The Podcast
The Prairie Pod is a podcast that communicates the science surrounding prairie conservation, restoration/reconstruction, and management. Each episode covers a prairie-focused topic, and offers insights on related literature and places to explore Minnesota's beautiful prairies and other amazing natural areas. You'll hear discussions from a variety of experts, tackling the complexity, challenges and beauty of Minnesota's prairie landscape.
This work is part of the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Partnership, which works underneath the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan to protect, restore and enhance prairie and wetland habitats.
The Episodes
New episodes are available weekly. Episodes are available to download or listen to in iTunes.
Season Six
Episode 59: Seasonal Stories
Host: Megan Benage, Mike Worland, Marissa Ahlering, and Sara Vacek
Guests: Megan Benage, Jaime Edwards, Fred Harris, Jessica Petersen Dan Ruiter, and Mike Worland (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); Marissa Ahlering (The Nature Conservancy), Ferin Davis-Anderson (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community), Diane Larson (U.S. Geological Survey), Sara Vacek (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and Gwen Westerman (Minnesota State University, Mankato).
Prairie Pod listeners, we are delighted to be here with you again during this holiday season and season of reflection, joy and, most importantly, hope. We’re closing out season six with our final episode of the Prairie Pod. We know endings can be hard, and we want you to know how much joy this special project has given us, sharing our love of the prairie with all of you. But while this is one sunset, the sun rises again tomorrow and there are lots of Prairie Pod episodes to go back and listen to!
The journey doesn’t stop here.
The partnership and efforts for the protection of the prairie continue. Every choice you make has the potential to make a difference. While sometimes it may feel like the choices we make are small and insubstantial, they matter. From a small pollinator prairie garden to thousands of acres of connected habitat to telling a friend that you think the prairie is neat—it’s the math that makes it work. All these small decisions add up and contribute to the survival of the prairie.
Thank you for spending this time with us. Listening to our passion, our joy, and how wonderful it is when you discover the prairie.
A special thank you to the people who worked tirelessly on this project to bring our love of the prairie to your ears from researching episodes, fact-checking, website design, audio engineering and recording--you made this podcast! Thank you to our many guests and, of course, you, the listener!
Resources
- Songs, Blood Deep by Gwen Nell Westerman
- Follow the Blackbirds by Gwen Nell Westerman
A vibrant red rosehip, covered in frost, persists on the prairie. Photo courtesy of Chris Helzer, The Nature Conservancy.
Listen to Episode 59
Episode 58: Mni Sóta Mak̇oċe (The Land of the Dakota) Part 2: Prairie Stewardship
Host: Megan Benage and Mike Worland
Guests: Gabe Miller, Environmental Program manager, Prairie Island Indian Community; Ferin Davis Anderson, supervisor of Environmental Science and Land Department, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Michael Kurtz, cultural interpreter/naturalist, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Will Crawford, manager of Dakota Language and Cultural Resources, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Deb Dirlam, Office of Environment director, Lower Sioux Indian Community; Samantha Odegard, Tribal Historic Preservation officer, Upper Sioux Community; Amanda Wold, environmental director, Upper Sioux Community.
The prairie and indigenous people have persisted through time, and indigenous people’s role in prairie stewardship is intertwined with the survival of prairie on the landscape. Prairie Pod listeners, we’re honored to debut for you part two of our Dakota connections to the prairie series, featuring staff from the four Dakota communities within the borders of Minnesota. These episodes were recorded on November 9, 2022. The second part of this series covers how Dakota people and tribal staff are managing and stewarding the prairie today, and how we can all learn from each other to strengthen our understanding of prairie and the landscape as a whole. If you missed part one, make sure to go back and listen, to learn about Dakota historical and cultural perspectives and connections to the prairie. We hope you enjoy learning during these episodes, just as much as we did while making them.
A special thank you to the staff from Tinta Wita (Prairie Island Indian Community), Caŋṡa'yapi Otunwe (Lower Sioux Indian Community), Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community), and Ṡákpe Mdewak̇aŋṫuŋwaŋ Dak̇ota Oyate (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community).
Please keep in mind that the Dakota language has many dialects, and communities have different ways of saying/pronouncing words and phrases.
Resources
- Lower Sioux Indian Community
- Prairie Island Indian Community
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
- Upper Sioux Community
- Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota
- Ferin’s picks: Our Knowledge Is Not Primitive, by Wendy Makoons Geniusz; Fresh Banana Leaves, by Jessica Hernandez
- Deb’s picks: Cultural Plants of the Lower Sioux Indian Community (can also purchase directly through Lower Sioux Office of the Environment); A Pocket Guide: Cultural Plants of the Lower Sioux Indian Community (to purchase, contact Lower Sioux Office of the Environment)
- Gabe’s pick: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Amanda’s pick: Landcare Australia
- Sam and Michael’s pick: Learn from the land and wildlife itself
The sunrise bathes the prairie land (Tiåta Makoce) in an orange-golden glow as prairie flowers are illuminated in the foreground.
Listen to Episode 58
Episode 57: Mni Sóta Mak̇oċe (The Land of the Dakota) Part 1: History and Cultural Connections to the Prairie
Host: Megan Benage and Mike Worland
Guests: Gabe Miller, Environmental Program manager, Prairie Island Indian Community; Ferin Davis Anderson, supervisor of environmental sciences, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Michael Kurtz, cultural interpreter/naturalist, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Will Crawford, manager of Dakota Language and Cultural Resources, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Cheyanne St. John, Tribal Historic Preservation officer/director, Lower Sioux Indian Community; Deb Dirlam, Office of Environment director, Lower Sioux Indian Community; Samantha Odegard, Tribal Historic Preservation officer, Upper Sioux Community; Amanda Wold, environmental director, Upper Sioux Community.
The prairie and indigenous people have persisted through time, and indigenous people’s role in prairie stewardship is intertwined with the survival of prairie on the landscape. Prairie Pod listeners, we’re honored to debut two special podcast episodes we’ve been working on with staff from the four Dakota communities within the borders of Minnesota. These episodes were recorded on Nov.9, 2022. The first part of this series will cover Dakota historical and cultural perspectives and connections to the prairie. Next week, we’ll be right back here to talk about how Dakota people and tribal staff are managing and stewarding the prairie today. Both episodes feature traditional ecological knowledge and the power of prairie. We hope you enjoy learning during these episodes, just as much as we did while making them.
A special thank you to the staff from Tinta Wita (Prairie Island Indian Community), Caŋṡa'yapi Otunwe (Lower Sioux Indian Community), Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community), Ṡákpe Mdewak̇aŋṫuŋwaŋ Dak̇ota Oyate (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community).
Please keep in mind that the Dakota language has many dialects, and communities have different ways of saying/pronouncing words and phrases.
Resources
- Lower Sioux Indian Community
- Prairie Island Indian Community
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
- Upper Sioux Community
- Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota
- Ferin's pick: Understand Native Minnesota | Podcast
- Cheyane's pick: Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site | This Land Podcast | An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Ortiz-Dunbar
- Gabe's pick: Prairie Island Facebook page | The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
- Sam's pick: In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors | Makoce Ikikcupi | Native Land Digital
- Will's pick: Hoċokata Ti Cultural Exhibit
Visit prairie
A bison (Tataŋḳaḣca) rubs its head on a rock in the prairie land (Tiåta Makoce).
Listen to Episode 57
Episode 56: To picture a prairie: Prairie inspires art and expression
Host: Megan Benage and Marissa Ahlering
Guests: Gwen Westerman, poet, visual artist, and writer, Kristi Link Fernholz, fine art photographer, Eliza Blue, folk singer and writer, and Ross Hier, visual artist, DNR (retired).
Today we’re talking about how our love of the prairie and its many forms inspires us and sparks our imaginations to energize us into action. Namely, the act of creating art. We’re joined by four different artists working in different media -- fiber, quilting, photography, song writing, poetry and painting. They’ll walk us through how prairie lives in their art and why that inspiration continues to move them.
Resources
- Building Support for Conservation by Meeting People Where They Are
- Gwen’s pick: Jim Brandenburg photography
- Eliza’s pick: Wish you were here: Tuttle, North Dakota. South Dakota Public Broadcasting Network
- Kristi’s pick: Meander art crawl
- Ross’s pick: Joslyn art museum
Visit prairie
- Gwen’s pick: Blue Mounds State Park
- Eliza’s pick: Slim Buttes
- Kristi’s pick: Bigstone National Wildlife Refuge
- Ross’ pick: Tympanuchus Wildlife Management Area
Clockwise from top left: Side-oats grama shows off its florets in black and white photography by Kristi Link Fernholz, fine art photographer; A quilt inspired by the wildfires of 2015 by Gwen Westerman, poet, visual artist, and writer; A painting by Ross Hier, visual artist, called “Prairie chicken spirit.” The shield is in the middle and in the foreground is a full blooming male prairie chicken with pasqueflowers at his feet; Eliza Blue, folk singer and writer poses on her ranch in South Dakota.
Listen to Episode 56
Episode 55: Learning to love the prairie: Engaging youth in prairie conservation
Host: Megan Benage and Sara Vacek
Guests: Molly Stoddard, Environmental Education Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michael Kurtz, cultural interpreter, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and Alisha Paplow, executive director, Prairie Ecology Bus Center
Do you remember when the prairie captured your interest? Was it an “a-ha moment” at a special place, a wildlife or plant that had you wondering, how does it do that? The smells, sights and sounds that drew you in? Or was it more of a slow burn until suddenly one day you woke up and realized you couldn’t live without the prairie. Prairies are amazing and there is a subtlety to them that can make it easy to overlook their amazingness. So how do we get people -- especially young people--excited about prairies? How do we help them to fall in love with this incredible ecosystem? We’re going to find out as we hear from Molly Stoddard, environmental education specialist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michael Kurtz, cultural interpreter for Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and Alisha Paplow, executive director at the Prairie Ecology Bus Center about their tips and tricks for getting people to engage in conservation and learning to love the prairie.
Resources
- Building Support for Conservation by Meeting People Where They Are. Chris Helzer. 2021.
Molly’s picks:
- Compass to Nature: Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom. Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Prairie: A Natural History. Candace Savage. 2011. Greystone Books Ltd.
Michael’s picks:
- Lakota Photography
- The National Grasslands: A guide to America’s undiscovered treasures. Francis Moul. 2006. University of Nebraska Press.
- Itsallyours.us
- Endangered and disappearing birds of the Midwest. Matt Williams. 2018. Indiana University Press
- Birdwatching: Shadows in the Grassland.
Alisha’s pick:
Visit prairie
- Molly’s pick: Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
- Michael’s pick: Grey cloud dunes SNA and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Alisha’s pick: Touch the sky prairie
A group of nature explorers head out to observe the smells, sights and sounds of the prairie. Photo courtesy of Sara Vacek, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Listen to Episode 55
Episode 54: Making hay while the prairie sun still shines (Restoration series: Haying prairie as a management tool)
Host: Megan Benage and Mike Worland
Guests: Dr. Fred Harris, plant ecologist, Dustin Graham, plant ecologist, DNR
We talk a lot on the podcast about how prairies are disturbance-based habitats that need fire and grazing in order to persist. We also know that we’ve lost much of our connected native prairie as well as our large grazing mammals like bison. And while there are some places where we’re working hard to reintroduce bison to their prairie home, what about the places where we can’t reintroduce bison? Or where it would be really challenging? That’s just what we’re going to find out. Today, we’re chatting with two DNR scientists about their research on haying prairies as a management tool to limit invasive cool-season grasses and to promote overall prairie biodiversity.
