Mississippi wildlife officials promote old field habitat restoration

Old fields can be among the most productive wildlife habitats on private property, but only if they are managed properly, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Many abandoned fields across the state are now dominated by non-native grasses such as bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, and johnsongrass. These species reduce plant diversity and limit wildlife productivity, officials said.

However, these areas are not lost. With targeted management, including herbicide application, disking, or prescribed burning, landowners can restore native grasses, forbs, and browse plants. This creates high-quality early successional habitat for game species like quail, turkey, and deer, the department added.

Wildlife officials encourage landowners to consult a full guide on old field habitat management. The resource provides detailed steps for converting and maintaining these areas to benefit wildlife populations. The guide is available online at the department’s website.

Restoring old fields can enhance biodiversity and improve hunting opportunities, officials noted. Proper management techniques can turn overgrown, non-native-dominated fields into thriving wildlife habitat.

Source: Original Article