John Laatsch: Volunteer Preserve Steward at Pehkokia Woods
A Dedicated Preserve Steward
The Laatsch family protected their 97-acre property with ACRES in 2010, and in 2018, John Laatsch became a volunteer Preserve Steward. As a Preserve Steward, John is responsible for maintaining the preserve and trail system.
Prior to becoming an ACRES preserve, the north field of Pehkokia Woods was farmed. The area was considered to be highly erodible, making it eligible for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Through the program, subsidies were provided to discontinue farming and establish plantings that would protect the soil.
Establishing a Tallgrass Prairie at Pehkokia Woods
“I am a big fan of tallgrass prairies, so upon entering into the CRP in the late 1980s, it was decided that we’d establish one! Some prairie seed was purchased from commercial sources, and additional seed was collected from remnant prairie patches that I had noted while traveling the state, primarily in northwestern Indiana.”
John enjoys observing how the prairie changes over time. Initially, he saw non-native weeds growing, but over time the native grasses began to dominate. Eventually, flowering prairie plants moved in, like Rattlesnake Master, False Dragonhead, Culver’s Root Prairie Dock, Rosin Weed, Stiff Sunflower and Compass Plant.
“I find it remarkable that even though some seed likely was unknowingly collected and planted inefficiently, they have all become fairly well established (although in many cases it took years and even decades before they gained a foothold!).”
Why Protecting Natural Areas Matters to John
The preserve is an important part of both John’s history and the natural history of the land. “Natural areas provide habitat for so much wildlife, including the prairie at Pehkokia Woods that is teeming with pollinating insects during the growing season. We rely on all of the plants and animals for a diverse and healthy ecosystem. I am thankful that I get to be a small part of protecting a natural area.”
