Quebe Prairie Field Trip
Under the expert guidance of Jason Singhurst, Tim Siegmund and Will Newman (all TPWD), a group of 31 of us had the pleasure to experience the 12-acre remnant prairie located on the historical Quebe Farm near Brenham on 13 May 2021. Charlotte von Rosenberg, fourth-generation owner of Quebe Farm, had graciously invited our group to spend the morning on the prairie.
This prairie has a definite feel, distinct from restored prairies and even from some remnant prairies that lack the floral diversity of the Quebe Prairie. This prairie, never plowed, is hayed once or twice a year, so that we were looking at the spring growth. Jason, Tim and Will made the field trip a superb learning experience. They showed us the rich diversity of plants within even a small area, but also how the composition of the flora changed with subtle changes in topography. We learned which species characterize a well-developed prairie. “If you find these species, everything else is bound to be here.”
Only a few images are posted below to capture the overall flavor and highlight a few beautiful/interesting plants. Superb collections of photos are posted on NPAT Facebook and iNaturalist Prairie Seekers web sites. The photos below were kindly provided by Michelle Villafranca, Meg Inglis, Molly Glentzer, Swee Leng Rapatz and Linda Jo Conn.
The assembled group on Quebe Prairie “The prairie is a tapestry of colors and patterns, each intricate and varied.” Michelle Villafranca How many species in each square meter? Jason (foreground), Tim, and Will in teaching mode Distinguishing Indian Grass (foreground) from Big Bluestem Prairie indian plantain Texas thistle Dodder is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll. Texas prairie parsley Desert chicory Tim and Jason amidst colony of Maximilian sunflowers
