LA.

This portion is called “Cajun Prairie” because it was settled in the early 19^th century by exiled Acadian settlers. It is estimated that in pre-settlement times it encompassed as much as 2.5 million acres, while the Texas portion included about 6.5 million acres. While much of the former prairie has been converted to pasture for cattle grazing, the vast majority has been altered for rice or sugarcane.

The establishment and maintenance of prairies depended upon factors such as rainfall, soil type, fire and herbivory. Natural prairie is dominated by long-lived herbaceous perennials which form a dense mat of intertwined roots. Despite their small size Cajun prairie remnants contain a high diversity of native plants species. Among the most serious problems facing prairie remnants and restorations are invasion of exotic species. Two of these problem invaders are Macartney rose (Rosa bracteata) and Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebiferum). These two species are also root sprouters, however annual growing season burns appear to be an effective management tool.

Grasslands differ from forest land in variety of ways. First is depth of litter and humus as shown below. Also in how deep grass roots go to reach water. Theses roots, as mentioned earlier, often form dense intermingled mats.

This ten-acre restoration project was established in 1988 and is owned by Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society. The site is basically a public outdoor ecological museum, frequented by locals as well as out-of-state visitors and is used as an educational facility and outdoor classroom for students from elementary to college level.

Park in the area available and take a leisurely walk on the path. You can enjoy a picnic lunch at the table in the parking area.

I know this is not an EarthCache but please send answers to the following questions: 1. List at least five native plants in this parcel of land. 2. How was this area able to remain in a more natural prairie state rather than converted to cropland before being purchased by the Cajun Prairie Society? 3. Name at least two of the people involved in the preservation of this prairie. 4. What soil(s) make up this restored prairie? 5. Why are the plants not uniform is their growth here?