A very effective poster hanging from the ceiling at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The photographic image shows grasses in a tallgrass prairie above and below ground - and the grasses are depicted life-size. The banner is 14 feet long.
The poster was commissioned or created by the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa.
We do a lot of talking about the benefits of prairie roots, but almost nothing we say makes as big an impact as this banner. The actual-size image of a Big Bluestem and Leadplant root system evokes awe whenever the banner is unfurled, reinforcing our message about the ecological services prairie roots provide.
It is available for purchase ($200) via the link; you can also purchase for educational purposes preserved root systems ($2,200). What an amazing resource for presenting to students and the general public the importance of the undergound root systems of prairie plants.
This poster makes your earlier "The Great Plains is being invaded by trees" posting all the more vivid!
ReplyDeleteNot a coincidence. I ran across the poster while researching material for the Great Plains post, but wanted to split it off as a standalone item for readers in the education field.
DeleteEvery year at the county fair the 4H kids would have a native grass display showing the deep root structure of native grasses.
ReplyDeleteI created a very powerful image for me as a budding naturalist.
That poster should be displayed so that where the grass grows out of the ground is a floor level and the viewer can see how 'knee high' the grass grows and then can look down to see how deep the roots go. Maybe in an (next to) open staircase? Mostly to get a real sense of the length as you stand next to it.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought - but there was no stairwell at our arboretum.
DeleteMaybe a stairwell or a deep pit could be the next capital improvements grant project?
ReplyDelete