An ecological restoration experiment

Many of the prairie species found here have been eliminated elsewhere in the region. These plants are well adapted to the periodic fires that were part of the ecosystem as well as Native American management practices.

Prescribed Burns

Controlled fire is used to combat invasive species and encourage native species as part of our work in restoration ecology.

During Spring

Early spring is the season of the controlled burns—the prairie needs the summer heat to get into its major growth phase.

Wildlife

The prairie supports populations of thirteen-lined ground squirrels, meadow voles, northern short-tailed shrews, birds, and insects.

Photos

a beaver swims