Resources
Fred’s pick:
- Native prairie hay meadows: a landowner’s management guide. Kansas Biological Survey and Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory.
- Lessons in the management of Minnesota’s grasslands for biomass harvest, wildlife and natural communities. Satyshur et al. 2016. University of Minnesota.
Dustin’s pick:
- Plant-soil feedbacks contribute to the persistence of Bromus inermis in tallgrass prairie. M.A. Vinton and E.M. Goergen. 2006. Ecosystems 9:1-11
Visit prairie
- Dustin’s pick: Malmberg Prairie SNA
- Fred’s pick: Butternut Valley Prairie SNA
A stunning diversity of wildflowers and grasses in full bloom within a hay meadow. A hazy pink horizon frames the background.
Listen to Episode 54
Episode 53: Bur Oak Folk (Restoration series: Savanna restoration)
Hosts: Megan Benage and Sara Vacek
Guests: Rebecca Esser, wildlife biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Dr. Greg Hoch, Prairie Habitat team lead and Neil Slifka, Parks and Trails area resource specialist, DNR
Today, we’re going to spend some time basking in the shade. We’re talking about savannas--the unsung hero of the prairie landscape. When we think about prairies, savannas are an ecological subset of them. A special class of habitat that includes both prairie vegetation in the understory and mature towering oaks or even jack pine in the overstory. These transitional communities play an important role connecting Minnesota’s prairies and enhancing biodiversity. Oak savannas are one of Minnesota's rarest native plant communities. So, it becomes that much more important to learn from the ones we have left so we can continue to connect and preserve a strong prairie landscape.
Resources
- To Find a Pasqueflower. Greg Hoch. 2022. Bur Oak Books.
- With Wings Extended. Greg Hoch. 2020. Bur Oak Books.
- Sky Dance of the Woodcock. Greg Hoch. 2019. Bur Oak Books.
- Booming from the Mists of Nowhere. Greg Hoch. 2015. Bur Oak Books.
- Becky’s pick: The Demise of Fire and "Mesophication" of Forests in the Eastern United States. Nowacki and Abrams 2008. BioScience 58(2): 123-138
- Greg’s pick: Prairie Plants and Their Environment. J.E. Weaver 1968. University of Nebraska.
- Neil’s pick: Vegetation of Wisconsin. J.T. Curtis. 1959. University of Wisconsin.
Visit prairie
- Becky’s pick: Rushfeldt Waterfowl Production Area
- Greg’s pick: Watonwan Waterfowl Production Area
- Neil’s pick: Rushford Sand Barrens Scientific and Natural Area
A bur oak grows in an open savanna community with prairie plants thriving in the understory. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Esser, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Listen to Episode 53
Episode 52: A Monarch packs a lunch: Monarch migration and their grand trek from Minnesota to Mexico
Host: Megan Benage and Mike Worland
Guests: Dr. Karen Oberhauser, arboretum director, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Ray Moranz, grazing lands pollinator ecologist, Xerces Society
Monarchs are often one of the first species we recognize and learn about in school. Can you remember having a Monarch in your classroom? Watching it pupate, form a chrysalis, and emerge? This can be a foundational introduction to nature where the complexity and beauty of it captivates us. Today we’re joined by Dr. Karen Oberhauser, arboretum director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and by Dr. Ray Moranz, grazing lands pollinator ecologist with the Xerces Society. Both of whom have been studying butterflies for their entire careers. So, they’re a perfect pick to fly us through the life of the majestic Monarch, their incredible migrating life cycle, and how we can be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Resources
Karen’s picks:
- Landscape- and local-level variables affect monarchs in Midwest grasslands A.S. Bruce et al. 2021. Landscape Ecology Ecology 37: 93-108
- Monarch Joint Venture
Ray’s Pick:
- Cattle graze central US milkweeds at least as much as grasses, even under patch-burn-graze management. T.L. Dickson, B. Poynor, and C.J. Helzer 2023. Rangeland Ecology and Management 87:158-166.
Visit prairie
Ray’s picks:
Karen’s pick:
A female monarch butterfly gathers nectar from a blazing star flower (Liatris).
Listen to Episode 52
Episode 51: Prairies do that: Climate change resiliency through grassland restoration
Host: Megan Benage and Marissa Ahlering
Guests: Dr. Dan Hernández, professor of biology, Carleton College and Dr. Sarah Hobbie, professor of ecology, evolution, and behavior, University of Minnesota
Today, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Hobbie and Dr. Dan Hernández to talk about some of the ways prairie work helps mitigate climate change. Prairies are powerhouses of diversity, and that diversity on the landscape is vitally important to clean air, clean water and healthy soils—things we all depend on for survival. While climate change can be a difficult topic, this episode may bring you some hope about how the prairie is already making a difference in helping us to adapt.
Resources
Sarah’s picks:
- Natural climate solutions. B. Griscom, et al. 2017. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 114:11645-11650.
- Natural climate solutions for the United States. J. E. Fargione et al. 2018. Science Advances 4(11): eaat 1869.
- Nature and Climate: Solutions for Minnesota. M. Ahlering, K. Blann, M. Cornett, S. Graber, C. Lenhard, and M. White. 2021. The Nature Conservancy.
Dan’s picks:
- What we know about managing soil carbon in prairies- a complete but disappointing guide. Chris Helzer 2019. The Prairie Ecologist blog
- Depth profile of soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation over two decades in a prairie restoration experiment. K.L. Libbey and D.L. Hernández. 2021. Ecosystems 24(6): 1348-1360.
- Keeping cattle on the move and carbon in the soil. Benjamin Ryan. 2021. New York Times
Visit prairie
Prairie wildflowers blow in the wind under blue skies with prominent rocks in the foreground. Photo courtesy of Marissa Ahlering, The Nature Conservancy.
Listen to Episode 51
Episode 50: How to plant a pocket prairie
Hosts: Megan Benage, Mike Worland, Marissa Ahlering, and Sara Vacek
One of the things that brought us great joy during 2020 was the ability to go right outside our doors and visit our pocket prairies. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: with just over 1% of remnant prairie left in Minnesota, every patch of prairie matters. So, whether you are contemplating a small container garden, a backyard design, or converting larger acreages, planted prairie restorations can play a key role in helping connect the native prairies we have left. Today, we’re going to put our heads together and share our personal stories of our own pocket prairies and how you too can experience the joy of native plants in your own home!
Resources
Megan’s picks:
- Illinois Lake County Seed Collection Guides
- DNR’s landscaping with native plants
- Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy, 2009 Timber Press
- Persistence of native and exotic plants 10 years after prairie reconstruction Larson et al. 2017. Restoration Ecology 25 (6): 953-961
Mike’s picks:
- Pollinators of Native plants Heather Holm, 2014 Pollination Press LLC
- Native plants are the bees knees Gabriella Pardee and Stacy Philpott 2014. Urban Ecosystems 17: 641-659
- UMN How to Create a Pollinator-friendly Landscape
- UMN Bee Nesting Habitat Creation
Sara’s Pick:
- BWSR Pollinator Toolbox
- Planting gardens to support insect pollinators. A.A. Majewska and S. Altizer 2018. Conservation Biology 34: 15-25.
- Landscaping for Wildlife Carrol Henderson, 1987 DNR
Marissa’s Pick:
- Tallgrass Prairie Center
- Tallgrass Prairie Center Sign Resources
- Tallgrass Prairie Center Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest
Visit prairie
- Megan: Ottawa Bluffs
- Mike: Carleton Arboretum
- Sara: Edwards WPA
- Marissa: Urban woods and prairie initiative, Moorhead/Fargo
Queen bumble bee sips nectar from an early-blooming pasqueflower.
Listen to Episode 50
Episode 49: These are a few of our favorite things—about prairie!
Hosts: Megan Benage, Mike Worland, Marissa Ahlering, and Sara Vacek
Guests: Jessica Petersen, invertebrate ecologist, Randy Schindle, forestry (ret.), Welby Smith, botanist, Carol Hall, herpetologist, and Bernard Sietman, malacologist, DNR; Chris Merkord, associate professor of biology at Minnesota State University Moorhead; Donna Stockrahm, professor of biology and wildlife ecology, Minnesota State University Moorhead
When we think about the prairie, there are so many things that catch our eye. Sights, sounds, touch—it’s an overwhelming sense of wonder to describe just what it’s like to finally discover the prairie. And as in life, we all have a favorite. It might be a bird, a rock, a plant, a mammal, a bug, a mussel, a fungus—the list could go on for a long while. What better way to celebrate the diversity of experiences and favorites than by having a whole episode dedicated to some of our favorite things about prairie? We asked a variety of prairie experts to describe something unique about a particular species that they’ve always found fascinating. We were impressed, and we hope you are too!
Resources
- Cordyceps on BBC with David Attenborough
- Flower Flies of Minnesota. Scott King. 2021.
- Grasshopper mouse howl from National Geographic
- Grassland birds overwintering in the Chihuahuan Desert
- LeConte’s Sparrow
- Minnesota Wildflowers
- Mussels of Minnesota
- Mussel Lure Video
- Report a rare plant or nongame wildlife sighting
- Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota. Welby Smith. 2018.
- Snakes and Lizards of Minnesota
- Whorled nutrush (Scleria verticillata)
A collage of prairie animals; a bullsnake, western meadowlark, and the black-bodied ant fly.
Listen to Episode 49
Season Five
Episode 48: Seasonal Stories Bonus Episode
Host: Megan Benage, South Region Ecologist, DNR; Mike Worland, Southern Nongame Biologist; Marissa Ahlering, The Nature Conservancy's Prairie Ecologist; and Sara Vacek, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Guests: Allison Hart, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Verónica Jaralambides, MnDNR; Chris Helzer, The Nature Conservancy-Nebraska; Ferin Davis-Anderson, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Scott Kudelka, MnDNR; Karin Jokela, Xerces Society; and Henry Panowitsch, Prairie Enthusiasts-Many Rivers Chapter.On today’s podcast, we're featuring many special guests and people of the prairie to showcase their stories of connection, diversity, and learning as they pass on their experiences. Thinking of prairie as a tradition is at the heart of our conservation efforts. We all work so hard together because prairie isn’t just a thing that’s out there on the land living, it is a place where we belong and our memories are shared as the moments we spend become legacies we leave. It is a legacy that connects us through the sounds, sights, smells and memories for all who stop and take notice. On this #prairietuesday, we hope you enjoy the voices of people who share our passion and take a moment to laugh, cry and lose yourselves for a little while in the stories of what prairie offers us: mystery, discovery and hope. We hope these prairie stories warm you up and remind you of golden prairie days outside over the winter ahead.
It's not too late to #discovertheprairie
Bison at Minneopa State Park walk through the first snow of the year on the prairie. Photo courtesy of Tim Pulis.
