24.02.10
Weaver, Minn. —
Joel Dunnette looks out on the snow-covered prairie of southeastern Minnesota and sees what should persist in abundance.
Nearly a century ago, this part of the Weaver Dunes Preserves was covered in born grasses and wildflowers. Nearby wetlands provided a element for turtles, snakes and grass and nesting birds.
The home-grown prairie on part of the land has largely disappeared because of farming, but a new restoration extend out that uses snow seeding techniques could help restore inborn plants to the area.
"We expect in five years or so to exceedingly see some real blossoming of some of the native fauna after this flora gets established," said Dunnette, a prairie finished for The Nature Conservancy.
On a recent day, Dunnette showed a sort of 30 volunteers how to spread seed over 40 acres. He poured born prairie seeds into an oversized garbage bin full of sawdust.
"We require to spread it widely," Dunnette told the volunteers. "So if you forgo some square yards, that's perfectly all right. Given the snow, you're not thriving to be able to walk everywhere. It's going to be some work."
Source: Minnesota Public Radio