St. Croix Valley Sites
The St. Croix Valley Chapter has written or verbal management agreements covering 5 prairie and savanna sites in our membership area. We work on these sites year round:
- During the winter we remove invasive cedar trees and buckthorn. As soon as there is snow cover we burn the trees and brush on site. We always have hot dogs!
- In the spring we conduct prescribed burns to rejuvenate the plants.
- In the summer we lead guided field trips.
- In the fall we collect seed to redistribute on the spots previously cleared of trees and buckthorn.
Alexander Oak Savanna
The chapter acquired this 35-acre prairie and oak savanna site in July 2018. TPE worked with the owners, Dick and Joan Alexander, for over 15 years clearing brush, trees, and burning.
![image](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/image.jpg)
![IMG_20160824_184047](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_20160824_184047-scaled.jpg)
Blueberry Hill
This two-acre prairie remnant overlooks the St. Croix River and is located just south of Bayport. Owned by the Minnesota DOT, TPE has a written management agreement to restore and maintain this gem. In February 2013, many volunteers hand broadcast seed on the nine-acre field on the west side of Quant Avenue.
Foster Conservation Area
This site is a parcel first settled by the Foster family back in 1848. The City of River Falls acquired this land to protect it for its historical significance and because it is a remnant of the prairie and oak savanna that once covered the entire Kinnickinnic River Valley. This is also the location of the Foster Cemetery, and gives you a beautiful view of the Kinni and surrounding hills.
![IMG_20130612_190412](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_20130612_190412-scaled.jpg)
![IMG_20171118_112033](https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_20171118_112033-scaled.jpg)
Rocky Branch Oak Savanna
This two-acre oak savanna overlooks the Rocky Branch tributary to the Kinnickinnic River. TPE has an informal agreement with the City of River Falls to remove invasive trees and brush.