Listen to Episode 48
Episode 47: Prairie: what have you done for me lately? (Prairie Economics 101)
Host: Megan Benage, Southern Region Ecologist, DNR
Guests: Korey Woodley, R4 EWR Regional Manager, DNR; Scott Roemhildt, Southern Regional Director, DNR; Omar de Kok-Mercado, Prairie STRIPS Coordinator at Iowa StateToday, we’re covering one of Megan's favorite topics: Prairie Economics. One of the hardest things to quantify is how much things like clean air, drinkable water, flood control and healthy soils are worth. How do you quantify the benefit of these ecosystem services? What is the cost when we lose the land that provides them? Arguably, even harder to quantify are the intangible benefits like mental health and well-being, spiritual connections and a sense of peace one can derive from the prairie. From pheasant hunting to an improved quality of life, we’ve done the math to help you make dollars and ‘sense’ out of the prairie.
Resource List
- Why Prairie Matters, Ladd, Doug 2011 The Missouri Prairie Journal, Vol. 32 No. 2 pp. 4-5 Journal Article
- Tribulations of a Prairie Evangelist, Chris Helzer, 2021 Prairie Ecologist Blog
- Why I care about prairies and you should too, Chris Helzer, 2012 Prairie Ecologist Blog
- Why Telling Prairie Stories Matters, Chris Helzer, 2019 Prairie Ecologist Blog
Scott's Pick
- Whistling Wings, Martin Bovey, 1947, Doubleday and Company
Visit a Prairie
- Scott's Pick: Lac qui Parle WMA
- Lisa's Pick: Great River Bluffs State Park
- Korey's Pick: Blue Mounds State Park
Prairie wildflowers and grasses bloom above a shallow basin wetland in southern Minnesota. Photo credit: Sara Vacek
Listen to Episode 47
Episode 46: Deep thoughts on shallow lakes and prairie
Hosts: Megan Benage, Southern Region Ecologist, DNR; Sara Vacek, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Guests: Nicole Hansel-Welch, Shallow Lakes Program Supervisor, DNR; Scott Mackenthun, Area Fisheries Supervisor, DNR; John Lindstrom, Ducks Unlimited Regional BiologistToday, we’re getting our feet wet in Minnesota’s shallow lakes. Coming in at depths of less than 15 feet, these permanent and sometimes semi-permanent water bodies are a critical habitat component for Minnesota’s wildlife. We’re joined by three very special guests to discover these important habitats and the role they play across the prairie landscape. We take our shallow lakes seriously. Remember, do not tell a joke to a frozen lake: it might crack up.
Resource List
- Minnesota, Land of how many lakes?
- DNR Hydrography dataset
- Nicole's Pick: The ecology of shallow lakes , Martin Scheffer, 2004, Kluwer Academic Publishers
- Alternative equilibria in shallow lakes, Scheffer, M., S.H. Hosper, M-L. Meijer, B. Moss and E. Jeppesen 1993 Trends in Ecology and Evolution 8(8), 275-279.
- Scott's Pick: Using hidden Markov models to inform conservation and management strategies in ecosystems exhibiting alternative stable states, Vitense, K., Hanson, M. A., Herwig, B. R., Zimmer, K. D., & Fieberg, J. 2021 Journal of Applied Ecology
- John's Pick: Nutrient reserves of Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: A test of the spring condition hypothesis, M.J. Anteau and A. D. Afton, 2004 The Auk (American Ornithological Society)
Visit a Prairie
- Scott's Pick: Phelps Lake Wildlife Management Area and Cody-Phelps Lake in Rice County
- Nicole's Pick: Seven Sisters Prairie
- John's Pick: Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Christina with the The Nature Conservancy's Seven Sisters prairie preserve in the background. Photo credit: Nicole Hansel-Welch
Listen to Episode 46
Episode 45: Sheep, solar, and satisfied pollinators
Hosts: Megan Benage, Southern Region Ecologist, DNR; Marissa Ahlering, lead scientist, TNC
Guests: Kelly Anderson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Paul Erdmann, Board of Water and Soil Resources; Arlo Cristofaro-Hark, Cannon Valley GraziersOn today’s podcast, we’re going to baaaa-sk in the amazingness of an emerging prairie partnership among sheep, solar and hopefully, satisfied pollinators. The solar industry is booming in Minnesota and the state is leading the way in forging new partnerships to deliver stackable benefits at these industrial energy sites like improved soil health, water retention and infiltration, habitat for pollinators, songbirds and other wildlife, forage for grazers, and of course energy production, to name a few. You’re not going to want to miss a moment as we cover the basics of how we’re finding unique and innovative ways to connect the landscape.
Resource List
- Kelly's Pick: The Targeted Grazing Handbook, American Sheep Industry technical guide, 2006
- Paul's Pick: Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Progam, BWSR, 2022
- Arlo's Pick: Fact Sheets, Guidelines, and Published Research on Solar Grazing, American Solar Grazing Association and Cornell University, 2022
Visit a Prairie
- Kelly's Pick: Glacial Lakes State Park and Kensington Runestone County Park
- Paul's Pick: Hyland Park Reserve, Three Rivers Park District
- Arlo's Pick: Prairie Creek WMA: Koester Prairie, MN DNR
Sheep run into planted prairie at a solar farm planted with habitat-friendly solar seed mixes. Photo credit: Paul Erdmann
Listen to Episode 45
Episode 44: Let’s go explore: Prairie tour of Minnesota’s state parks
Hosts: Megan Benage, Southern Region Ecologist, DNR; Sara Vacek, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Biologist;
Guest: Jake Glaster, Scott Kudelka, Emily Albin, Chris Ingebretsen, Paula Comeau, and Ben Eckhoff (DNR)Today, we’re hosting a very special episode of the Prairie Pod featuring places near and dear to our hearts: Minnesota State Parks. We are joined by six park managers and naturalists to share the special prairie places in the parks they love. This is basically one giant ‘take-a-hike’ episode where you’ll hear insider tips from the people who know the parks best—those who are caring for them every day, so all of us, can have the opportunity to enjoy these special spaces.
Note: Upper Sioux Agency State Park was permanently closed on February 16, 2024, and park lands were returned to the Upper Sioux Community. It is no longer a state park or open to the public.
Above, from left: Kids explore the grasslands at Buffalo River State Park; goldenrod blooms in the foreground with the setting sun casting a golden glow on the surrounding prairie grasses at Frontenac State Park; grasses intermix with exposed rock outcrop at Blue Mounds State Park. Below, from left: Smoky sunrise on the prairie at the now decommissioned Upper Sioux Agency State Park; wildflowers bloom on glacial prairie hills at Glacial Lakes State Park; bison graze on low growing prairie grasses at Minneopa State Park.
Listen to Episode 44
Episode 43: There’s a fungus among us: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its role in prairie reconstruction success
Hosts: Megan Benage, Southern Region Ecologist, DNR; Sara Vacek, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Guests: Dr. Laura Aldrich-Wolfe, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University; and Dr. Diane Larson, Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological SurveyOn today's podcast, we’ve discovered a fungus among-us! We often talk about diversity above-ground in prairie ecosystems, but this week we’ll be going underground to uncover the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the success of prairie reconstructions. Dr. Diane Larson, Research Wildlife Biologist with U.S. Geological Survey, and Dr. Laura Aldrich-Wolfe, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University are with us to share their work with these fascinating fungi.
Resource List
- Laura's Pick: Are two strategies better than one? Manipulation of seed density and soil community in an experimental prairie restoration, Lubin, T.K., P. Schultz, J.D. Bever, and H.M. Alexander, 2019, Restoration Ecology Vol 27. Issue 5, pp. 1021-1031
- Diane's Pick: Microbial Inoculants: Silver Bullet or Microbial Jurassic Park?, Jack, C. N., et al, 2021, Trends in Microbiology
Visit a Prairie
- Laura's Pick: Frenchman’s Bluff SNA
- Diane's Pick: Your home native garden
AMF Roots: Cleared and stained root showing colonization by AMF hyphae with vesicles. Inset shows microscope view of AMF spores. Photo credit: Laura Aldrich-Wolfe
Listen to Episode 43
Episode 42: Sow what? (Restoration Series: Seed scarcity and how to make prairie reconstructions more diverse through targeted seed harvest and production)
Hosts: Megan Benage—Southern Region Ecologist, DNR; Marissa Ahlering—Lead Scientist, TNC
Guests: Angie Miner—Prairie Recovery Specialist, Ben Carlson—Field Steward with the Central Minnesota Office, and Travis Issendorf—Prairie Recovery Specialist (The Nature Conservancy)Today’s podcast is talking about a real-life problem facing prairie practitioners—seed scarcity. With the tallgrass prairie landscape reduced to just under two percent of its historic range in Minnesota and less than one percent of its range in North America, it is the most endangered ecosystem on this continent. With losses like these, it is no wonder seed scarcity is a challenge we're trying to address. Luckily, practitioners, scientists and landowners are putting their heads together to come up with solutions to help keep our prairies genetically fit and diverse. Sow what? More seeds, of course!
Resource List
- Angie's Picks: Minnesota Wildflowers, Katy Chayka and Peter Dziuk, 2022
- Bell Museum: University of Minnesota Herbarium, University of Minnesota
- USDA Plants Database, USDA-NRCS
- MN Taxa, MNDNR
- Ben's Picks: Minnesota Flora: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Plants of Minnesota, Steve Chadde, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-951682-07-1
- University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa
- Travis' Picks: A Visual Illustration of Plant Diversity’s Importance, Chris Helzer, Prairie Ecologist Blog, TNC
- Celebrating Color, Movement and Noise in an Evolving Prairie, Chris Helzer, Prairie Ecologist Blog, TNC
- Seed Sourcing Strategies for a Changing Climate, Chris Helzer, Prairie Ecologist Blog, TNC
- NW MN Seed Consortium
Visit a Prairie
- Ben's Pick: Sheepberry Fen Preserve
- Angie's Pick: Lake Johanna Esker Preserve
- Travis Pick: Frenchman’s Bluff SNA and Blazing Star Prairie Preserve
A handful of prairie seeds from The Nature Conservancy's 2017 seed harvest at Blazing Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). Photo credit: Darren Wheeling, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Listen to Episode 42
Episode 41: What’s for lunch: prairie predators
Hosts: Megan Benage—Southern Region Ecologist, and Mike Worland—Southern Nongame Biologist
Guests: Marsha Sovada—Research Wildlife Biologist Emeritus—United States Geological Survey, and Kristin Hall—DNR) State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator—MN Nongame Wildlife Program—DNRToday’s podcast is talking about an important part of prairie ecosystems—prairie predators! Predators can get a bad rap because they, well, sometimes eat the cute little furry critters. It’s important to understand that there are all kinds of predators in the prairie, ranging from tiny insects to birds to good-sized mammals, and they don’t often get the appreciation they deserve. Predators play pivotal roles in the prairie ecosystem. They are a key ingredient of prairies that help them to function and thrive. Prairie predators are a fascinating and exciting subject to delve into.
"I grew up in big cities and it wasn't until I was 20 years old, a young adult, that I had my first experience in nature. I went on my first hike, I pitched my first tent and I saw my first wild animal. And, without a doubt, it changed my life.”
