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Prairie Views Newsletter
From the President: |
Greetings! ,  It is interesting how things change. Thirty-five years ago, when PRI was just a dream, the concept of restoring prairie was relatively unknown and certainly an "out of the box" idea. The common question was why and where would you do that. And the restoration of wetlands usually meant digging out a diversity of native plants to create small open water areas that had little ecological function or value. The disturbed areas were often even seeded with the invasive reed canary grass. Woodland restoration was no better. It typically meant planting rows of conifer with little or no attention given to the ground layer plants. Fortunately, a lot has changed.
Today the work of restoration is based on a much broader view. Ecological function is typically the first priority, aesthetics a distant second or third. And, although individual home landscape projects remain vitally important, there are many large-scale restorations that are planned or have even been completed. Our understanding of the scale of what needs to be done has become more clear and focused. We know there is much work that lies ahead.
Funding this work in today's economy has been challenging. In spite of that, individuals as well as public and private organizations have made ecological restoration a high priority. Progress has been made. Minnesota voters enthusiastically passed a state constitutional amendment in 2008 to support this work. These funds, the public's money, are now being put to optimum use on hundreds of projects across the state. Next year, 2011, the first significant round of this work will get underway. These are "boots on the ground" projects that will accomplish a great deal of heavy lifting for the environment. Wetlands, prairies, shorelines, woodlands and all of their constituent creatures will benefit - including us. In the private sector nearly all new buildings are required to manage run-off, minimize wetland disturbance and utilize ecologically appropriate plantings. Environmental stewardship is funded and taken seriously. Natural landscapes are not just about pretty anymore.
As all of this work moves forward, whether on your home landscape or the 25,000-acre Glacial Ridge project, the science and art of restoration will become more refined. New and better materials, techniques and equipment will improve outcomes and provide more confidence and value to the effort. And every project will matter. As Marge Piercy says in her wonderful poem, "To be of Use:"
"The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident."
It seems that the shape of restoration is becoming more obvious now and as it clarifies further we all must do our best to make it well.
Happy solstice to you all.
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2010 - In Review:
 In the Restoration business - as with many other businesses - the beginning of every year is filled with much uncertainty. The winter solstice has now arrived which means the end of the year is upon us. Let's take a look back to see how it all came together...our 33rd year in business! From a large wetland seeding in Worthington to a native landscape installation at the Grand Portage Visitor Center near the Canadian border, our Installation Team was fortunate to work on over 300 projects all across the Upper Midwest. Ranging in size from a few hundred square feet to several hundred acres, each of these projects helps contribute to in an ever-increasing tapestry of native plant landscapes across the region.
Not to be outdone, our Land Management Team cared for more than 1,000 properties this past year - from prairies to wetlands to woodlands. Battling invasive species such as buckthorn and reed canary grass day after day is never glamorous, but this work is essential to making our projects successful and creating a healthier landscape for us all.
As always, our Products Team was able to provide top quality seed and plant materials for our crews and for retail sale. Our Sod Flats were once again a very popular item - people really appreciate the "instant" results from this unique product. And, based on preliminary reports, it looks like this season's harvest is going to yield near record levels of quality seed - seed which will be used on restoration projects throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Although there were many challenges in 2010, PRI has much for which to be thankful. As always, we owe it all to you - our loyal customers.
Here's to a great 2011! |
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Project News: Minnehaha Park
 PRI crews are nearing completion on an important project for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board located in the Lower Glen of Minnehaha Park. The focus of this phase of the project is on the removal of invasive woody vegetation - buckthorn, honeysuckle, Siberian elm, etc - that has become dominant throughout the park. This work is the critical first step in returning the park's landscape to a more healthy and historically accurate state. Subsequent phases of the project will involve the planting of desirable native vegetation in order to enhance highly degraded areas of the landscape.
One of the unique and challenging aspects of this particular project concerns the steepness of the overall site. With the exception of the floodplain zone next to the creek, most of the 55 acre project is moderately to severely sloped. In fact, the areas immediately adjacent to Minnehaha Falls are so steep that our crews will need to utilize special harnesses and rappelling gear in order to complete the work - at least they will have a good view of the falls!
Work will continue for several more weeks with the majority of the project being completed by January 15th. Later next spring, PRI crews will also be responsible for eradicating the garlic mustard - another widespread and problematic invasive species.
To learn much more about this project and all of the other significant work occurring in the Lower Glen area, please click on the following links:
Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
Clearing Minnehaha Park brush to give creek room to breathe
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Spotlighting: Little bluestem
 One of our most abundant and beautiful prairie grasses, Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is found throughout most of Minnesota, with exception of the northeast. It grows in a wide range of soil types and prefers full sun to partial sun conditions. This 2-3 foot tall perennial grass is most commonly found on dry, upland prairie sites. Known for its vibrant red color, Little bluestem provides visual interest throughout the fall and winter months.
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Visit our Educational Resource Library
 Interested in the concept of landscaping with native plants but wondering just where to begin? A visit to our Resource Library may be the answer. Packed with pages of useful information, this library can help you get acquainted with all things native. And remember, an on-site consultation with one of our restoration ecologists is only a phone call away!
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"Conservation becomes possible only when man assumes the role of citizen in a community of which soils and waters, plants and animals are fellow members, each dependent on the others, and each entitled to his place in the sun."
-Aldo Leopold
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© Prairie Restorations Inc. 1977-2008. All Rights Reserved.
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Want to Make a Difference?
How about reducing your mowing by just ten percent? And getting your neighbors to do the same. How about your employer? Little steps by many add up to huge progress for our planet.
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"Enjoy your days and do your best to pay it back. Remember, mother earth has been very good to you."
~Ron Bowen
President | |
