While Winterthur’s museum and galleries are home to impressive artwork and craftsmanship, the Winterthur estate of nearly 1,000 acres is also a canvas of breathtaking woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.
We know many of you share our passion for this magnificent Delaware treasure. Our Members often savor (and photograph) serene walks past our meadows brimming with tall grasses, wildflowers, and a dazzling array of dragonflies, butterflies, and birds.
One Member was recently concerned upon seeing that some of these meadows had been mowed. They reached out to question whether this mowing might have disrupted the habitat that so many creatures call home.
We thought this was a great opportunity to share the story behind our meadows and why mowing them is an essential part of their care.
Why Do We Mow Our Meadows?
Our meadows are not just picturesque—they are vital habitats for many species. Mowing is a key part of maintaining their health. It helps control the spread of weedy and invasive plants that can overshadow the native flora, which is crucial for the well-being of our pollinators and wildlife.
Our dedicated Natural Lands team carefully schedules mowing to minimize any impact on ground-nesting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. For example, cutting plants like milkweed at specific times benefits monarch butterflies, as the regrowth provides an ideal environment for them to lay eggs as the last generation of monarchs for the season prepare for a long journey to overwinter in Mexico.
The Balance of Nature: Rotational Mowing
To maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem, we practice rotational mowing. This means we always leave some fields uncut, allowing blooming plants to thrive and ensuring that pollinators have a continuous supply of flowers throughout the growing season.
Curious to learn more?
Check out our recent blog post on how prescribed burning plays a role in our land stewardship. You can also join us for the Director’s Garden Walks, held on the second Saturday of each month, where we’ll dive into unique topics like the intriguing chimney swifts at Farm Hill.
And don’t miss our Garden & Estate Insider walks every Tuesday for a deeper exploration of the estate’s hidden gems.
We cherish the support and engagement from all our visitors and Members. You inspire us to keep these lands flourishing and beautiful for generations to come.
