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.

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.

 

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.