― Dr. Rae Wynn-GrantResource List
- Marsha's Pick: The Invention of Nature - Alexander von Humboldt’s New World’, Andrea Wulf, 2015, ISBN: 978-0-345-80629-1; Vintage Books, Penguin Random House LLC, New York
- Kristin's Pick: Word for Birds
Visit a Prairie
- Marsha's Pick: Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota
- Kristin's Pick: Brown’s Creek Trail
A kestrel flies over the prairie, searching for prey. Photo credit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Listen to Episode 41
Season Four
Episode 40: Holiday Bonus Episode!
On today’s podcast, we're featuring people of the prairie to showcase their real life work in the fight to save a landscape that hangs on with just under 2% left in the state. Their special connections show us the joy and power of prairie. We hope you enjoy the voices of people who share our passion and get to take a moment to laugh, cry, and lose yourself for a little while in the stories of what prairie offers us: the courage to accept and adapt to change. We hope these prairie stories warm you up and remind you of golden prairie days outside over the winter ahead. It's not too late to #discovertheprairie
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Winter wildflowers stand above the snow at Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area; Photo Credit: David Minor
Listen to Episode 40
Episode 39: Live from the Minnesota State Fair
Hosts: Megan Benage,—Southern Region Ecologist; Mike Worland—Southern Nongame Biologist take the prairie pod on the road and come to you live from the Minnesota State Fair. They share the importance of prairie, what they love about it, and four special places you can discover the prairie after the Fair!
View the video on the DNR's Facebook channel.
Visit a Prairie
- Felton Prairie (NW)
- Blue Mounds State Park (SW)
- Grey Cloud Dunes SNA Metro
- Kellogg Weaver Dunes Complex (SE) (DNR | TNC)
Volunteers from the audience pretend to be prairie snakes during a "Let's Science Live" activity during the Minnesota State Fair.
Listen to Episode 39
Episode 38: Seeds of Wisdom from the Prairie: how listening to stories from a diversity of cultures perfects our prairie understanding
Guest(s): Rowzat Shipchandler (DNR), May Vang (Urban Roots)
We’ve been reminded this season that there’s wisdom in the land itself. What it’s telling us if we’re willing to listen. The lesson of diversity there is ever-present and we talk a lot on this show about how plant diversity makes a prairie stronger and more resilient. We can use basically the same logic to show how human diversity can make prairie conservation stronger and more resilient. There is so much to learn about prairie, and often it seems like an ever-deepening mystery: when we answer one question, a dozen more pop up. So knowledge is a crucial resource, and we can’t limit the sources of that knowledge and expect to conserve and manage prairie effectively. The greater the diversity of the sources of our knowledge, the greater our capacity to counter the huge challenges we face to protect prairie. Above all, increasing the roles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in prairie conservation is just the right thing to do, for all sorts of reasons. It’s win-win-win all over the place. We’re taking a page out of the prairie’s book and connecting with DNR’s Diversity Program Coordinator, Rowzat Shipchandler and Urban Roots’ Conservation Program Coordinator, May Vang to chat about expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the work of prairie conservationists.
Resource List
- May’s Pick: The Wandering Naturalist, The Three Rivers Park District, 2021, Three Rivers Park District, Podcast
- Rowzat’s Pick: Black Faces, White Spaces, Carolyn Finney. 2014
- May and Rowzat’s Pick: Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer, 2013
Visit a Prairie
- May’s Pick: Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, Belwin Conservancy's Stagecoach Prairie and Kettlekemp Prairie
- Rowzat’s Pick: Fort Snelling State Park and Blue Mounds State Park
Left: Even superheroes need to take a break to learn some new skills on the prairie (Urban Roots' youth learn native prairie plants).
Right: DNR's Diversity Coordinator, Rowzat Shipchandler kneels in her boulevard prairie garden
Listen to Episode 38
Episode 37: Climate Change Consequences: how the weather will determine how your prairie weathers
Guests: Kenny Blumenfeld, Fred Harris (DNR); Marissa Ahlering (The Nature Conservancy)
On today’s podcast, we’re talking Climate Change Consequences: how the weather will determine how your prairie weathers. Climate change is a bigger topic than ever today—we’re seeing evidence of it around us all of the time—6” rain anyone? No longer can we talk about climate change strictly as a future phenomenon: it’s happening now. But we’re not helpless, and in fact it may even create some opportunities for prairie conservation. Today’s land managers should be thinking about climate change in most everything they do, which is why we’ve brought in Senior Climatologist, Kenny Blumenfeld, Research Scientist, Fred Harris, and TNC Lead Prairie Ecologist (MN, ND, and SD) Marissa Ahlering to cover steps managers can take to build resilience and protect prairie biodiversity. Climate, prairie, Kenny, Fred, and Marissa. What could be better?
Resource List
- 2018: Midwest. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II, Angel, J., C. Swanston, B.M. Boustead, K.C. Conlon, K.R. Hall, J.L. Jorns, K.E. Kunkel, M.C. Lemos, B. Lofgren, T.A. Ontl, J. Posey, K. Stone, G. Takle, and D. Todey, 2018, U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 872–940. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018.CH21
- Ch. 18: Midwest. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, Pryor, S. C., D. Scavia, C. Downer, M. Gaden, L. Iverson, R. Nordstrom, J. Patz, and G. P. Robertson, 2014, U.S. Global Change Research Program, 418-440. doi:10.7930/J0J1012N.
- Seed sourcing for restoration in an era of climate change., Havens, K., P. Vitt, S. Still, A. T. Kramer, J. B. Fant, and K. Schatz, 2015, Natural Areas Journal 35:122-133.
- Mix and match: regional admixture provenancing strikes a balance among different seed-sourcing strategies for ecological restoration, Bucharova, A., O. Bossdorf, N. Hölzel, J. Kollmann, R. Prasse, and W. Durka, 2019, Conservation Genetics 20:7-17
- Which provenance and where? Seed sourcing strategies for revegetation in a changing environment., Breed, M. F., M. G. Stead, K. M. Ottewell, M. G. Gardner, and A. J. Lowe, 2013, Conservation Genetics 14:1-10.
- Regional climate change adaptation strategies for biodiversity conservation in a mid-continental region of North America, Galatowitsch, Frelich, Phillips-Mao, 2009, Biological Conservation 142 (2009) 2021 – 2022.
- The Bench Strength of Prairies in the Face of Climate Change, Chris Helzer, 2018, The Prairie Ecologist Blog (TNC)
Visit a Prairie
- Marissa’s Pick: Olson WPA, USFWS
- Kenny’s Pick: Carver Park Reserve, Three Rivers Park District
- Fred’s Pick: Glacial Ridge Project, Nature Conservancy
Marissa Ahlering (left) The Nature Conservancy's Prairie Ecologist stands in front of a rolling prairie landscape
Fred Harris (middle) DNR's Prairie Ecologist looks up from collecting data in the rain
Kenny Blumenfeld (right) DNR's senior climatologist shows he's not afraid of a little snow as he bikes to work.
Listen to Episode 37
Episode 36: Beyond the walls of grass: the importance of structure in a prairie (Restoration Series)
Guests: Chris Helzer (The Nature Conservancy)
Today’s podcast is talking about the importance of prairie structure with our very special guest, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Science and Prairie Ecologist, Chris Helzer. Diversity, restoration planning and design, and management choices, all play a role in how we achieve different prairie structures to benefit a wide variety of wildlife species. Tune in to hear more about how to shake it up and allow for structural change in your prairie to maximize wildlife benefits. Heterogeneity is the word of the day. What’s that mean? It’s a fancy way to say diversity. A word of the day and a podcast right on theme with diversity, this episode is already sure to be swell-zer.
Resource List
- Open gate rotation, Chris Helzer, 2012, The Prairie Ecologist Blog (TNC), Blog
- Application of the fire–grazing interaction to restore a shifting mosaic on tallgrass prairie, FUHLENDORF, S.D. and D. M. ENGLE, 2004, Journal of Applied Ecology 2004, 41, 604–614, Journal Article
- Invertebrate Community Response to a Shifting Mosaic of Habitat, Engle et al., 2008, Rangeland Ecol Manage 61:55–62, Journal Article
Visit a Prairie
Chris's picks
- Niobrara Valley Preserve | TNC
- Platte River Prairies | TNC
- Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge | USFWS
- Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area | DNR
- Chippewa Prairie | TNC
Prairie Ecologist, Chris Helzer, kneels in a prairie to photograph some incredible subjects!
Listen to Episode 36
Episode 35: The legacy of restoration in Minnesota (Restoration series: common mistakes and lessons learned)
Guests: Gina Quiram (DNR) and Sue Galatowitsch (University of Minnesota)
Today’s podcast is talking about the legacy of restoration in Minnesota. We have two very special guests, Dr. Gina Quiram (DNR Restoration Evaluation Specialist) and Dr. Sue Galatowitsch (Professor, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota) who have been actively working to evaluate reconstructions. We know they’ve got the goods on lessons learned, common mistakes, and the future of restoration in Minnesota.
How can we connect a landscape where more than 98 percent of it has been lost and find balance in our current world? Big questions, thoughtful answers, and a deep dive into how we can improve is what you’ll hear on today’s podcast. Key tagline: don’t be afraid to try new things, we learn from failure.Resource List
- Minnesota’s Natural Heritage 2nd edition, Tester et al., 2020, UM Press, Book
- Predicting restoration outcomes based on organizational and ecological factors, Galatowitsch and Bohnen, 2020, Journal of Restoration Ecology Vol 28, Issue 5, 1201-1212, Journal Article
- Restoration Evaluation Program, MNDNR, 2020, MNDNR, Website
- Depth Profile of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation over Two Decades in a Prairie Restoration Experiment, Kaitlin Libbey* and Daniel L. Herna´ndez, 2021, Ecosystems Journal, Article
Visit a Prairie
- Sue’s Pick: Weaver Dunes, TNC, DNR
- Gina's Pick: Ottawa Bluffs
Scientists and land managers discuss the evaluation of a prairie reconstruction in Minnesota
Listen to Episode 35
Episode 34: Invasive species support group Part 2: how to cope with Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome
Guests: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Sara Vacek; DNR: Cory Netland; Board of Water and Soil Resources: Dan Shaw
Today’s podcast is part 2 of our invasive species support group. If you missed last week’s episode go check it out so you can be caught up on how to manage the struggle with smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass. We’ll chat with a new group of land managers and landowners about their experiences dealing with these two prairie invasive species and they’ll provide you with helpful tips and insights on how to manage for the long-term and make sure your prairie passes its next health checkup.
USFWS Biologist, Sara Vacek, offers support to a group of land managers by helping them identify plants at a prairie training
Listen to Episode 34
Episode 33: Invasive species support group Part 1: how to cope with Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome
Guests: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Becky Esser; DNR: Rhett Johnson, Dustin Graham
Today’s podcast is continuing our mental health theme and featuring an invasive species support group. Have you ever struggled with smooth brome or Kentucky bluegrass in your prairies or reconstructions? Well, help is on the way! We’ll chat with land managers and landowners about their experiences dealing with these two prairie nemeses. They’ll provide you with helpful tips and insights on how to manage for the long-term and make sure your prairie passes its next health checkup.
