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 Fields
have been a part of Spring
Island for centuries. Past owners of Spring Island grew Sea Island
cotton and other crops. The numerous small fields scattered around the islands
were created by the Walkers when Spring Island was managed as a hunting
plantation. Many of these fields still are maintained. Summer crops traditionally include millet, sorghum, buckwheat,
corn, and sunflowers. Dominant winter crops include winter wheat and naked
oats.
The wildlife enjoy the fields,
but we primarily plant for aesthetics. That rural sense of place is an
important part of the cultural history of the island.
Not all fields are planted; many are managed as meadows at different
successional stages. Fields are disked every few years to create excellent
“bugging fields.” The "weeds" that are allowed to grow are important host
plants for grasshoppers and caterpillars which, in turn, are the major
source of protein for fledgling songbirds, quail, and wild turkey.
Besides disking, fire is
another tool we regularly use to maintain our fields. Fire
is more effective than mowing at providing quality wildlife habitat
because it creates a variety of microhabitats ranging from bare soil (where the
fire burns hot) to scattered shrubs that survive the flames. In the second
growing season (after a burn) these fields provide the best habitat for nesting
blue grosbeaks, buntings, and chats because they contain both annual weeds,
(which provide bugging areas) and shrubs in which to nest.
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