The Dark Moon Preserve has a rich history of Native American inhabitants. During the 1980s, an archaeological excavation on the property uncovered five woodland lodges used to make arrowheads, along with pottery shards, limestone arrowheads, and deer skin for arrowhead making. The preserve also features native grasses that grew in North America prior to European settlement. These grasses grow primarily in the warm part of summer and can be harvested and stored as hay. They provide nesting, food, and shelter for wildlife, furnish important ground cover throughout the winter, and draw insects that provide food for many other animals. Several varieties have been planted at the preserve, including Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian, and Switchgrass, all of which tolerate poorly drained soils and flooding.