For part 1, we'll be joined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Becky Esser, DNR Private Lands Specialist Rhett Johnson, and DNR Plant Ecologist Dustin Graham.
We're here to help Prairie Pod listeners!
DNR Scientists, Rhett Johnson and Jessica Petersen, stop to weed invasives out of a hillside prairie during a plant identification training
Listen to Episode 33
Episode 32: Prairie’s importance as a mental health refuge
Guests: Verónica Jaralambides (DNR), Ann Vogel
On today’s podcast we’ll be chatting with Verónica Jaralambides, DNR’s Marketing Consultant with the Parks and Trails Division as well as local medical doctor, Dr. Ann Vogel where they share with us prairie’s importance as a mental health refuge. Need a brain break? This is just the ticket. To quote one of our guests, “this is a medicine, you don’t even need to look on a label for.” No side-effects guaranteed.
Resource List
- Gabe Vasquez—Advocate for Equity in the Outdoors, 2020, Mountain and Prairie Podcast, Podcast
- Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, 2021, MNDNR, Magazine
- The healing power of being in the woods, Gretchen Koehler, 2018, Self-published, Book
Visit a Prairie
- Verónica’s Pick: Glendalough State Park and Blue Mounds State Park
- Ann’s Pick: Kasota Scientific and Natural Area
A girl admires a Cope's gray tree frog on her hand at Glendalough State Park
Listen to Episode 32
Episode 31: The How not the Cow (Restoration Series: Grazing Grasslands)
Guest(s): Kent Solberg (Sustainable Farming Association), Amber Knutson (DNR)
Today’s podcast is talking about grazing grasslands. Grasslands rely on disturbance for their survival. The challenge is building disturbance back into a landscape that’s deeply fragmented. Luckily we have two smart scientists: Kent Solberg (sustainable farming association) and Amber Knutson (DNR Assistant Area Wildlife Manager) to walk us through adaptive management grazing, their successes and challenges, and figuring out how to get grazing animals back on the prairie when the historical pattern is largely unknown and some historical grazers no longer roam widely or free. Prairie disturbances (grazing, fire, and climate) still provide so many mysteries to uncover starting with our favorite phrase from Kent: “it’s the how not the cow.”
“Every act of eating is an act of creating.”—Fred ProvenzaResource List
- Managing Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services, Teague and Kreuter, 2020, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 4:534187, doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.534187, Journal
- The Art of Range, Washington State University, Podcast
- Nourishment: What animals can teach us about rediscovering our nutritional wisdom, Fred Provenza, 2018, Chelsea Green Publishing, Book
Visit a Prairie
- Kent’s Pick: Lac qui Parle WMA
- Amber’s Pick: Legacy WMA
Prairie wildflowers and grasses frame cattle grazing in a Nebraska prairie, Copyright, Chris Helzer
Listen to Episode 31
Episode 30: Tohan tataŋkaḣca kiŋ hdipi (When the Bison Came Home)
Guests: Scott Kudelka, Molly Tranel (DNR); Glenn Wasicuna (Minnesota State University-Mankato), Gwen Westerman (Minnesota State University-Mankato)
Today’s podcast is talking about a very special occurrence that happened right here in southern Minnesota just outside of the City of Mankato. It’s a story of healing, Dakota history, ecology, and restoration of a landscape that has been reduced to just under 2% of its native range in Minnesota. We’ll be chatting with four very special guests: DNR Parks and Trails Naturalist Scott Kudelka, DNR Regional Resource Management Specialist Molly Tranel; Minnesota State University-Mankato Dakota Instructor Glenn Wasicuna, Minnesota State University-Mankato Professor Dr. Gwen Westerman to hear them describe the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd, the return of Bison to Minneopa State Park, what it has meant to them, and what it means for the prairie.
Resource List
- Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota, Gwen Westerman and Bruce White, 2012, MN Historical Society Press ISBN: 9780873518697, book
- Bison grazing increases arthropod abundance and diversity of a tallgrass prairie, Moran, M.D., 2014, Environmental Entomology 43(5) : 1174-1184, journal article
- Caught up Success: the complexities of managing bison, Dana Kobilinsky, Jan/Feb 2017, The Wildlife Professional, The Wildlife Society, publication
Visit a Prairie
- Scott’s Pick: Minneopa State Park and Fort Ridgely State Park
- Gwen’s Pick: Minneopa State Park
- Molly’s Pick: Sibley State Park
- Glenn’s Pick: The Land itself
Bison (Tataŋḳaḣca) roam freely across the prairie land (Tiåta Makoce) at Minneopa State Park.
Listen to Episode 30
Episode 29: Snake, Rattle, and Roll: Minnesota’s bluff prairies in summer to cozy hibernaculum in winter
Guests: Jaime Edwards and Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer (DNR)
Today’s podcast is talking about snakes! Don’t get scared, snakes are a super important part of the prairie. Whether we’re talking the fabulous bluff prairies of the east or the majestic expanses of prairie in western Minnesota, snakes are an important piece of what makes prairies function. We’ll be joined by DNR Nongame Biologist Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer and DNR Wildlife Manager Jaime Edwards as we slide into the details about Minnesota’s only venomous snake and incredibly rare reptile, the timber rattlesnake, as well as a hibernacula success story at Blue Mounds State Park. It’s going to be super!
Resource List
- Responses of grassland snakes to tallgrass prairie restoration, King, Richard B. and John P. Vanek, 2020, Restoration Ecology 28 (3): 573-582., Journal Article
- Body temperatures and movements of hibernating snakes (Crotalus and Thamnophis) and thermal gradients of natural hibernacula, Macartney, J. Malcolm, Karl W. Larsen and Patrick T. Gregory, 1989, Can. J. Zool. 67: 108- 114., Journal Article
- Rattlesnakes, Amazing Snakes, Ted O’Hare, 2009, Rourke Publishing LLC, Vero Beach, Florida; ISBN 13-978-0-8249-5146-7, Book
- Snakes, Salamanders, and Lizards (Take along guide), Diane L. Burns Illustrated by Linda Garrow, 1995, North Word Press, Chanhassen MN ISBN 1-55971-478-6, Book
- Biology of Pit Vipers, Edited by Jonathan A. Campbell and Edmund D. Brodie, Jr., 1992, The University of Texas, Arlington, Texas, ISBN 0-9630537-0-1,Book
Visit a Prairie
- Jaime’s Pick: Whitewater WMA: Main Branch Unit
- Lisa’s Pick: Eden Wildlife Management Area
Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer (left) holds a bullsnake on the prairie as part of a study to learn more about these super beneficial snakes
Jaime Edwards (right) shows off a bullsnake while CCM crew member, Dylan Olson, holds a hognose snake in a bluff prairie in southeast Minnesota
Listen to Episode 29
Season Three
Episode 28: Holiday Bonus Episode! ( Stories from the Field)
The Minnesota Prairie is a legacy that connects us through the sounds, sights, smells and memories for all who are lucky enough to stop and take notice. This year, for the holiday #prairiepod we offer you the power of prairie through the voices of people who share our passion. We hope you’ll laugh, cry, and lose yourself for a little while in the stories of what prairie offers us: the power to make us whole again. We recommend a blanket, fuzzy slippers, a mug of hot chocolate, and at least 20 cookies as you listen. #discovertheprairie
Prairie wildflowers and grasses lodged with snow as the sun rises over a prairie reconstruction in southern Minnesota.
Listen to Episode 28
Episode 27: Land manager take-over part 2
On today’s podcast, we're covering Part 2 of our special bonus episode where we’re offering you a virtual way to connect with each other and answer your questions!
If you missed it, make sure you check out part one because it covers your questions about prairie reconstructions in the establishment phase, how to balance cost, nesting sites for bees and dealing with climate change. This episode covers questions related to restoration management: how can I make my prairie more diverse, what to do about weeds, and how to burn and provide refugia for pollinators.
Special thanks to our partners (MnDNR, Prairie Reconstruction Initiative, The Nature Conservancy, UMN Bee Lab, and USFWS) from our Restoration and Pollinator Field Days Team. #prairietuesdays just got even better in September!
Resource List
- Q1: Adding forb diversity to a sea of grasses
- Interseeding Wildflowers to Diversify Grasslands for Pollinators, Dave Williams et al. 2018 Xerces Society Publication
- Advancing Ecological Restoration Practice in Minnesota, Susan Galatowitsch and Julia Bohnen 2016 University of Minnesota Publication
- Q2: Weeds in my prairie reconstruction
- Pollinator seed mix design, Tallgrass Prairie Center
- Persistence of native and exotic plants 10 years after prairie reconstruction, Diane Larson et al. 2017 Restoration Ecology Vol 25, Issue 6: 953-961 (this is from S3, ep. 3) Journal Article
- Lasting signature of planting year weather on restored grasslands, AM Groves, JT Bauer, LA Brudvig 2020 Scientific reports Vol 10, Issue 1: 1-10 Journal Article
- Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a time, Chris Helzer 2015 The Prairie Ecologist Blog
- Remembering why we are fighting invasive plants, Chris Helzer 2019 The Prairie Ecologist Blog
- Improving ecological restoration to curb biotic invasions, Guo et al. 2018 Invasive Plant Science and Management Vol 11, Issue 4: 163-174 Journal Article
- Q3: Timing for prescribed burns
- A critique of the historical fire regime concept in conservation, Freeman et al. 2017 Conservation Biology Vol 31, Issue 5: 976-985 Journal Article
- Q4: Burning, refugia, pollinators…and Oak Savanna’s
- Bee community response to a gradient of oak savanna restoration practices, Lettow et al. 2018 Restoration Ecology Vol 25, Issue 5: 882-890. Journal article
Long-horned bee on yellow coneflower in a prairie reconstruction at the 2019 Pollinator and Restoration Field Day
Photo used with permission from Diane Larson
Listen to Episode 27
Episode 26: Land manager take-over part 1
Today’s podcast is a land manager takeover. We’d much rather be in the field with you sharing this knowledge and learning from you and your experiences, but we’re still excited to offer you this virtual field day with all of the original partners that would’ve been in the field with you: MN DNR, UMN Bee Lab, TNC and PRI. Establishment phase challenges, cost, climate change, host plants, and creating nesting sites for pollinators are just some of the questions you asked and we answered. We think these are great Q&A and we're not pollen your leg, either!
This is one of two bonus episodes this season where we’re offering you a virtual way to connect with each other, hear your pressing questions read aloud, and have this group of talented and entertaining scientists answer them! We broke this up into two podcasts. This first one is focused on questions related to establishment, cost, and climate change as it relates to our goals of including more diversity into our prairie reconstructions so they can be resilient and support a healthy and diverse population of pollinators.
Resource List
- Q 1: Instant gratification and long-term diversity
- Prairie Restoration Diversity – , Jessica Petersen 2017 MNDNR
- Prairie Pod: What goes in the mix makes the cake (S1, Ep.5) 2020 MNDNR
- Q 2: Plants, host plants, and best layout for pollinators
- Prairie Reconstructions for Pollinators Ian Lane, 2019 Univ. of Minnesota-Bee Lab, MNDNR, and Prairie Reconstruction Initiative
- Expanding the Floral Palette for Bees in Prairie Reconstructions, Ian Lane 2019 Univ. of Minnesota-Bee Lab, MNDNR, and Prairie Reconstruction Initiative
- Q 3: How do I plan for nesting sites?
