Yes. I'm rather amazed at what all has naturalized in warmer zones than this!

I'd suggest Penstemon alluviorum for the first, based on flower shape and slightly toothed leaves. The other looks like a different species, based on what looks like a different leaf shape... have to think about which.

I do believe the 2nd picture is Great Tickseed or Whorled Tickseed as it is sometimes referred. Definatly fits the leaf pattern and flower parts. Thanks. I now believe the 1st picture is Small Woodland Sunflower

I am 3 yrs in to a similar project to what you plan to do. Establishing a tallgrass prairie (1/2 -2/3 of a acre) on our property in the country. We have a heavy deer population in our area as we live next to a large block of land that does not allow hunting. I maintain firebreaks through, and around, the entire area. This way I can kill off and plant one small area at a time. Also, when burning, I can burn one or two areas without burning the entire prairie. One thing I am doing differently is actually planting young plants. I winter sow them in containers over the winter to stratify the seed and then plant them out when they are big enough over the course of the summer and fall. Big job, over 1000 plants so far, but that's another story. Back to the deer. From my experience, with over 100 species of forbs and grasses native to the midwest, the deer are a BIG problem. They will not touch any of the sedges or grasses, but, they will eat just about any new growth on forbs...especially this time of year (in the spring). Here, there are certain plants they will devour at any stage of growth - asters, oenothera, and all of the native legumes. I have several dozen small cages I've made from 2' and 3' fencing and I put these over small seedlings as I plant them out - I keep them in place with long landscape staples. After they become established I remove the cages and use them on new plantings. The one thing I've not heard anyone talk about is where they walk. I have lost more plants to them crushing small plants than I have to plants they have browsed too heavily. This could be a problem in your case, not planting seedlings and sowing seed? Make sure to plant at least 50% grasses, not only will deer leave these alone, but they will be the backbone of your project. Not gonna lie, it's going to be tougher than you think it will - woody vegetation, weeds, deer, weather, etc. - but, it is very rewarding. Amazing, the variety of wildlife we see enjoying our tallgrass prairie area.