These former sheep pastures add to the diversity of wildlife within the property by providing nesting and foraging habitat for grassland birds like goldfinches, indigo buntings, and prairie warblers; beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies are also plentiful here. Seeps and springs in the meadows are used as year-round water sources and feeding & breeding sites by amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Dominant plants include goldenrods, asters, yarrow, New York ironweed, warm season grasses, and sedges. In wetter areas you can find Joe-Pye weed, boneset, swamp milkweed, rushes, and blue lobelia.
Our bird box nesting trail meanders through these meadows, where the nest boxes are inhabited by Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, and wrens.
Studying Welkinweir’s Birds
Welkinweir is part of several research initiatives that monitor bird populations and movements throughout the property. Learn more about our research.
Calling all naturalists: we need your help to track birds and other wildlife! Join our volunteer program, or participate in a weekend naturalist walk during the spring, summer, or fall.