- Wild Bee Nests and Building Wild Bee Houses Nesting Habitat, Various 2020 UMN Bee Lab
- Nesting and Overwintering Habitat, Sarah Foltz Jordan, Jennifer Hopwood, and Sara Morris, 2020 Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
- Q 4: Does planting method and timing matter?
- Persistence of native and exotic plants 10 years after prairie reconstruction, Larson et al. 2017 Restoration Ecology Vol 25, Issue 6: 953-961 (this is from S3, ep. 3)
- Q 5: Should I inoculate seed for better success?
- Inoculation with remnant prairie soils increased the growth of three native prairie legumes but not necessarily their associations with beneficial soil,
microbes, E. Grman et al. 2020 Restoration Ecology - Native plant abundance, diversity, and richness increases in prairie restoration with field inoculation density of native mycorrhizal amendments, L. Koziol, T.E. Crews, J.D. Bever 2020 Restoration Ecology
- Q 6: How can I make the best reconstruction with a low budget?
- Prairie Pod: Diversity makes the world go round, (S3, Ep.3) 2020 MNDNR
- Q 7: Should we be planting different varieties of trees from the next warmest zone (assisted migration)?
- Prairie Pod: Where can I get that prairie seed?, (S1, Ep.3) 2020 MNDNR
- When a Tree Falls in the Woods: What will replace it? Minnesota forests face a changing future in a warmer, wetter climate, Amanda Kueper May/June 2020 MN Conservation Volunteer
- A Climate Change Atlas for 134 Forest Tree Species of the Eastern United States [database], Anantha M Prasad, Louis R Iverson, Steve Matthews, Matt Peters 2007 NRS-4151, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio
- Prairie Reconstruction Initiative Database, 2018 Prairie Reconstruction Initiative
- Q 8: How will climate change effect MN and what are other groups doing to respond?
- Minnesota Climate Trends Tool, 2020 MNDNR
- Minnesota Watershed Health Assessment Framework, 2020 MNDNR
Land managers pose in front of a remnant prairie at String Lakes WPA after a day of learning and loving life on the prairie.
Listen to Episode 26
Episode 25: Getting back to our roots: prairies do it best
On today's podcast, we're getting back to our roots with Justin Meissen with the Tallgrass Prairie Center in Iowa. We'll be digging deep and I mean really deep because we're talking about prairie roots, people! Some prairie roots have been documented to grow more than 14' into the ground and that's not even counting how far they can go horizontally! We'll learn more about the intricate underground world that makes prairies one of the most productive places on earth!
Resource List
- Digging Deep reveals the intricate world of roots, Becky Harlan 2015 National Geographic
- A deep rooted prairie myth, Chris Helzer 2019 The Prairie Ecologist, TNC
- Soil-Root Relationships of Certain Native Grasses in Various Soil Types, J.E. Weaver and R.W. Darland 1949 Department of Botany, University of Nebraska
- Prairie Plants and Their Environment, J. E. Weaver 1968 University of Nebraska
- Tallgrass Prairie Center Roots Project, 2020 Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa, No. 153
- Soil health recovery after grassland reestablishment on cropland – the effects of time and topographic position, Mriganka De, Jason A. Riopel, Larry J. Cihacek, Michael Lawrinenko, Rebecca Baldwin-Kordick, Steven J. Hall, and Marshall D. McDaniel 2019 Soil Science Society of America Vol. 84(2): 568-586
- Temporal Changes in C and N Stocks of Restored Prairie: Implications for C Sequestration strategies, R. Matamala, J. D. Jastrow, R. M. Miller, and C. T. Garten 2008 Ecological Applications Volume 18(6):1470–1488
Visit a Prairie
- Justin’s Pick: Bluestem Prairie SNA
- Mike’s Pick: Schaefer Prairie
- Megan’s Pick: Pipestone National Monument
Dr. Jerry Glover of the Land Institute in Kansas poses in front of a mass of entangled prairie roots. Photo © taken by Jim Richardson and posted here with permission.
Listen to Episode 25
Episode 24: The MN Prairie gets a health check-up: Grassland Monitoring Team
In today's podcast we are going to talk about the Grassland Monitoring Team. Did you know even prairies need a health check-up? Turns out, there's a whole team of scientists invested in assessing the health of Minnesota's prairies! Diversity, resilience, and persistence are all top marks we want to see on this health exam.
Resource List
- Photo Monitoring, Berenbaum 2018 American Entomologist Volume 64, Number 3
- Adaptive management in the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System, C. T. Moore et al. 2011 Journal of Environmental Management 92:1395 – 1402
- Impacts of Kentucky bluegrass invasion (Poa pratensis) on Ecological Processes in the Northern Great Plains, J.L. Printz and J.R. Hendrickson 2015 Rangelands Vol. 37, Issue 6:
- Monitoring for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Nichols, J.D, B.K. Williams 2006 Trends in Ecology and Evolution Vol. 21(12): 668-673
- Grassland Monitoring Team Protocol
Visit a Prairie
- Daren’s Pick: Tympanuchus WMA and Prairie Coteau SNA
- Marissa’s Pick: Buffalo River State Park, MSUM Regional Science Center, and Bluestem Prairie SNA/TNC complex
- Sara’s Pick: Prairie Complex in Big Stone County: Prairie WMA, Prairie WPA
USFWS Biologist, Sara Vacek, TNC Prairie Ecologist, Marissa Ahlering, and DNR Ecologist, Daren Carlson hug at the Chippewa Prairie Preserve after completing a grassland monitoring team survey.
Listen to Episode 24
Episode 23: Farming for Pollinators
Today’s podcast is going to talk about bees! Wait, didn’t we just do this one? We did talk about surveying for bees during our last episode, but bees are so important we’re covering them again and this time we’re going to focus on what you can do on and around the farm to help provide habitat for these winged beasties! We’re joined by Karin Jokela with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to hear about how she works with farmers and land managers to spread the buzz (literally).
Resource List
- Reality Bites, Berenbaum, 2018, American Entomologist Volume 64, Number 3
- FHWA Ecoregional Revegetation Application, 2020, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
- Farming for Bees, M. Vaughn, J. Hopwood, E. Lee-Mäder, M. Shepherd, C. Kremen, A. Stine, and S. Hoffman Black, 2015, Xerces Society
- Farming with Native Beneficial Insects, Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black, and Lora Morandin, 2014, The Xerces Society, Storey Publishing
Visit a Prairie
- Karin’s Pick: Frenchman’s Bluff SNA
- Megan’s Pick: Flandrau State Park
- Mike’s Pick: Santee SNA & Wambach Wildlife Management Area
(Flowering insectary strip providing pollen and nectar to support local pollinators and beneficial predators, which in turn plays a role in crop production at the Sogn Valley Farm in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.)
Listen to Episode 23
Episode 22: What’s Buzzing on the prairie: the Minnesota bee survey
Today’s podcast is going to talk about bees! They’ve been in the news, they’ve been in your garden, and most importantly they’re on the prairie! We’ll chat with a familiar voice in Invertebrate Ecologist, Jessica Petersen, joined by MBS Bee Survey Specialist, Nicole Gerjets, to hear about their work surveying bees, why these tiny fliers are so busy, and all the incredible things they’re doing right under our noses.
Resource List
- Historical changes in northeastern US bee pollinators related to shared ecological traits., Bartomeus, I., J. S. Ascher, J. Gibbs, B. N. Danforth, D. L. Wagner, and S. M. Hedtke, 2013, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:1–5
- Bees: an identification and native plant forage guide, H. Holm, 2017, Minnetonka, MN: Pollination Press.
- Plummeting insect numbers threaten 'collapse of nature', Damian Carrington (ed), 2019, The Guardian
- The Insect Apocalypse Is Here, Brooke Jarvis, 2018, The NY Times Magazine
Visit a Prairie
- Jess’s Pick: Mound Prairie SNA
- Nicole’s Pick: Kasota Prairie SNA
(Bee Survey Specialist, Nicole Gerjets (left) and Invertebrate Ecologist, Jessica Petersen (right) survey for bees on public land in Minnesota.)
Listen to Episode 22
Episode 21: A Legacy of Love for the Prairie Landscape: A Landowner’s Perspective
Today’s podcast is going to feature a very special prairie enthusiast, yes, we mean that literally. Prairie enthusiasts are not just people who drive around getting excited any time they see grasses and wildflowers blowing in the wind. They are groups of dedicated individuals who take their personal time to educate, protect, and restore prairie and savanna habitats in the Upper Midwest.
Resource List
- Prairie Reconstruction Initiative Website, Prairie Reconstruction Initiative Advisory Team, 2020, Prairie Reconstruction Initiative
- Prairie Essay: In it for the wonder, MNDNR (Megan Benage), Nov/Dec 2019, MN Conservation Volunteer, Sense of Place: Woods, Water, and Wildlife
Visit a Prairie
- Henry’s Pick: Minneopa State Park and Kasota Prairie SNA
- Megan’s Pick: Devil’s Run WMA
- Mike’s Pick: Joseph A. Tauer SNA
(Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) blooms in front of the Kasota SNA sign. Kasota is one of the landowner featured today, Henry's favorite prairies.)
Listen to Episode 21
Episode 20: Diversity makes the world go round (Restoration Series: seed mix design and research update)
Today’s podcast is talking about my favorite subject: diversity! After all, it makes the world go round. We’ll be highlighting key updates about seed mix design including the latest research findings, plant and pollinator relationships, wildlife benefits, and more.
Resource List
- Prairie Restoration Diversity—, J. Petersen, 2017, MN DNR
- Persistence of native and exotic plants 10 years after prairie reconstruction, Larson et al., 2017, Restoration Ecology Vol 25, Issue 6: 953-961
- Effects of Biodiversity on Ecosystem Functioning: A consensus of current knowledge, Hooper et al., 2005, Ecological Monographs Vol. 75, Issue 1:3-35
Visit a Prairie
- Megan’s Pick: Ottawa Bluffs
- Mike’s Pick: Higinbotham WMA
(Whorled milkweed framed by hoary vervain and goldenrod in the background of a DNR-wildlife prairie reconstruction near Marshall, MN.)
Listen to Episode 20
Episode 19: Let’s get our feet wet (Restoration series: Prairie Streams)
In today’s podcast we’re getting our feet wet (not literally, I hope). We’ll be talking with River Ecologist, Luther Aadland and Clean water Specialist, Brooke Hacker about stream restoration in the prairie landscape.
