For generations before it became a public conservation land, Rauscher Farm was a a family farm. Several large open grassland areas are former hay fields. Hilly open areas were once grazing pastures. These grassy areas that were once maintained by grazing cattle and seasonal hay mowing have since been managed to become open space habitat.
Other than perimeter walking trails, fields grow from spring through early fall without mowing. The resulting tall grass and the re-emerged native plants such as Milkweed, Goldenrod, Jo Pye Weed, Saint John’s Wort, Asters, and many others, offer much-needed habitat for native bees, butterflies, ground-nesting birds, and other species. Fields are mowed in October, after ground-nesting birds, butterflies, and other inhabitants have moved on or have begun their preparations for winter. Even after mowing, the remaining four to six inch stubble and the intentionally left rows of mowed grass and plants become winter habitat for field mice, voles, hibernating queen bumblebees, and other over-wintering wildlife.