Resource List
- MN Stream Quantification Tool (SQT), MNSQT Steering Committee, 2019, BWSR, Ecosystem Planning and Restoration, MPCA, MNDNR, Stream Mechanics, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. EPA
- Stream and Watershed Restoration, A Guide to Restoring Riverine Processes and Habitats, Roni and Beechie, 2012, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
- River Restoration 2018 Conference in Two Harbors, MN, 2018
- Ecological Restoration in the Midwest, C. Lenhart and P.C. Smiley Jr. (editors), 2018, Bur Oak Books
- Barrier Effects on Native Fishes of Minnesota, L. Aadland, April 2015, MNDNR
- River Revivals, L. Aadland, May/June 2017, MN Conservation Volunteer
- A Field Guide to Waterfalls in Southern MN, Bob Douglas, 2012, Gustavus Adolphus College
Visit a Prairie
- Brooke’s Pick: Lac qui Parle WMA, Blue Mounds State Park
- Luther’s Pick: Rothsay WMA and Atherton WMA
(DNR River Ecologist, Luther Aadland (left) and Clean Water Legacy Specialist, Brooke Hacker (right) take measurements to assess the channel for two stream restoration projects.)
Listen to Episode 19
Episode 18: Mussel Mania
Today’s podcast is going to talk about mussels! Caution, if you listen to this podcast, you will get mussel mania (extreme excitement over all things mollusk).
Resource List
- DNR's Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs (CAMP)
- North American freshwater mussels: natural history, ecology, and conservation, W. R. Haag, 2012, Cambridge Univ Press
- Ecosystem services provided by freshwater mussels, C. C. Vaughn, 2018, Hydrobiologia 810:15 – 27.
- Freshwater mussel propagation for restoration, M. A. Patterson et al., 2018, Cambridge Univ Press
- Natural history and propagation of fresh-water mussels, R. E. Coker et al., 1921, Bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries, 37
Visit a Prairie
- Bernard’s Pick: Blue Mounds State Park
- Mike’s Pick: Ottertail River (1 mi. east of walk-in access #352)
- Maddie’s Pick: Ramsey Mill Pond Public Water Access to the Upper Cedar River
Links
Mussel videos for your learning and enjoyment:
- Mussels at Work: A Time Lapse Demonstration
- Mussel in the Wild Animated Short
- LMB Lure and Attraction
- Cracked a 30-year old puzzle
(Native mussels displayed on the shoreline as part of the Statewide Mussel Survey where DNR scientists are gathering information to guide mussel conservation efforts.)
Listen to Episode 18
Season Two
Episode 17: Holiday Bonus Episode! (Stories from the field)
Too many cookies, chilly weather, and frostbite already have you in a winter funk? Fear not, there’s sunshine on the horizon because this is a HOLIDAY BONUS EPISODE of the Prairie Pod. Listen in to hear stories from the field that will warm you right up with the storytellers’ love for the prairie and their descriptions of Minnesota’s golden season.
Stiff goldenrod covered in snow. Habitat-friendly solar planting in the background.
Listen to Episode 17
Episode 16: The hills are ablaze (Restoration Series: Fire Management in Prairies)
Guests: Joe Blastick, TNC, Chris Smith, Wildlife Research & Consulting Services, LLC
Today's podcast is going to talk about prescribed fire! We call it prescribed because even though anyone who does fire management as part of their job loves the thrill of fire, these are controlled burns for the purpose of disturbance-based management. Prairies are a disturbance-based habitat, which means they need disturbance in order to persist. Without it, they will change into a forest or become overgrown with non-prairie species. Joe Blastick (TNC) and Chris Smith (MNDOT) will share their experiences with fire management and how we can use this tool more effectively to achieve healthy, functioning grasslands that have a diversity of wildlife using and living in them.
Resource List
- Chris Helzer, 2013 Difficult Decisions—Growing Season Fires and Other Prairie Management Choices
- Chris Smith, 2016 A brief introduction to insect biology and conservation with special attention to prescribed fire effects
- Knapp, Eric E.; Estes, Becky L.; Skinner, Carl N, 2009 Ecological effects of prescribed fire season: a literature review and synthesis for managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-224. Albany, CA: U.S.
Visit a Prairie
- Uncas Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
- Lindgren Traeger Bird Sanctuary
- 7-Mile Fen Preserve
- Jacobson Fen
An early spring burn in March resets and regenerates this remnant prairie while also targeting undesirable non-native species like smooth brome (Bromus inermis).
Listen to Episode 16
Episode 15: How do I know if I’m doing a good job? (Prairie and Grassland Monitoring)
Today’s podcast is going to talk about monitoring! It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. We all know prairies change through time and that is a normal and natural process—albeit frustrating when you are trying to re-build them! Monitoring plays a key role in understanding what’s happening on your site and how that piece of land is being affected by the surrounding landscape. Once you know that, then you have the incredibly difficult job of trying to decide what to do next and sometimes that right next step is the hardest thing of all…having patience while you let nature go through the magic and change of succession.
Resource List
- Rossiter, S. C., M. A. Ahlering, B. J. Goodwin, and K. A. Yurkonis, 2016 A resource-based approach to assessing interseeding success in reconstructed tallgrass prairies
- Harmon-Threatt, A. N., and S. D. Hendrix, 2015 Prairie restorations and bees: The potential ability of seed mixes to foster native bee communities
- Kral, K. C., J. P. Harmon, R. Limb, and T. J. Hovick 2018, Improving our science: the evolution of butterfly sampling and surveying methods over time
- Chris Helzer, 2014, How to evaluate your prairie
- Chris Helzer, 2015, How did everything work this year: monitoring your site
- Foltz Jordan, Sarah, E. Lee-Mäder, M. Vaughan 2016, Upper Midwest Citizen Science Monitoring Guide to Native Bees
- Vacek, Sara, M. Ahlering, D. Carlson, and M. Knutson 2016, Grassland Monitoring Team Network
- Managing Native Midwestern Grasslands
Visit a Prairie
USFWS Biologist, Sara Vacek, uses the grassland monitoring protocol to assess a native hillside prairie in southwest Minnesota.
Listen to Episode 15
Episode 14: Bringing Diversity Back, Baby (Restoration Series: Interseeding)
Guests: Jeff Zajac, Curt Vacek
Today's podcast is going to talk about Interseeding! This is the practice of adding wildflowers or other missing guilds to an already established stand of grass. How can we bring lower diversity established stands of grasses up to a higher level of diversity that will ultimately benefit more species and help with grassland function? What we really want here is MORE FLOWERS.
Resource List
- Rossiter, S. C., M. A. Ahlering, B. J. Goodwin, and K. A. Yurkonis, 2016 A resource-based approach to assessing interseeding success in reconstructed tallgrass prairies
- Williams, D. W., L. L. Jackson, and D. D. Smith, 2007 Effects of frequent mowing on survival and persistence of forbs seeded into a species-poor grassland
- Chris Helzer, 2019 It’s working! Evidence of benefits from seed-addition in degraded prairie.
- BWSR: Vegetation Establishment and Management
- Williams, D., J. Eckberg, J. Hopwood, R. Powers, M. Vaughan, K. Jokela, S. Foltz Jordan, and E. Lee-Mäder, 2019 Interseeding Wildflowers to Diversify Grasslands for Pollinators
Visit a Prairie
A high-diversity forb mix was used to benefit a variety of wildlife including pollinators, pheasants, and grassland birds on this MN DNR prairie reconstruction near Lamberton, Minnesota.
Listen to Episode 14
Episode 13: Herp Tracking in the Minnesota River Valley—Snakes, Skinks, and More!
Guests: Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, Carol Hall, Jeff LeClere
Today’s podcast is going to talk about everyone’s favorite subject: snakes and skinks! That’s right, we’re going reptile folks and we aren’t going back! We’ll talk with Nongame Biologist, Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, Herpetologist, Carol Hall, and Animal Survey Specialist, Jeff LeClere to hear about their work tracking gopher snakes and five-lined skinks in the Minnesota River Valley.
Resource List
- MN River Reptile Project
- J.J. Moriarity and C.D. Hall, 2014 Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota
- Hecnar, S.J., and D. Brazeau., 2017 Population Trends and The Effect of Ground Cover on Habitat Selection of the Five-lined Skink at Rondeau Provincial Park with a Suggested Ranking of Locations for Translocation in the Carolinian Region
- Kapfer, Joshua M., James R. Coggins and Robert Hay, 2008 Spatial Ecology and Habitat Selection of Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) at the Northern Periphery of Their Geographic Range
- LeClere, Jeffrey B., Erica P. Hoaglund, Jim Scharosch, Christopher E. Smith and Tony Gamble, 2012 Two Naturally Occurring Intergeneric Hybrid Snakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi ·Pantherophis vulpinus; Lampropeltini, Squamata) from the Midwestern United States.
- Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, 2018 Reptile Renaissance MNDNR Conservaton Volunteer
- Dave Crawford, 2013 Serpentine Science MNDNR Conservaton Volunteer
Visit a Prairie
A rare five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) shows off its striking blue tail while a biologist collects data on its health and population status.
Listen to Episode 13
Episode 12: Going Native: Native Prairie Bank Easement Program—The Deets
Guest: Rhett Johnson
In today's podcast we are going to talk about the Native Prairie Bank Easement Program. Did you know if you have remnant prairie (never been broken by a plow) on your land, you may qualify for an easement program that can keep that prairie land for future generations? How awesome is that? More Prairie, More Awesome is what we always say. We'll be chatting with DNR Private Lands Specialist, Rhett Johnson about all the details. You may even get to hear about his magical vest!
Resource List
- Native Plant Finder National Wildlife Federation
- Native Prairie Tax Exemption Program
- Brooke Jarvis 2018 Insect apocalypse is here NY Times
- Reeder, K. F., D. M. Debinski, and B. J. Danielson Factors affecting butterfly use of filter strips in Midwestern USA 2005 Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 109:40–47
- Ryan Noe Visualizing environmental benefits: UMN’s new acquisition assessment tool 2018 UMN, IN Natural Capital Project, News
- E.O. Wilson The Diversity of Life 2010 Belknap Press
Visit a Prairie
- Expandere WMA
- String Lake WPA | View location on DNR"s Recreation Compass
- Agassiz Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
(A Native Prairie Bank Easement sign marks the border of a remnant prairie (a prairie that has never been broken by a plow or other means) on private land in southern Minnesota.)
Listen to Episode 12
Episode 11: A Legacy of Conservation with the Service
Feature Conservationist: Marty Baker, USFWS
Today's podcast is going to feature a very special conservationist, Marty Baker. Marty has worked for the USFWS for 28 years and he mostly works on prairie and wetland restorations. There is no substitute for practitioner experience—those who know by getting their hands dirty and trying new things. Marty is one of those rare gems who has an incredible wealth of knowledge to share and we’re excited to learn all we can from him during today's episode!
Resource List
- Williams, N. and J. Sweetman. 2018. Distribution and Concentration of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on Waterfowl Production Areas in West Central Minnesota.
- Doug Tallamy. 2009. Bringing Nature Home
- Upper Midwest Citizen Science Monitoring Guide Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Visit a Prairie
Links
- Native Plant Finder National Wildlife Federation
(Long-time conservationist, Marty Baker stands above a complex of reconstructed and remnant prairie on the Wolf Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Windom, MN.)
Listen to Episode 11
Episode 10: We’re in this for the long haul (Restoration Series: Long-term management)
Guests: Joe Stangel, Jeanine Vorland.
Today’s podcast is going to talk about long-term management of prairies and grasslands! Some people say diamonds are forever, well we say, prairies are forever. With the right management tool we can keep them thriving and healthy for many generations to come. We’ll chat with Asst. Regional Wildlife Manager, Joe Stangel, and Area Wildlife Manager, Jeanine Vorland, to hear how they prefer to manage prairies and grasslands and cover some of the basics in terms of management tools and timelines.
Resource List
- Choosing Your Destination Before You Choose Your Mode of Transport, The Prairie Ecologist Blog.
- Vogel, J. A., D. M. Debinski, R. R. Koford, and J. R. Miller. 2007. Butterfly responses to prairie restoration through fire and grazing. Biological Conservation 140:78–90.
- Sedges and Rushes of Minnesota by Welby Smith 2018 MNDNR
- Prairie Plants of the Wisconsin Arboretum 2006. By Cochrane,T.S., K. Elliot, C.S. Lipke
Visit a Prairie
Links
(Land managers gather to assess a prairie restoration)
Listen to Episode 10
Episode 9: A lost prairie butterfly gets reintroduced (Dakota Skipper Reintroduction at Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie)
Today's podcast is going to talk about Dakota skippers, a rare prairie butterfly, and their reintroduction into a Minnesota prairie.
Resource List
- USFWS Dakota skipper facts
- MN Zoo Dakota Skipper Fact Sheet
- USFWS Poweshiek Skipperling fact sheet
- MN Zoo Poweshiek Skipperling Fact Sheet
- MN Zoo Saving Prairie Butterflies
- Haddad, N. M. 2018. Resurrection and resilience of the rarest butterflies. PLOS Biology 16:e2003488.
- Dearborn, K., and R. Westwood. 2014. Predicting adult emergence of Dakota skipper and Poweshiek skipperling (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in Canada. Journal of Insect Conservation 18:875–884.
Visit a Prairie
- Hole in the Mountain WMA (Lincoln Co.)
- Hole in the Mountain TNC Preserve (Lincoln Co.)
- Glacial Lakes State Park
Links
- https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/dask/index.html
- http://mnzoo.org/conservation/minnesota/saving-minnesotas-prairie-butterfly-heritage
(Dakota Skipper on Purple Coneflower - photo taken by Cale Nordmeyer, MN Zoo)
Listen to Episode9
Season One
Episode 8: Pheasants, Feathers and Guns
This week, we'll talk pheasants, grassland birds and the fall hunting season.
Resource List
- National Geographic Fierce, Furry Fisher Article
- Pheasant Action Plan
- Roadside Survey
- Pheasant Hunting
- Wszola, L.S., Simonsen, V.L., Stuber, E.F., Gillespie, C.R., Messinger, L.N., et al. 2017. Translating statistical species-habitat models to interactive decision support tools. PLOS ONE 12(12): e0188244
- Benson, T.J., Chiavacci, S.J., and M.P. Ward. 2013. Patch size and edge proximity are useful predictors of brood parasitism but not nest survival of grassland birds. Ecological Applications 23:879-887.
- Leonard A. Brennan and William P. Kuvlesky, Jr. 2005. North American Grassland Birds: An Unfolding Conservation Crisis? The Journal of Wildlife Management, 69(1): 1-13.
Visit a Prairie
- Nicole's Pick: Complex of Wildlife Management Areas in the Worthington Wells project area:
- Lindsey's Pick: W.R. Taylor Memorial Wildlife Management Area
- Mike's Pick: Glacial Lakes State Park
Listen to Episode 8
Episode 7: What you do Now, Matters Later (Restoration Series: Establishment Phase Management)
Today, we'll talk about the establishment phase of restoration, with Area Wildlife Manager, Jeff Zajac.
Resource List
- The Prairie Ecologist: Exotic Beauty.
- The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States, by Chris Helzer.
- Williams, D. W., L. L. Jackson, and D. D. Smith. 2007. Effects of frequent mowing on survival and persistence of forbs seeded into a species-poor grassland. Restoration Ecology 15:24-33.
- Almquist, T. L., and R. G. Lym. 2010. Effect of Aminopyralid on Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) and the Native Plant Community in a Restored Tallgrass Prairie. Invasive Plant Science and Management 3:155-168.
- Prairie Reconstruction Initiative DATABASE.
- Prairie Reconstruction Guidebook for North Dakota.
Visit a Prairie
- Lamberton Wildlife Management Area
- Dutch Charley Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Cottonwood River Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
Listen to Episode 7
Episode 6: Putting Prairie Back is Hard
Today's podcast features a prairie in Nobles County and the challenges of restoring an entire section of land to prairie and wetland habitat. We're joined by Bill Schuna and Kent Schaap with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Resource List
- Larson, D. L., M. Ahlering, P. Drobney, R. Esser, J. L. Larson, and K. Viste-Sparkman. 2018. Developing a framework for evaluating tallgrass prairie reconstruction methods and management. Ecological Restoration 36:6-18.
- Prairie Reconstruction Guidebook for North Dakota.
- Is Poison Hemlock Repelled By Plant Diversity? Early Results Say Yes
Visit a Prairie
- Swessinger Wildlife Management Area
- Bloom Waterfowl Production Area
- Fenmont Wildlife Management Area
- Plum Creek Wildlife Management Area
Listen to Episode 6
Episode 5: What Goes in the Mix, Makes the Cake (Restoration Series: Building a Seed Mix)
Today we'll talk about one of our favorite subjects - building seed mixes. We'll explore how to evaluate your site, why diversity matters, seeds per square feet, and general guidelines for success.
Resource List
- Healthy Soils are Full of Life - National Resources Conservation Service
- Mystery of a Map and a Man - Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Article
- Prairie Restoration Diversity - Planting and Seed Mixes
Visit a Prairie
Listen to Episode 5
Episode 4: A Legacy of Conservation at Lac qui Parle
Today's podcast features a special conservationist, Dave Trauba. Dave worked as the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area manager for 24 years.
Resource List
- Augustine, J. K., & Trauba, D. R. 2015. Potential for behavioral reproductive isolation between greater prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse in west-central Minnesota. Journal of Ethology 33: 15-24.
- Johnson, R. G., and S. A. Temple. 1990. Nest Predation and Brood Parasitism of Tallgrass Prairie Birds. Journal of Wildlife Management 54:106-111.
- Schlicht, D. A., Swengel, and S. Swengel. 2009. Meta-analysis of survey data to assess trends of prairie butterflies in Minnesota, USA during 1979-2005. Journal of Insect Conservation 13:429-447.
Visit a Prairie
- Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area
- Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
- Chippewa Prairie
- Plover Prairie
- Marsh Lake
Listen to Episode 4
Episode 3: Where Can I get that Prairie Seed? (Restoration Series: Seed Sourcing)
We'll discuss sourcing seed for prairie restorations. Should you mix or match seed? How far is too far? And general guidelines for safe seed sourcing.
Resource List
- Espeland, E. K., N. C. Emery, K. L. Mercer, S. A. Woolbright, K. M. Kettenring, P. Gepts, and J. R. Etterson. 2017. Evolution of plant materials for ecological restoration: insights from the applied and basic literature. Journal of Applied Ecology 54: 102-115.
- Meissen, J. C., S. M. Galatowitsch, and M. W. Cornett. 2015. Risks of overharvesting seed from native tallgrass prairies. Restoration Ecology 23: 882-891.
- Native plant suppliers in Minnesota.
- Iowa Tallgrass Prairie Center - Technical guides
- Tallgrass prairie Center video on basics of seed collecting
- Seed Sourcing for Resilient Reconstructed Prairies
Visit a Prairie
Listen to Episode 3
Episode 2: Walking into the Prairie (Walk-in Access Program)
On today's podcast, we'll chat with Scott Roemhildt, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Megan Howell, with Pheasants Forever. We'll cover the Walk-in Access Program - what it is, how it works, and how to hunt on these awesome private lands.
Resource List
- The Land Ethic by Aldo Leopold
- Drum, R. G., C. A. Ribic, K. Koch, E. Lonsdorf, E. Grant, M. Ahlering, L. Barnhill, T. Dailey, S. Lor, C. Mueller, D. C. Pavlacky, C. Rideout, and D. Sample. 2015. Strategic grassland bird conservation throughout the annual cycle: Linking policy alternatives, landowner decisions, and biological population outcomes. PLOS ONE 10:1-16.
- Iowa STRIPS project
Visit a Prairie
Listen to Episode 2
Episode 1: How to Grow a Prairie from Scratch (Restoration and Reconstruction)
Today's podcast is about our favorite subject - prairies and how to grow them from scratch.
Resource List
- The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and Woodlands (The Science and Practice of Ecological Restoration Series) by Stephen Packard (Editor), Cornelia F. Mutel (Editor)
- Sluis et al. 2017 Multiscale metrics differentiate among tallgrass prairie restorations and remnant ecosystems along a restorative continuum. Restoration Ecology.
- Chris Helzer: The Prairie Ecologist Blog
Visit a Prairie
- Red Rock Prairie
- Rock Ridge Wildlife Management Area
- Rock Ridge Scientific and Natural Area
- Jeffers Petroglyphs
Listen to Episode 1
Interested in more Science?
Check out these great podcasts and audio files to keep the knowledge flowing like the wind through the prairie:
NPR Shortwave
The pod covers new discoveries across all of the science disciplines. It’s only 10 minutes and natural resources’ hot topics and discoveries cycle through quite a bit. You may not know this, but the ‘NR’ in DNR stands for natural resources so we’re pretty excited about this pod!
Whitewater State Park
This audio file is part of an oral history project about one of our beloved Minnesota State Parks. Tune in to hear naturalist, Sara Holger, share the history of the park and how it came to be a southeast Minnesota treasure.
The Wandering Naturalist by Three Rivers Park District
The pod explores the natural and cultural history of the 27,000-acre Three Rivers Park District and the surrounding Twin Cities area. Tune in to “wander” the parks. We particularly like this pod’s dedication to diversity and preserving nature.
The Department of Natural Resources supports and promotes podcasts that share and uplift our mission to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.
The Voices
Jessica Petersen and Megan Benage met on the prairie in 2016. From there, they formed a fast friendship and launched the Prairie Pod in 2018. Mike Worland joined the pod-squad in 2019 and is featured as co-host starting in season 3. The pod squad expanded in 2022 with the addition of two new co-hosts, Marissa Ahlering and Sara Vacek. Their debut on the pod can be heard starting on the holiday episode (40) in season 4. They all share a passion for prairie, natural lands, and the wildlife that live there.
Megan is a regional ecologist who is fascinated by the science of restoration and the challenge of building better, more resilient prairies with diversity always as the backbone.
Mike is a nongame wildlife biologist who has developed a love of all things prairie, and strives to protect prairie and the wildlife who depend on it through monitoring and science-based habitat management.
Marissa is the Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and a lover of prairies, wide-open spaces and diversity in all its forms and expressions.
Sara is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has a deep appreciation for prairies and wetlands and is endlessly fascinated by the complex relationships among plants, animals and their environment.
Jessica is an invertebrate ecologist with a passion for communicating science to land managers and prairie practitioners.
Photo who's who - (Jessica, top left, Megan, top right, Mike, Marissa, Sara.)